Gabriel Jesus doesn’t just want to score goals in the Champions League, he wants to win the entire competition.

Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Arsenal and RC Lens at the Arsenal Stadium in north London on November 29, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus (L) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Arsenal and RC Lens at the Arsenal Stadium in north London on November 29, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Gabriel Jesus was in good form for Arsenal against RC Lens on Wednesday night, scoring a goal and assisting another whilst also completing four of his four attempted dribbles and winning 11 of 15 individual duels.

It was a tireless performance from the striker, and one which helped propel his side to a 6-0 victory, securing top spot in their Champions League group.

On a personal level, Jesus was also keeping his excellent Champions League record going.

The striker has 24 goals and seven assists in 42 games, with his 31 goal contributions outnumbering his 27 starts in the competition.

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LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Jesus insists there’s “nothing special” about the way he approaches the Champions League games, but the competition itself is a unique one, and it’s one he now wants to win.

“Champions League, I see many times,” Jesus said. “I watched a lot at home. Sometimes I missed school to watch, because I love football.

“Champions League is special, like the Premier League, but I already won the Premier League [at Manchester City].

“I want to win [the Premier League] here obviously, but I want to win the Champions League as well. Not just scoring, but win.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with Gabriel Jesus after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with Gabriel Jesus after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans will feel this is the first time in a long time that they can actually start to dream about a long run in the Champions League.

It’s been many years since the Gunners have even been in the competition, but even longer since it’s felt like the team weren’t nailed-on to get knocked out in the last-16.

With the team’s defensive improvements this year, it feels like the side are well placed to perform in the knockout rounds.

The draw for the last-16 will take place on Monday, December 18th, 2023 at 11:00 GMT.

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