Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Jesus will be 'unlocked' after Arsenal forward ends nine-month goal drought with Carabao Cup strike

After 25 appearances without finding the net, Jesus was finally able to wheel away and celebrate having netted in Arsenal's comfortable Carabao Cup win over lower-league side Preston on Wednesday. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries over the last year and his delight at bagging a goal could be seen on his and his manager's face.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said: "I’m very happy, I think it’s going to unlock that for him. He looked really happy. He’s performing with the right attitude as always but he needed that feeling that he can put the ball in the back of the net."

Jesus has only started one Premier League game this season but his goal at Deepdale may be a turning point in the latest chapter of his Arsenal career. Having managed just 881 minutes since January, he must stay fit if he is to have any significant impact on the Gunners' title challenge.

Arsenal face Newcastle away in the Premier League on Saturday and may call on Jesus again with their mounting injury problems. The Gunners will host Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in December.