Gabriel Jesus scored a brace as Arsenal defeated Inter Milan 3-1 on Tuesday, sealing qualification for the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a dominant display at the San Siro.

The Brazilian struck twice from close range in the 10th and 31st minutes respectively, earning Arsenal a seventh straight league-phase victory and guaranteeing a top-eight finish ahead of the final round.

Jesus, starting ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, led Arsenal’s attack confidently and was a constant threat, underlining his growing sharpness after a long injury layoff.

The 28-year-old, who had started only twice this season, appears fully recovered from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for nearly a year.

He was on cloud nine after two close-range finishes in the first half to help guarantee the Gunners a top-eight finish.

“It’s a dream night,” said the 28-year-old. “I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched when I was a kid. I watched a lot of Serie A, so to be here in this stadium and score here is tears in my eyes because I always dreamed of being here.”

Inter briefly drew level through a superb Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, but defensive lapses proved costly as Arsenal capitalised with clinical efficiency.

Substitute Gyokeres sealed the win late on  in the 84th minute, allowing Arsenal fans to turn attention to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Arsenal now sit on 21 points and are six clear at the top of the 2025/2026 UCL log, while Inter’s third straight European defeat leaves their top-eight hopes hanging.

(NAN)