Micah Richards praised Gabriel Jesus’ ‘sensational’ home debut Arsenal like beating the Gunners Leicester City 4-2 on Saturday.
The Brazil international, who moved to the Emirates this summer, scored two goals and provided two assists in a Man of the Match performance.
Jesus spoke to the media after the game and rejected claims that he was not happy about it Manchester City – where he played a supporting role – before moving to Arsenal for £45 million, but admitted it was ‘so happy’ to be in North London.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said Jesus was ‘disappointed’ after the win because he felt he should have scored four.
But pundit Richards praised the 25-year-old after the win, telling Match of the Day: “He was sensational. Everything he did was brilliant.
“I’ve seen him at Manchester City, but at Arsenal he seems like a different player,” said Richards.
“He seems a lot more confident. He was unlucky not to get his hat-trick. He has everything in his game.
“He popped up in so many positions, he’s alert in the penalty area. His all round play was brilliant.
“I’m just happy for him because at Manchester City he gave so much in terms of pace, but now he feels he is the most important man. A great day for him, really.’
After the game, Jesus said: ‘I’m so happy because we played so well against a tough opponent. I work all day every day to score goals.
“I wasn’t unhappy at Manchester City, I just wanted to play and the club understood.”
Arsenal boss Arteta added: “I would not like to play against him. I’ve never been a defender, but I can imagine I wouldn’t like it.
“He’s so mobile, so intuitive, always sharp and proactive to play at any time and any stage in the game, and it’s a real threat.”
Arsenal are next in action against Scott Parker’s Bournemouth, as they aim for three wins from their first three Premier League games.
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