Jesus Fires Arsenal Past Inter Into Champions League Last 16

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In Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan, Gabriel Jesus doubled to put Arsenal in the top eight of the Champions League, putting them in the lead.

With Manchester United taking the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, it was a selection blight for Arsenal, who deserved their seventh straight league win at the San Siro thanks to two close-range finishes in the first half.

Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled this season, was substituted for Jesus in the starting lineup, and the former Manchester City striker provided a threat throughout the entire game.

On January 20, 2026, Inter Milan and Arsenal’s Swedish striker #14, Viktor Gyokeres (R), celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s third goal at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI/AFP)

Before Tuesday’s win, the 28-year-old had only started twice this season, but now appears to be back to his best after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for almost a year.

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Arsenal are now 21 points, which is enough to put them in the top eight last season, compared to the previous 16 before kick-off.

But the 28-year-old was crucial in preventing Bayern Munich’s home game against Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night to go six points clear of the leaderboard.

Inter, who for the first time in their history lost a third straight game to the elite club competition with a stunning Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, sit eighth.

On January 20, 2026, Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) intercepts the ball during the Inter Milan-Inter Milan UEFA Champions League, league phase 7, football game at San Siro Stadium in Milan, northern Italy. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI/AFP)

With five teams that could overtake them and a maximum possible point total of 15 if they defeat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, the Serie A leaders look likely to miss out on the playoffs.

Worryingly, Cristian Chivu’s team, who had a difficult time in high-profile matches and were inconsistent with both of Jesus’ goals, suffered yet another significant defeat.

When Jesus poked home the Gunners’ opener in the 10th minute, the Brazilian Brazilian savaged on Jurrien Timber’s error shot to score his first Champions League goal in November 2023, Arsenal appeared to win.

Sucic’s thumping drive, however, quickly caused Inter to abandon their cautious approach and start to cause problems for Arsenal.

On January 20, 2026, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, the Italian defender #95 Alessandro Bastoni (rear C) and Arsenal’s midfielder #23 Mikel Merino (front) fight during the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 7, football game between Inter Milan and Arsenal. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI/AFP)

When Lautaro Martinez sent Sucic charging&nbsp through, he had a perfect chance to turn in the 27th minute, but he dawdled before being caught by Marcus Thuram, who slashed his effort high and wide.

Jesus, who was completely unmarked near the goalline for one of Arsenal’s special set-piece routines, wasted that opportunity four minutes later, punishing Inter for doing so.

Leandro Trossard’s deep, bouncing corner from Bukayo Saka was headed back onto the crossbar, where Jesus was unharmed.

Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both had angled drives in the lead-up, but Gyokeres struck on the break to seal the deal and give United fans a chance to win.