English outfit Arsenal picked up yet another win in the Champions League, beating Club Brugge 3-0 away from home to continue their perfect form in the European competition thus far. The victory was made all the more impressive, with a number of key players missing through injury.
Notable absences included Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz – with Christian Norgaard even forced to start at centre-back (and doing well in his new role). On a more positive note, though, one injured player did return on the day in Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian has been sidelined since 12 January after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Manchester United last season. He came on in the second half against Bruge to make his first appearance in 332 days, and left Mikel Arteta with plenty to think about.
Gabriel Jesus Reminds Mikel Arteta of His Quality on Arsenal Injury Return
As the highlights show, Jesus looked surprisingly sharp on his first game back in 332 days. He returns to fitness now as quite possibly the fourth choice striker, behind Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino.
Of those three, however, there is perhaps an awkward conversation to have over Gyokeres. The Swede has shown glimpses of his goalscoring quality at Arsenal so far, but lacks in other aspects of his game. Jesus will never be as good a natural finisher, but can bring so much more to the front-line.
In 62 minutes, compared to Jesus’ 28, Gyokeres had the same amount of shots (three) – with only one on target, while the Brazilian had two on target and hit the post. Jesus also completed 14/15 passes, more than the Swedes 5/6, and had more touches (20 compared to 12).
Arteta will likely give Gyokeres a start against Wolves but if the striker does not impress, Jesus may well be the man turned to off the bench, with Havertz still unfit and Merino not a striker. If the Brazilan comes on and scores, or even plays well – just as he did against Brugge – Arteta may well have to have a very uncomfortable conversation with Gyokeres about the true pecking order of his attacking options for the second half of the season.
The Spaniard is clearly a big fan. After the Champions League win, he said of Jesus: “He showed his mental toughness, how much he loves to play football. We are all delighted to have him back. To see him perform in matter he did is really positive.”
It’s early days yet, but it does not feel unreasonable that the former Manchester City man could take plenty of minutes away from Gyokeres in the near future.
Arsenal Fans Impressed By Sharp Jesus vs Brugge
Arsenal fans were certainly happy with what they saw from Jesus. One wrote:
“Gabriel Jesus looks sharp & hungry, which is great to see. He could have an impact on this season, it’s all good Don’t use it as a stick for another players back, the big man just needs a bit of luck to go his way I think he will come good.”
Another added: “Gabriel Jesus didn’t look an inch like he’d been out for more than a year.” While a third noted how well he linked up with his teammate: “Martinelli switching with Gabriel Jesus is just so smooth.”
Another bluntly put: “Gabriel Jesus had a better game than Gyokeres.” On a simlar theme, one more wrote: “He needs to start by weekend tbh. Bro was smooth and clean on ball.”
Others were just as excited, writing: “His finishing still letting him down, but what a return. Pure footballer.” And: “Close to getting on the scoresheet very close. Very good performance from Jesus.”
Arsenal are facing a fight to keep hold of defender Piero Hincapie, as ESPN reports that Real Madrid have made enquiries about signing the Ecuadorian international this summer.
However, with centre-back problems lurking in the background for the Spanish giants, they are back shopping in the Premier League, and are looking to swipe a star from the Gunners.
Real Madrid Want Piero Hincapie
After failing in an attempt to sign Calafiori, Real Madrid are looking at Arsenal star Hincapie, as ESPN reports that enquiries have been made over a deal.
It comes as Los Blancos want a left-footed centre-back, with moves elsewhere in the backline set to free up a space for the position this summer.
Any deal looks difficult, however, as Arsenal are set to make Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer with a £45 million clause in his deal.
That’s not to say a move isn’t possible, but the Gunners would likely be hesitant to let the 24-year-old leave without at least banking a significant profit on a switch to a Champions League rival.
Having already sounded out Hincapie, the report adds that Real Madrid have also enquired about Ruben Dias, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nico Schlotterbeck – though the latter is now unlikely to move due to an injury sustained at the World Cup with Germany.
In all, it means Arsenal could face a potential battle in keeping the versatile defender, but have all the cards in their hand to keep him if they so wish.
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What Mikel Arteta has said about Hincapie
Hincapie wasn’t always a guaranteed started for Arsenal over the course of the previous season, but he did play a large role in the team finally winning the Premier League.
The defender was a reliable option, especially when injuries struck in the backline, adding plenty of pace and physicality at full-back in particular.
“When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior,'” Arteta said in March to TNT Sports.
Arsenal continue to be linked with potential forward options in the market, but face a battle to land one key target.
“He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.
“He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”
It shows exactly what Arteta thinks of Hincapie, and perhaps further underlines how tough it may be for Real Madrid to tempt a move this summer.
One England player chose not to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before the Three Lions faced Ghana in their second World Cup game in Boston on Tuesday night.
The Ghanaian midfielder, previously of Arsenal, is currently facing allegations that include seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different women, as per The Mirror.
These incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022, with investigations taking place while he was still plying his trade in the Premier League.
England have been urged to change their national anthem for football matches, and ditch ‘God Save the King’.
England Player Refuses Thomas Partey’s Handshake Before World Cup Tie
Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)
Heading into the clash, the English FA’s stance was that the players could make their own decision on whether or not to embrace Partey following the national anthems being played.
In Djed Spence’s case, the Tottenham defender chose to keep his arms by his side as his former north London adversary walked past him. Watch the incident below:
The 2026 World Cup has brought national anthems into the spotlight as the pre-game routine has seen everyone get involved in belting out their country’s chosen tune.
England players stand together and sing the words to ‘God Save the King’ before matches. While the song about the Royal Family technically isn’t the ‘national anthem’, it’s effectively treated as one. But that doesn’t mean it’s popular.
Three Lions Urged Into Pre-Match Anthem Change
Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)
In fact, a poll carried out by Express Sport has suggested the majority of English supporters would rather not be subjected to the anthem before they watch their country play. When asked to vote on whether ‘God Save the King’ should be replaced, a staggering 55% believe it should.
Out of the 4,000 voters, 1,902 were in the camp that believed the tune shouldn’t be scrapped, with the remainder wanting change. Of those who are in favour of replacing the pre-match song, 15% think it should be substituted for ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.
Another 40% chose ‘Jerusalem’ by Sir Hubert Parry and Sir Edward Elgar. However, the majority (44%) went for a song written in 1901 and used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010. That is, of course, ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’.
So there’s a fairly even split between the potential replacements, but most people appear to want to see the back of the current anthem. Thomas Tuchel, on the other hand, wants Oasis’ Wonderwall to be his team’s post-match song.
Why Thomas Tuchel Doesn’t Sing the National Anthem
Tuchel is unlike those asking for change, as the German boss has already labelled it ‘a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem’. Speaking in March 2025, he stated:
“I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team.”
But you won’t catch Tuchel belting out the anthem before England matches, for the time being at least. Instead, the ex-Chelsea boss feels he should earn that right.
England have a long list of songs and chants, all of which will be sung at major tournaments. Check out our guide for the complete songbook.
When asked why he doesn’t join in, he said: “It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.”
