Gabriel Jesus admits Arsenal were 'nervous' before collapsing in the title race to Man City last season but backs the Gunners to 'increase the level' and mount another challenge

Gabriel Jesus believes nerves within the team contributed to Arsenal falling short last season but backs his team-mates to use the setback as a lesson this time around.

Ahead of their final pre-season match against Barcelona at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the Brazilian striker was candid about the team's struggles when they were top of the Premier League going into the final weeks of the 2022-23 campaign.

They finished five points behind Manchester City despite being frontrunners for 248 days.

He said: 'It's difficult to know (where we fell short) but I believe sometimes at the end of the season, we were a little bit nervous as a team.

'They were not nervous as normally they win so that made a difference. This season we have experience of this and it will be different.'

The 26-year-old had six successful seasons with City, winning four league titles.

On the difference in levels between the two sides, he said: 'Even before, I was feeling like that the gap was not that big.

'They (Man City) are together years and that made a difference. Winning for years made a difference also.

'The year I arrived (at Arsenal) I believed we could fight and win. Unfortunately we didn't win but I think we will win, for sure.'

The North London club's ascent in recent months, as well as marquee signings, has created much expectation.

It's something Jesus is aware of but embraces.

'We created this by doing so well,' he added.

'To win the Premier League was our main target but at least we fought till the end with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

'We have to go again with the same energy, you know. People believe more in us because the work we put in on the pitch was top. Now everyone here wants to continue and increase the level again.'