Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 3-2, with Gabriel Jesus scoring a hat-trick to propel the Gunners into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

Gabriel Jesus Shines as Arsenal Overcome Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup Thriller

In a gripping Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at the Emirates Stadium, Gabriel Jesus emerged as the hero for Arsenal, netting a second-half hat-trick to secure a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. The Brazilian’s performance not only turned the tide for the Gunners but also marked a significant return to form after a lengthy goal drought at home.

The match began on a sour note for Mikel Arteta’s side, who made eight changes to the team that drew against Everton just days prior. Within the first four minutes, Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalised on a shaky Arsenal defence, muscling his way through to give Palace an early lead. The visitors looked comfortable, and Arteta’s frustration was palpable as his side struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.

Recognising the need for a change, Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard at the break. The Norwegian midfielder’s impact was immediate, as he orchestrated Arsenal’s attacking play and provided the crucial assist for Jesus to level the score. With the momentum shifting, it was Bukayo Saka who next set up Jesus, allowing the striker to slot home and give Arsenal a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute.

As Palace pushed for an equaliser, Ødegaard once again found Jesus, who completed his hat-trick with a composed finish, sealing the match for the Gunners. Despite a late scare from former Arsenal player Eddie Nketiah, who headed home to reduce the deficit to 3-2, Arsenal held their nerve to secure a place in the semi-finals. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a psychological advantage ahead of their upcoming Premier League encounter against Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday.

Talking Point – Arsenal Take Step Towards Elusive Silverware

Arteta’s decision to rotate his squad raised eyebrows among Arsenal fans, especially after the shaky start. With only one major trophy to his name since taking charge and the club’s 31-year League Cup drought, the pressure was on. However, the introduction of Ødegaard proved pivotal, as he provided two assists and helped unlock the Palace defence.

The combination of Ødegaard and Saka’s creativity was instrumental in Jesus’s resurgence, as the striker finally ended his goal drought at the Emirates, which had stretched back over a year. With Arsenal’s recent struggles in the league, Jesus’s form in the League Cup could be the spark they need to turn their season around.

Player of the Match – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

Jesus’s performance was nothing short of sensational. The Brazilian striker showcased his poaching instincts with a well-timed equaliser and two clinical finishes that demonstrated his quality. Although he has yet to find the net in the Premier League this season, his League Cup form suggests he could be the answer to Arteta’s attacking woes.

Player Ratings

*Arsenal:* Raya 7, Partey 6, Timber 6, Kiwior 6, Tierney 7, Jorginho 6, Merino 7, Nwaneri 6, Sterling 7, Trossard 7, Jesus 8. Subs: Saliba 7, Gabriel 6, Lewis-Skelly 6, Ødegaard 8, Saka 7.

*Crystal Palace:* Henderson 7, Kporha 7, Chalobah 6, Lacroix 6, Guehi 6, Mitchell 6, Lerma 7, Hughes 6, Eze 6, Sarr 7, Mateta 7. Subs: Clyne 6, Schlupp 6, Devenny 6, Kamada 6, Nketiah 7.

Match Highlights

4’ – **GOAL! ARSENAL 0 CRYSTAL PALACE 1 (MATETA):** A long ball forward sees Mateta outmuscle Kiwior and fire across the goalkeeper into the net.

51’ – **STERLING HAS BIG EFFORT SAVED:** Trossard’s cross finds Sterling, whose close-range effort is saved by Henderson, with the rebound clipping the crossbar.

54’ – **GOAL! ARSENAL 1 (JESUS) CRYSTAL PALACE 1:** Ødegaard’s exquisite pass finds Jesus, who takes a touch and clips the ball over the goalkeeper.

73’ – **GOAL! ARSENAL 2 (JESUS) CRYSTAL PALACE 1:** Saka’s clever pass sets up Jesus, who rifles his shot into the bottom corner.

81’ – **GOAL! ARSENAL 3 (JESUS) CRYSTAL PALACE 1:** Ødegaard releases Jesus with a perfectly timed through ball, and the striker finishes with precision.

85’ – **GOAL! ARSENAL 3 CRYSTAL PALACE 2 (NKETIAH):** Nketiah heads home from Clyne’s cross, giving Palace a glimmer of hope late in the game.

As Arsenal look ahead to the semi-final draw, they will be buoyed by this performance and the prospect of finally adding silverware to their trophy cabinet.