Gabriel Jesus hat-trick shot Gunners into lead after Jean-Philippe Mateta opener
A late Eddie Nketiah strike scared the hosts but Mikel Arteta's men held on
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By ISAAN KHAN
Published: 17:22 EST, 18 December 2024 | Updated: 17:22 EST, 18 December 2024
Gabriel Jesus ended a 10-month goal drought with a spectacular hat-trick as Arsenal overcame a late Crystal Palace scare to soar into the EFL Cup semi-finals.
The visitors had shocked Mikel Arteta's men early in the encounter, who were heavily changed from their Premier League stalemate against Everton, scoring within three minutes through Jean-Philippe Mateta who slotted home a ball over the top.
After a drab opening period, the Spaniard then brought on the big guns. Captain Martin Odegaard and centre back William Saliba entered the fray to try to turn things around.
The changes worked. Dean Henderson was forced into an outstanding save from a close-range Sterling effort before the Englishman fired onto the crossbar. But minutes later their frustrations were ended when Odegaard slipped Jesus through and the Brazilian chipped the ball over the keeper.
He was similarly clinical as he gave Arsenal the lead having been found by the subbed-on Bukayo Saka, before completing his hat-trick after a pinpoint Odegaard pass. Former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah grabbed a consolation with a header.
Mail Sport's Isaan Khan was on hand to make sense of this topsy-turvy encounter and reveal who stood out for each side.
Gabriel Jesus bagged a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup
Jean-Philippe Mateta stunned Arsenal witihin three minutes after latching onto a long ball
Eddie Nketiah provided a late scare against his old side scoring a fine header at the Emirates
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6
Arguably could have had better positioning in the lead up to Jean-Phillipe Mateta's goal.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6.5
Had good anticipation at the back, particularly when as a centre back dealing with Mateta.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 5
Made a hash of a header which saw Arsenal go behind early on. Lucky that on this occasion, Arsenal clawed the game back.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
Some decent defending in one-on-one scenarios. But less success in the final third with attacking passes and crosses.
KIERAN TIERNEY: 6
A fair display after months out injured. His cross on 51 minutes should have been converted by Raheem Sterling.
ETHAN NWANERI: 6
Tried to get the ball forward when he got on it. Hooked at half-time.
David Raya arguably could have had better positioning in the lead up to Jean-Phillipe Mateta's goal
Jorginho benefitted from the impetus of substitute Martin Odegaard in the second half
Leandro Trossard made a series of clever passes from central and wide areas around the box
JORGINHO: 6
Benefitted from the impetus of substitute Martin Odegaard in the second half.
MIKEL MERINO: 6.5
Won duels in the middle and also got some shots off at goal. Promising to see contributions in both facets.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Clever passes from central and wide areas around the box.
GABRIEL JESUS: 8.5
Hat-trick hero. How he badly needed a goal after a barren run, and walks away with three. Won Arsenal the match. Good sharp movement into the box, too.
RAHEEM STERLING: 5.5
He ran around with intent, and was clearly trying hard. But his failure to score on 51 minutes when left one-on-one with goalkeeper Dean Henderson typified an underwhelming performance.
Martin Odegaard immediately made an impact when he came one. Assisted two of Jesus' three goals
Bukayo Saka assisted one of Jesus' goals after coming on in the second half
Substitutes:
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 7.5
Immediately made an impact when he came on. Assisted two of Jesus' three goals.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6.5
Added solidity in defence as he usually does.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 6.5
Kept composed at the back.
BUKAYO SAKA: 7
Assisted one of Jesus' goals.