Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Quarter Final - Source: Getty
Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Quarter Final - Source: Getty
Arsenal secured a 3-2 win from behind against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, December 18. As a result, the Gunners will progress to the semi-finals along with Newcastle United and Liverpool, who also won their games.
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Arsenal made a slow start to the game and were stunned into silence early on as Crystal Palace grabbed the lead. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson's pass went all the way through to Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who made no mistake to finish and make it 1-0 after just four minutes. Jakub Kiwior was at fault for the goal after failing to judge the trajectory of the ball accurately.
Following that goal, the hosts realized they needed to find a way back into the contest and kept the ball for lenghty spells. Crystal Palace, too, made the most of their limited possession and attempted two more shots, with one of those on target. Meanwhile, Arsenal managed just three shots on goal despite dominating possession, with just two of those on target.
The hosts found themselves trailing at the half-time interval.
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Mikel Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard and William Saliba during the interval and it almost made an instant impact. The Norwegian provided an assist for Gabriel Jesus to level the game in the 54th minute. Arsenal kept at it and persisted in their attacking approach as they looked to grab the lead. Jesus then made it a brace for himself in the 73rd minute, with Bukayo Saka assisting the goal.
Crystal Palace were made to sit deep in their own half as Arsenal took complete charge of tempo and possession. Jesus then made it a hat-trick for himself as he scored in the 81st minute to make it 3-2, with Odegaard bagging his second assist of the night. The hosts attempted a total of nine shots, with seven of those on target, while the visitors managed just two shots on target.
Arsenal played solid defensively towards the end of the game to prevent a comeback from Crystal Palace as they held on for the win. On that note, let's take a look at the Gunners' player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 6.5/10
Raya made just two saves for Arsenal between the sticks. He also made one high claim to collect a cross and played three long balls.
Thomas Partey - 6.5/10
Partey won three duels and made one interceptions in defence for the Gunners. He also passed the ball with 87% accuracy.
Jurrien Timber - 6.5/10
Timber had a decent game in defence as he won three duels, making two clearances and two interceptions as well.
Jakub Kiwior - 5.5/10
Kiwior had a poor game for the Gunners as he made a mistake that cost them early, allowing Mateta a clear run at the goal.
Kieran Tierney - 7/10
Tierney played well for Arsenal on his return after injury, winning all three of his duels. He also made one clearance and one interception, and played one key pass.
Ethan Nwaneri - 6/10
Nwaneri had a subpar game for his team as he failed to play a single key pass or accurate cross. He won just one of eight duels and was also dispossessed eight times.
Jorginho - 6.5/10
Jorginho passed the ball with 94% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won one duel and made one interception.
Mikel Merino - 7/10
Merino had a great game as he won 10 duels and made one interception. He also attempted two shots, of which one was on target.
Raheem Sterling - 6/10
Sterling hit the woodwork once and missed another big chance in a poor performance for Arsenal. He also won four duels.
Gabriel Jesus - 9.5/10
Jesus broke out of his goal drought with a wonderful hat-trick in the second half to secure the result for his team. He also won four duels.
Leandro Trossard - 7.5/10
Trossard had a good game as he passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including one key pass and one accurate cross. He also won five duels and made one interception.
Substitutes
William Saliba - 6.5/10
Saliba replaced Partey for the second half and put in a composed performance in defence.
Martin Odegaard - 8/10
Odegaard came on and changed the complexion of the match as he provided assists for his team's first and third goals.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6/10
Lewis-Skelly replaced Tierney in the second half and put in a decent performance.
Bukayo Saka - 7.5/10
Saka came on midway through the second half and bagged an assist just three minutes after coming on.
Gabriel Magalhaes - N/A
He played for less than 10 minutes and hence does not warrant a rating.