Arsenal win it on penalties.placeholder image
Arsenal win it on penalties. | Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus returned to the starting XI for Arsenal on Tuesday night with another fringe player also impressing in the centre of the park.
Arsenal booked a place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a dramatic win over Crystal Palace in the side’s final outing before Christmas.
The Gunners have been edging victories in recent weeks and that was the tale once again on Tuesday night. The hosts needed an own goal from Maxence Lacroix to put Arsenal ahead before an injury time Marc Guehi finish took the match to penalties.
Both London outfits were accurate from the spot but Mikel Arteta eventually saw his team triumph 8-7 after Kepa Arrizabalaga stopped Lacroix. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.
Arsenal player ratings v Crystal Palace
GK - Kepa Arrizabalaga, 8
A couple of nervy moments in a rare start for the Spaniard. Booked late on for taking too much time with a goal kick but his distribution had largely been good - one throw to release a dangerous counter attack at the end of the first half particularly impressive. There are few keepers you’d rather have in goal for penalties but it took the shot-stopper a while to get a hand to a Crystal Palace spot kick - which he did eventually do to become the hero of the night.
LB - Myles Lewis-Skelly, 6
Not his best outing in an Arsenal shirt. Some solid moments but a downgrade to the usual service provided by Riccardo Calafiori on that flank.
CB - Riccardo Calafiori, 7
Stepped into the centre-back role with aplomb. Composed with the ball at his feet and managed a big leap to get his head on Bukayo Saka’s corner prior to the Arsenal goal. Was not quite so lively when defending the late Eagles corner and arguably at fault for that Guehi goal.
CB - William Saliba, 9
Ever so reliable. Made two decisive interventions at dangerous Crystal Palace moments and carried the ball forward well too. A vital presence in the side tonight.
RB - Jurrien Timber, 7
Missed a really decent headed chance in the first half but did regularly find himself in dangerous positions. Covered a lot of ground.
CM - Christian Norgaard, 8
Christian Norgaard is really far too good a player to be sat on the bench so much, but that shows just how blessed Arsenal are in the midfield positions. A cool presence deep in the midfield, regularly slotting into defence comfortably to allow teammates to run forwards. Signed by the club for matches and performances like this.
CM - Mikel Merino, 7
Slotted back into the midfield tonight before moving back up top once Gabriel Jesus went off late on. Lacked influence for spells and perhaps looks more comfortable leading the line than in the midfield at this stage of the season.
CM - Eberechi Eze, 6
A quieter night for Eberechi Eze against his former club. Injected a turn of pace now and again but not at his most emphatic before being taken off in the second half. The Gunners could have done with the England international grabbing the match by the scruff of the neck.
Gabriel Jesus full of tenacity on Arsenal return
LW - Gabriel Martinelli, 8
Couldn’t have done much more when on the pitch with some outstanding balls delivered into the box after tenacious runs. Needed a Gunners teammate to get on the end of one of those. Had the beating of Jaydee Canvot all night.
ST - Gabriel Jesus, 7
Good to see him back in the starting XI and the Brazil international was full of tenacity. Clearly lacked sharpness with some rushed finishes but played with a passion that suggests he could be back to his best before the season is over.
RW - Noni Madueke, 5
The bad Noni Madueke moments are often made to look even more frustrating thanks to the signs of promise that come before. Took too long to get his shots off in the first half, allowing Crystal Palace to get blocks in. The former Chelsea man can cause problems with his pace but needs to find those goals and assists.
SUBS - Leandro Trossard (8). Bukayo Saka (8), Martin Odegaard (7), Declan Rice (8).
In other news, Brighton handed triple injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Kai Havertz hits fitness milestone.
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