Arsenal made it to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 home win over Crystal Palace thanks to a superb 2nd half hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian was one of eight changes made by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta following the disapoitning 0-0 draw versus Everton. Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber was the centre-back partnership with Thomas Partey again at right-back. And Kieran Tierney made his first Arsenal appearence in nearly two years as he started at left-back.
Jorginho started in holding midfield in the absence of Declan Rice, with Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino joining the Italian in the middle. And a front three of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling led the line for Arteta’s team.
However, the Gunners got off to the worst possible start to the encounter as Kiwior failed to deal with a long ball from Palace and allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to slot home to give the Eagles the lead in N5 with a cool finish, which was the last thing Arsenal needed after the weekend’s result.
The home side tried to push for an equaliser but failed to properly create, a theme of their last few games. Trossard struck over from a sterling cut-back and the latter came close with a free-kick from the edge of the area which were Arsenal’s only real chances from yet another low-key first half.
However, Arteta opted to bring on captain Martin Odegaard during the half-time interval and the Norwegian immediately showed his class and leadership as the Gunners upped the intensity and should have found an equaliser as a brilliant Tierney delivery found Sterling who’s close-range effort was hit straight at Palace keeper Dean Henderson.
However, an equaliser would soon come as a brilliant pass from Odegaard found Jesus who chipped Henderson with a great finish to level the game, his first goal at Emirates Stadium in 367 days. The Brazilian then scored a second to put Arsenal in the lead with a powerful low strike after Bukayo Saka threaded a ball through to the striker.
Although, Jesus was not done there as he claimed his first Arsenal hat-trick with another powerful finish after Odegaard sent him through on the counter-attack. Former Arsenal man Eddie Nketiah pulled a goal back for the visitors with a strong header late on but Arsenal held on to claim a semi-final place.
The two sides meet again at the weekend in the Premier League as Arsenal visit Selhurst Park.
Player Ratings:
David Raya: 6
Thomas Partey: 5
Jurrien Timber: 8
Jakub Kiwior: 3
Kieran Tierney: 7
Jorginho: 7
Mikel Merino: 6
Ethan Nwaneri: 6
Raheem Sterling: 5
Gabriel Jesus: 9
Leandro Trossard: 7