Gabriel Jesus put his recent goalscoring troubles aside as his second-half hat-trick inspired Arsenal to come from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. A scintillating second-half hat-trick by Gabriel Jesus turned the tide in favor of the Gunners, who fought back from a first-half deficit to seal the win. The Brazilian striker, struggling for form this season, delivered a statement performance to keep Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Sluggish Start for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s decision to rotate his squad and make eight changes nearly proved costly as Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Crystal Palace capitalized on the Gunners’ disjointed play early on, with Jean-Philippe Mateta opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Jakub Kiwior misjudged a long ball from Dean Henderson, allowing Mateta to charge into the box and slot a composed left-footed strike past David Raya. The goal ended Arsenal’s run of four consecutive home clean sheets and set the tone for a challenging evening for the hosts.
Crystal Palace’s attacking trio, led by Mateta, posed constant threats to Arsenal’s defense, while the Gunners lacked cohesion in the final third. Raheem Sterling’s well-struck free kick forced a fingertip save from Henderson, but Arsenal struggled to create meaningful chances in open play during the opening 45 minutes.
Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments Spark a Comeback
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard and William Saliba in a bid to inject energy and creativity into the game. The changes had an immediate impact, with Arsenal upping the tempo and dominating possession in the second half.
Kieran Tierney, making his first appearance since the 2023 Community Shield, played a crucial role in Arsenal’s revival. His pinpoint cross early in the second half created a golden opportunity for Sterling, whose initial shot was saved by Henderson, only for the rebound to strike the crossbar.
Gabriel Jesus Steals the Show
Arsenal’s equalizer arrived in the 54th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Gabriel Jesus. Ødegaard, pulling the strings in midfield, delivered a precise through ball to Jesus, who skipped past Trevor Chalobah and chipped the ball over Henderson with finesse. The goal marked only his second of the season and sparked a shift in momentum.
Ten minutes later, Jesus struck again. Bukayo Saka, who came off the bench to add firepower, delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Jesus rose above the Palace defense to head the ball powerfully into the net. The Emirates erupted as Arsenal took the lead for the first time in the match.
That Jesus hat-trick!#CarabaoCup | @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/XfFohnK6GY
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 18, 2024
Jesus completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute, capping off a remarkable turnaround. Ødegaard was once again the architect, threading a pass to the Brazilian forward, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The goal not only secured Arsenal’s place in the semi-finals but also ended Jesus’ long goal drought in emphatic fashion.
Crystal Palace’s Late Push
Despite trailing 3-1, Crystal Palace refused to give up. Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, now wearing Palace colors, scored in the 85th minute to set up a tense finale. Nketiah’s header from a well-placed cross highlighted Palace’s resilience and determination.
The visitors pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but Arsenal’s defense, marshaled by Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, held firm to see out the victory. The Gunners’ ability to withstand Palace’s late pressure underscored their growing composure in high-stakes situations.
Jesus’ Redemption Arc
Gabriel Jesus’ performance was the standout story of the night. The Brazilian has endured a tough season, failing to score a Premier League goal since January and battling injuries. However, his hat-trick against Palace showcased his quality and importance to Arsenal’s attack.
Carabao Cup quarter-final? Completed it, mate ⚽
What a night for Gabriel Jesus pic.twitter.com/S27Rdi9DAb
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, Jesus’ resurgence comes at a critical time. His clinical finishing and movement off the ball could prove pivotal in the second half of the campaign.
Crystal Palace’s Resilience
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side showed plenty of fight and resilience despite the defeat. Mateta’s early goal and Nketiah’s late strike highlighted their ability to capitalize on Arsenal’s defensive lapses. The Eagles, unbeaten in their last five Premier League games before this match, will take positives from their performance as they prepare to host Arsenal in a league rematch at Selhurst Park.
Key Performances
- Gabriel Jesus: The Brazilian forward delivered a match-winning hat-trick, reminding everyone of his potential to be a game-changer.
- Martin Ødegaard: The Norwegian playmaker turned the game around with two assists and dictated play in the second half.
- Kieran Tierney: Solid defensively and effective in attack, Tierney’s performance highlighted his value to Arsenal’s squad.
- Dean Henderson: The Palace goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep his team in contention, despite conceding three goals.
Arsenal’s Semi-Final Prospects
With this win, Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a stage they have struggled to reach in recent years. The Gunners have not lifted the League Cup since 1993, and Arteta will be eager to end that drought. The semi-final draw, set to take place soon, will reveal Arsenal’s next challenge as they continue their quest for silverware.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will aim to regroup and focus on their Premier League campaign, where they are looking to secure a mid-table finish.
Arsenal’s triumph over Palace serves as a reminder of their depth and resilience. With Jesus back in form and the team showing grit under pressure, the Gunners are well-positioned to make a strong push for success in the remainder of the season.
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