Arsenal booked their spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup courtesy of a 3-2 success over fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Palace made the breakthrough in the fourth minute of the contest through Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the striker proving to be too strong for Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior before finishing into the back of the net to silence the home supporters.
Gabriel Jesus levelled the scores early in the second period courtesy of a brilliant finish over Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, before the Brazilian scored twice more to complete his hat trick at the Emirates Stadium.
Palace gave Arsenal a late scare when Eddie Nketiah scored against his former club to make it 3-2 in the 85th minute, but Mikel Arteta's side closed out the final stages to book their spot in the semi-finals of the competition.
The Gunners have not won the EFL Cup since the 1992-93 campaign, but they are now present in the final four and will be eyeing domestic silverware in the middle of March.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Well then, it was not quite the performance that Arsenal fans would have had in mind, but it was a much-changed outfit, with head coach Arteta understandably altering his usual XI.
Palace were bright early on and took the lead through Mateta, but the Arsenal response was strong, and it proved to be a very important night for Jesus, with the Brazilian answering some critics with an excellent treble.
The 27-year-old is yet to score in 13 Premier League appearances this season, while he had just one goal to his name this term ahead of his outing against Palace on Wednesday night.
Arsenal will still believe that they are more than in the Premier League title race, but a lack of trophies is a criticism which has been aimed at Arteta, so this is an important competition for the Gunners.
In truth, it was just about the perfect night for Arsenal when all was said and done, with a number of squad players being given valuable minutes, while a misfiring forward has surely boosted his confidence ahead of the festive period.
For Palace, positives can also be taken, and they did threaten to score a third in the final exchanges, but their priority for this season is also the Premier League.
ARSENAL VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
Jean-Philippe Mateta goal vs. Arsenal (4th min, Arsenal 0-1 Palace)
What a start for Crystal Palace! 💥
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Jean-Philippe Mateta puts them ahead after three minutes! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/buPaHqf4p2
Palace make the breakthrough in the fourth minute of the contest, as Mateta muscles Kiwior off the ball before finishing into the back of the net; not sure about the defending from the Poland international, but it was brilliant work from the Palace forward.
Gabriel Jesus goal vs. Crystal Palace (54th min, Arsenal 1-1 Palace)
Calm as you like from Gabriel Jesus with that finish 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EeJrQ0Wcta
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Arsenal level the scores in the 54th minute of the contest through Jesus, with the Brazilian breaking into the Palace penalty box before expertly lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper - wonderful work from the South American there.
Gabriel Jesus goal vs. Crystal Palace (73rd min, Arsenal 2-1 Palace)
Arsenal have turned it around! 🔁
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Gabriel Jesus with his second! pic.twitter.com/P1llceaKyF
The turnaround is complete! Arsenal have their second of the match, with Jesus at the double, as the Brazilian fires into the bottom corner of the net after being released by Bukayo Saka, who has only just entered the field.
Gabriel Jesus goal vs. Crystal Palace (81st min, Arsenal 3-1 Palace)
Gabriel Jesus is on FIRE! 🔥
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
The Arsenal forward wraps up his hat-trick! 💥 pic.twitter.com/otgIa0s58h
Hat-trick hero! Jesus has his third of the match and surely secures progression for Arsenal, with the forward producing another excellent finish after a quick counter-attack ended with Martin Odegaard finding his teammate.
Eddie Nketiah goal vs. Arsenal (85th min, Arsenal 3-2 Palace)
This game 🤯
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Eddie Nketiah scores against his former club 👀 pic.twitter.com/0PzLJvKMnb
Late drama! Palace have their second of the match through former Arsenal forward Nketiah, who heads a cross from Nathaniel Clyne into the back of the net. Can the Eagles score a third late on?
MAN OF THE MATCH - GABRIEL JESUS
© Imago
As mentioned, Jesus was in need of a boost due to a poor season to date, and this was the perfect night for him, as he demonstrated that he can be a valuable player for Arteta during a busy festive period.
The Brazilian's three goals were all excellent, but his overall performance was also tremendous, with the Brazilian completing two dribbles and boasting a pass success rate of 91%, while he had five shots in total.
ARSENAL VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Arsenal 72%-28% Crystal Palace
Shots: Arsenal 13-9 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Arsenal 10-4 Crystal Palace
Corners: Arsenal 4-2 Crystal Palace
Fouls: Arsenal 7-14 Crystal Palace
BEST STAT
Gabriel Jesus has scored more goals for Arsenal today (3) than he has in every other game in 2024 combined (2).
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 18, 2024
Back to his best. 💥 pic.twitter.com/T4TgSaotN5
WHAT NEXT?
These two teams will now lock horns for a Premier League contest at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening; Arsenal are currently third in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Palace, meanwhile, will bring a four-game unbeaten run in the league into Saturday's contest, and the Eagles are currently 15th in the division, four points clear of the relegation zone.
Matt Law
