Although we bottled the Early goal lead to them but I have never faced such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in my career before,He did something that surprised everyone last night”, Palace star Mateta reveals the ONE Arsenal that really played to His satisfactory last night – Not Gabriel Jesus and Not Tierney
Gabriel Jesus’ stunning hat-trick propelled Arsenal into the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta rotated his squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park, leaving many key players on the bench. In contrast, Oliver Glasner fielded a strong Palace side, and they took an early lead after a defensive lapse from Jakub Kiwior allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to score past David Raya.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Leandro Trossard missed a good opportunity, and Raheem Sterling forced a solid save from Dean Henderson, but the Gunners were ineffective in open play.
Arteta made two changes at halftime, including introducing Martin Odegaard, who played a key role in Arsenal’s equalizer. The captain’s reverse pass set up Gabriel Jesus, who spun past Trevoh Chalobah and chipped Henderson to level the score.
The Gunners sustained their momentum, and Jesus capitalized on a Bukayo Saka assist to score his second, finishing with confidence that has been elusive this year. He completed his hat-trick with ten minutes to go, breaking free and finishing clinically to secure Arsenal’s place in the last four.
Although Eddie Nketiah scored a stunning late goal for Palace to make it 3-2, Arsenal held firm to advance.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) – 6/10: Had little to do after Mateta’s opener but managed a few solid claims.
Thomas Partey (RB) – 5/10: Struggled in an unnatural role, offering little from the right flank.
Jurrien Timber (CB) – 6.5/10: Improved after switching to right-back in the second half, contributing more offensively.
Jakub Kiwior (CB) – 4/10: Poor positioning for Palace’s early goal overshadowed a steadier second half.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10: Provided much-needed width and was unlucky not to register an assist. Faded late due to fitness.
Midfielders
Jorginho (DM) – 6.5/10: Played key passes from deep and helped sustain pressure, though Palace troubled him on the break.
Mikel Merino (CM) – 6/10: Worked hard off the ball but lacked creativity in possession.
Ethan Nwaneri (CM) – 5.5/10: Showed glimpses of promise but was outmuscled by Palace’s midfield before being substituted at halftime.
Forwards
Raheem Sterling (RW) – 6.5/10: Missed two big chances but had positive moments driving at defenders.
Gabriel Jesus (ST) – 9.5/10: Delivered a match-winning performance with his first Arsenal hat-trick.
Leandro Trossard (LW) – 6/10: Struggled with execution in the first half but grew into the game after the break.
Arsenal now turn their attention to the semi-finals, buoyed by a clinical display from Jesus and a spirited second-half performance.