Gabriel Jesus Hat-Trick Seals Arsenal’s Thrilling Comeback Win Over Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup

Gabriel Jesus stole the spotlight with a remarkable second-half hat-trick, propelling Arsenal to a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace and securing a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Arsenal’s comeback was fueled by impactful substitutes, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, as the Gunners fought back from a goal down to advance on Wednesday night.

Early Setback for Arsenal

The match began with a jolt for Arsenal, as Crystal Palace took an early lead just four minutes in.

Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a defensive error from Jakub Kiwior, receiving a long pass from Dean Henderson and holding off Kiwior before slamming the ball into the bottom corner past David Raya.

This quick strike left the Gunners chasing the game from the very start.

Despite falling behind, Arsenal looked to respond. Leandro Trossard delivered a corner kick that found Jesus at the edge of the box, but the Brazilian’s attempt to test Henderson was weak and didn’t trouble the Palace keeper.

Raheem Sterling soon found Trossard again, but his shot flew over the bar.

Crystal Palace then continued to threaten, with Ismaila Sarr forcing a deflection that Raya was able to handle. Eberechi Eze also tried a long-range shot that sailed well over the crossbar, keeping the Gunners under pressure.

Arsenal showed some promise when Trossard beat Caleb Kporha and won a free-kick, which was punched clear by Henderson.

A set-piece from Sterling nearly found the back of the net but was expertly saved by the Palace goalkeeper.

Mikel Merino also had a header from another Trossard corner that went wide, and Arsenal went into the break trailing by one.

Jesus Leads Arsenal’s Stunning Comeback

The second half saw a complete turnaround for Arsenal, led by the in-form Gabriel Jesus. After a quiet first half, the Brazilian found his rhythm and was involved in all three of Arsenal’s goals.

In the 54th minute, Martin Ødegaard delivered a pinpoint pass to Jesus, who expertly chipped the ball over Henderson to equalize for the Gunners. Arsenal were back in the game, and Jesus wasn’t done yet.

In the 73rd minute, Ødegaard again provided the assist, this time slipping the ball to Bukayo Saka, who threaded it through to Jesus. The Brazilian made no mistake, firing home to give Arsenal the lead for the first time in the match.

Just eight minutes later, Ødegaard’s quick thinking put Jesus through again, and the striker completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish past Henderson, completing his third goal of the night in emphatic style.

Nketiah’s Late Header Sets Up Nervy Finish

Arsenal seemed to have control, but there was a final twist to the match.

Former Gunners player Eddie Nketiah, who had come on as a substitute, scored a late header for Crystal Palace in the 85th minute, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.

Nketiah’s goal came after a well-delivered cross, and Raya was powerless to stop it, setting up a nervy final few minutes.

However, Arsenal held firm, with Raya and the defense ensuring that Palace wouldn’t find an equalizer. With the final whistle, Arsenal emerged 3-2 victors and booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

A Well-Deserved Victory

Following the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at Jesus’ performance, noting, “So pleased for [Jesus]. It’s been a long period for him without goals. To score the three types of goals and the many actions that he was involved in, it’s a great thing for the team that we can rely on a player with such quality.”

The victory was a much-needed boost for Arsenal, coming off two disappointing Premier League draws.

The Gunners will now look ahead to the semi-finals, where they will face tough competition for a place in the final.