Trailing throughout the first half at home, Arsenal made a dramatic comeback with a hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus to defeat Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals.
It’s not until now that experts have warned about Arsenal’s decline in attack, with the number of goals decreasing and their finishing efficiency being extremely poor. This can be seen as a factor that makes the “Gunners” fall further and further behind in the championship race.
Sterling and Jesus have been on the bench for too long, so they lack the sharpness to score goals.
Even when “conductor” Martin Odegaard returned from injury and was ready to play as a creator, Arsenal’s goal drought has not improved much. Hosting Crystal Palace at home in the League Cup quarter-finals in the early morning of December 19, coach Mikel Arteta used the striker trio Sterling – Jesus – Trossard and this made Arsenal’s attack even more confusing.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Crystal Palace in the 4th minute
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for the visiting team Crystal Palace in the 4th minute from a mistake by defender Jakub Kiwior, but throughout the first half, the “Gunners” could not find an equalizer in the deadlock. It was not until after the break, when Martin Odegaard was brought on the field, that coach Mateta’s change immediately took effect.
Gabriel Jesus was given the chance….
In the 54th minute, the Norwegian midfielder sent a through pass to Gabriel Jesus who ran down to finish, equalizing the score. This was Jesus’ first goal of the season in all competitions. When Bukayo Saka was brought on, the English striker also had an immediate pass to set up Jesus to score, increasing the gap for Arsenal in the 70th minute.
… not once but three times in the match
Jesus marked his day of sublime play by breaking free to score, completing his hat-trick after Odegaard’s precise pass in the 81st minute. “Ex-Emirates” Eddie Nketiah headed home, reducing the score to 2-3 for Crystal Palace but it was too late for a change.
Arsenal are full of hope to win the first trophy of the season
With a dramatic comeback win, Arsenal advanced to the League Cup semi-finals, where they will meet Liverpool, Newcastle or the winner of the Tottenham-Man United match. In the same match, Liverpool defeated Southampton 2-1 while Newcastle defeated Brentford 3-1. The Tottenham-Man United match will take to the field early in the morning of December 20 to determine the fourth semi-final spot.