Arsenal FC overcame an early deficit to beat Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-finals and advance to the semi-finals. Match winner in the 3-2 win was hat-trick scorer Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal made eight changes from the disappointing 0-0 draw with Everton, with Raya, Timber and Merino the only players to retain their places in the starting lineup. A number of rotational players such as Thomas, Jorginho and Sterling got the chance to play.
Oliver Glasner made just one change from the side that beat Brighton 3-1. Kporha came in for Munoz in midfield.
Fast start from Palace
Crystal Palace, who had shown strong form recently and had always been good for an upset, got off to a dream start at the Emirates: with less than four minutes played, Mateta suddenly found himself free in front of Raya after a long ball and poor tackling from Kiwior. The striker kept his nerve and netted low for an early lead.
The second suit of the Gunner didn’t really fit. Arteta’s team found it difficult to create danger and rarely posed any problems for Palace. Apart from a Sterling free-kick that Henderson diverted over the bar and a Merino header, Arsenal hardly created any danger.
Gabriel Jesus turns the game around
After the break, Arteta brought on the rested key players Saliba and Ödegaard – and they immediately provided a breath of fresh air. Arsenal were able to increase the pressure and equalized through Gabriel Jesus, who lifted the ball over Henderson after receiving a through ball from Ödegaard (54′).
And that wasn’t the end of it, because the Brazilian striker caught fire: first he scored the 2-1 after a fine combination from a half-right position (73′), then he made the decisive move against the advancing guests in front of Henderson (81′).
Nketiah rose highest to head into the right corner after a cross from the right in the 85th minute, making it exciting again in the final minutes, but Arsenal held on to win. The Gunners advanced to the League Cup semi-finals. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. This time at Selhurst Park (6:30 p.m.).
