Gabriel Jesus' Stunning Hat-Trick Sends Arsenal to Carabao Cup Semifinals
In an electrifying Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Gabriel Jesus delivered a second-half masterclass, scoring a sensational hat trick to help Arsenal overturn a deficit and defeat Crystal Palace 3-2. The victory secured the Gunners a coveted spot in the semifinals.
Crystal Palace Strikes Early
The game started on a sour note for Arsenal, as Crystal Palace took an early lead in the 4th minute. Jean-Philippe Mateta showcased his strength and skill, shrugging off Jakub Kiwior to slot home a composed finish past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The goal left Arsenal stunned and the fans in anxious silence.
Jesus Sparks Arsenal’s Comeback
After a frustrating first half for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus stepped up in spectacular fashion. In the 54th minute, Martin Ødegaard delivered a pinpoint through ball, and Jesus calmly chipped it over Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson to level the score.
The momentum shifted entirely in Arsenal’s favor, and Jesus doubled his tally in the 73rd minute, hammering home Bukayo Saka’s perfectly threaded pass. The Brazilian sealed his hat trick just eight minutes later, latching onto another sublime Ødegaard pass and firing past Henderson to send the Emirates crowd into raptures.
“It’s been a long time without goals for him, and I’m so pleased for [Jesus],” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said post-match. “He scored three types of goals today and showed his quality when we needed it the most.”
Palace’s Late Fightback Falls Short
Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah tried to spoil the party for his old club by scoring a late header for Palace, but it was too little too late as Arsenal held on for the win.
Other Quarterfinal Highlights
The quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup delivered plenty of drama across the other matches as well:
Liverpool vs. Southampton: Holders Liverpool edged past Southampton 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium. Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott were on target for the Reds, while Cameron Archer netted a consolation goal for the Saints.
Newcastle vs. Brentford: Sandro Tonali shone at St. James' Park, scoring twice to inspire Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Brentford. Fabian Schär also found the net, while Yoane Wissa scored a late goal for Brentford.
What’s Next?
The final semifinal spot will be decided on Thursday when Tottenham Hotspur hosts Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With Arsenal firing on all cylinders and Gabriel Jesus finding his form, the Gunners will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the semifinals. Can they go all the way and lift the Carabao Cup? Only time will tell!
Reference from :- https://www.espn.in/football/report/_/gameId/722969