Gabriel Jesus scored a remarkable hat-trick in 27 minutes as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian forward ended his year-long goal drought at the Emirates in spectacular fashion, helping the Gunners overcome an early Palace lead to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.
Crystal Palace took a surprise early lead after just four minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalised on a defensive error from Jakub Kiwior.
The Arsenal defender failed to deal with a long ball forward before being outmuscled by the French forward, who finished past David Raya.
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night
Reuters
The goal, Mateta’s seventh of the season, left the home fans at the Emirates stunned as Palace held their advantage until half-time.
Arsenal emerged transformed after the break, with the introduction of Martin Odegaard and William Saliba helping to change the game’s momentum.
Jesus equalised in the 54th minute with an exquisite finish following Odegaard’s assist, marking his first Emirates goal since December last year.
The Brazilian striker then added two more goals in quick succession, with his second coming from a Saka assist and his third arriving with nine minutes remaining after being picked out by Odegaard.
Jesus’s first goal showcased his finesse with a delicate dink over Dean Henderson after being played through by Odegaard.
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Gabriel Jesus has had to wait over a year for his first goal – and he went on to score three
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His second strike relied on pure power to beat the Palace goalkeeper, with Bukayo Saka providing the assist.
The hat-trick was completed when Jesus found himself completely free on the halfway line, with Odegaard picking him out once again. The Brazilian strode through the Palace half before calmly finding the bottom corner.
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Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah returned to haunt his old club with an impressive late header, setting up a tense finish as Palace pushed for an equaliser.
The Gunners, however, held firm in the closing stages to secure their progression to the last four of the Carabao Cup.
The draw for the semi-finals will take place on Thursday night, with Arsenal now just two matches away from reaching the final at Wembley Stadium.
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