Gabriel Jesus stole the spotlight with a stunning second-half hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to eliminate Crystal Palace in a thrilling EFL Cup encounter. The Gunners, widely regarded as favorites to win the tournament, secured their fifth successive victory over Palace, showcasing their resilience and class at the Emirates Stadium.
Palace’s Perfect Start Shakes the Emirates
Crystal Palace entered the match with a dismal record at Arsenal, having only won twice in North London in the last 30 years. However, they appeared determined to rewrite history, starting brightly and taking a shocking lead four minutes into the game.
A long ball from goalkeeper Dean Henderson caught Arsenal’s rotated defense napping, with Jakub Kiwior failing to win the aerial duel and subsequently outpaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta. The in-form Palace striker confidently slotted the ball past David Raya, silencing the Emirates and giving the visitors an early advantage.
Arsenal looked rattled but gradually grew into the game. Raheem Sterling almost equalized with a superb free-kick heading for the top corner, only to be expertly saved by Henderson. Despite dominating possession in the first half, Arsenal lacked sharpness and went into the break trailing.
Ødegaard and Saliba Spark Arsenal’s Comeback
Mikel Arteta rang the changes in the second half, introducing club captain Martin Ødegaard and defensive stalwart William Saliba. Their impact was immediate as Arsenal raised their intensity and began to turn the screws on Palace.
Sterling missed two golden chances, and Mikel Merino’s curling effort narrowly missed the target as Arsenal applied relentless pressure. The breakthrough finally came when Ødegaard slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian showcased his composure, lifting the ball over Henderson to bring the Gunners level.
Jesus the Hero
With momentum firmly on their side, Arsenal continued to pile forward. Jesus doubled his tally moments later with a clinical finish into the bottom corner following a slick team move. Palace had no answers to Arsenal’s fluid attacking play, and the Brazilian emphatically completed his hat-trick.
A rapid counter-attack saw Jesus race from his half, leaving Palace defenders trailing before unleashing a thunderous strike to seal the victory. The Emirates erupted in celebration as the hat-trick hero took his well-deserved applause.
Late Drama
Despite Arsenal’s dominance, Palace ensured a nervy finish. Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah climbed above William Saliba to head home Nathaniel Clyne’s pinpoint cross, reducing the deficit to 3-2 with just five minutes remaining.
The Gunners, however, stood firm in the dying minutes, defending resolutely to secure their place in the next round. The victory gives Arsenal confidence heading into another clash with Palace on Saturday, this time at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.
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Conclusion
Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick reminded Arsenal fans why he’s a world-class talent capable of winning games single-handedly. While Palace showed fight and resilience, the Gunners’ depth, tactical adjustments, and attacking quality proved decisive. With a high-stakes Premier League rematch looming, Arsenal will hope to replicate their EFL Cup heroics, while Crystal Palace will seek redemption.
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