Arsenal beat Crystal Palace and reach the semi-finals of the League Cup
The Brazilian had not scored three times in the same match since July 2022, in a pre-season friendly
Summary
With three goals from Gabriel Jesus, all in the second half, Arsenal came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium and qualified for the semi-finals of the English League Cup.
FOUR GOALS IN THE LEAGUE CUP
The Brazilian has not scored three goals in a single match since July 2022, when he starred in a 6-0 win over Sevilla in a pre-season friendly. In the 2024/25 season, he now has four goals, curiously all of which have come in League Cup games. The other was scored at the end of October, in a 3-0 win over Preston North End in the round of 16.
GAINING SPACE
Starting on Wednesday, Gabriel Jesus has been gaining more space in Mikel Arteta’s team. The Brazilian has played in five of Arsenal’s last six games, starting in two of them. Last Wednesday, he provided the assist for Saka to score the first goal in the 3-0 win over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.
SCARE AND TURN
Wednesday’s game didn’t start well for Arsenal. In the third minute, Jean Mateta opened the scoring for Crystal Palace, taking advantage of a mistake by the Gunners’ defense. The comeback began in the eighth minute of the second half. Gabriel Jesus received the ball from Odegaard in the area, turned in front of his marker and chipped the ball past goalkeeper Dean Henderson. In the 27th minute, the Brazilian took advantage of Saka’s pass and shot across goal to score his second goal. The third goal came in the 35th minute: in a quick counterattack, Jesus was released free by Odegaard, entered the area and shot past the goalkeeper. Nketiah scored for Crystal Palace in the 39th minute, with a header.
