Arsenal are in the semi-final of the EFL Cup after beating Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates.
After not scoring from open-play in their previous three Premier League games, Mikel Arteta watched his side net three times against Palace in the EFL Cup.
Gabriel Jesus put criticism aside and grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck, scoring a hat-trick to ensure Arsenal moved on in the competition.
While it was a memorable night for the Brazilian, it wasn’t all rosy for the hosts, as Jakub Kiwior was guilty of a remarkable blunder to hand Palace an early lead courtesy of Jean-Philippe Mateta, followed later by an Eddie Nketiah goal on his Emirates return.
Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace
David Raya – 6
Raya made a strong save to deny Mateta in the first half however, was unable to keep the Frenchman out after Kiwior’s horrendous show of defending.
Kieran Tierney – 7
584 days after his last start for the Gunners, Arteta named Tierney in the starting XI in his favoured left-back role.
For a player who hasn’t played competitively in some time, the Scotsman didn’t look out of place, approaching the game with pace and power on a night where many lacked such quality.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Timber looked composed for the most part at the back however, it was made clear that the Dutchman is best utilised on the flank, seeing him return to the wide areas at half-time to accommodate Saliba.
Jakub Kiwior – 2
Arsenal fans were unimpressed with Kiwior against Fulham and the Poland international didn’t help his reputation when Palace visited.
Kiwior showcased some unforgivable defending for Mateta’s opener, getting bullied to the ball by the striker.
Thomas Partey – 5
Partey was everywhere in the first half but Arteta has surely learned that the experiment of playing the Ghanaian at right-back must end.
The 31-year-old was substituted during the interval to be replaced by Saliba.
Mikel Merino – 5
While Merino was heavily involved in the game, the Spaniard didn’t offer anything particularly unique or mesmerising to the lineup.
Ethan Nwaneri – 5.5
Nwaneri shone against Preston last time out in the cup however, the 17-year-old was marked with great authority against Palace.
Such meant that the Eagles had a firm eye on the budding midfielder, giving him a limited chance to open the game up before being hooked at half-time.
Jorginho – 6
As expected, Jorginho added some control to Arsenal’s midfield.
Playing alongside 17-year-old Nwaneri and summer signing Merino, the Italian’s presence was needed on a night of rotation.
Leandro Trossard – 4
Trossard has been urged to step up recently, and the Belgian seemed to have missed the message with his display against Palace.
Playing on the left-wing, Trossard found himself in several encouraging positions but criminally lacked an end product.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Arteta wasn’t able to give an explanation for not playing Sterling this season although, the boss might have more of a reason to now.
The Englishman was lively on the wing, constantly trying to make things happen, something that’s been rarely seen on the flanks this term – just agonisingly failed to score in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus – 10
It’s been a tough season for Jesus, but the Brazilian showed his quality against Palace.
The 27-year-old scored at the Emirates for the first time in 366 days, showing no fear despite his scoring record, finishing with a tidy chip to ignite his game.
Jesus went on to score two more, emphatically finishing past Dean Henderson twice to hopefully kickstart his season with an impressive hat-trick.
Substitutes
Martin Odegaard – 7
Odegaard came into the game and immediately spurred his teammates to rally forward, providing an assist to create Jesus’ opener and then set up striker’s third.
William Saliba – 7
Added composure and strength in the back line at a time of dire need following Kiwior’s woes.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Saka was introduced to a standing ovation at the Emirates and repaid the supporters soon after, setting up Jesus to claim yet another assist this term.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – N/A
Gabriel Magalhaes – N/A
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