Arsenal were able to book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
In the aftermath of this match, the plaudits will all go to hat-trick hero Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker was able to end his goal drought in spectacular fashion to fire Arsenal into the next round of the competition.
However, Mikel Arteta must also recognise the efforts of the other players who stepped up and impressed in this rotated Arsenal XI.
Kieran Tierney impressed Arsenal fans as he was handed his first appearance of the season, proving that he still has something to offer the North London club.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling was also able to catch the eye. The Chelsea loanee will have been frustrated with his lack of minutes so far this season, and showed the energy and attacking endeavour that he can bring to the side when given a chance to play.
Raheem Sterling changing minds at Arsenal
Arsenal fans have been calling upon Arteta to give Sterling an opportunity, and the Spanish coach obliged by handing the winger a start in this game.
The Emirates Stadium faithful may well have felt somewhat underwhelmed when the 30-year-old arrived from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window, as he had failed to impress at Stamford Bridge and looked to be past his best.
However, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli having fallen short of expectations, an appetite to see what Sterling can deliver has grown.
The England international may not be the player that he once was, and needs game time to get back to his best, but there are signs that he is worth persisting with.
Mikel Arteta must give Sterling more chances
Sterling was recently dubbed the worst signing of the summer, but that is largely to due to the fact that prior to this outing against the Eagles, he had been afforded just ten appearances all season, of which only four were starts.
Arteta now needs to keep showing faith in the player, giving him minutes on a far more regular basis.
If Sterling can build up his form and confidence, he has the quality to make a positive contribution to this team. This is a player with four Premier League titles, amongst numerous other honours, to his name.
The Arsenal boss must do call he can to get the best out of him.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
