Match Coverage

Something just happened to Arsenal for the first time in 366 days during EFL Cup win vs Crystal Palace

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Arsenal soared to victory against the Eagles in the EFL Cup, beating Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s squad are in the semi-final of the EFL Cup after coming from behind to beat Palace in N5.

Arsenal won 3-2 against Oliver Glasner’s side in what was a well-contested affair in North London, seeing the visitors score after only three minutes.

While Jean-Philippe Mateta and returning Gunner Eddie Nketiah scored for Palace, the night belonged to Gabriel Jesus, who scored a sensational hat-trick to fire his side through.

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Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus scores first Emirates goal in over a year

Jesus has been heavily criticised for his lack of output over the past year at Arsenal however, the Brazilian silenced his doubters against Palace.

Despite receiving harsh criticism for some time, the striker took to the pitch in the EFL Cup and sent a stern message to the footballing world, scoring a stellar hat-trick. 

Scoring three goals and taking home the match ball will be the player’s focus but, it was his first strike that broke a 366-day record. 

Before opening the scoring against Palace, Jesus hadn’t scored at the Emirates since December 17th 2023, when he netted in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League.

Not only did the Brazil international end his streak without scoring, but he did it in style, netting three to win his club the game. 

Jesus sent a statement to Arsenal 

It was only recently that Arteta denied rumours that Jesus would be sold in January amid a lengthy spell of poor form. 

Fast forward to now and the 27-year-old scored a match-defining hat-trick to save Arsenal’s cup run, emphasising how quickly things can change in football.

The manager could now have a dilemma to tend to in attack, particularly as Kai Havertz has been a problem for Arsenal in recent weeks. 

For now, the Brazilian will relish getting back amongst the goals, ending his rough patch in the best way possible to send Arsenal to the semi-final.