Gabriel Magalhaes sends message to Eddie Nketiah that Arsenal fans will love after Crystal Palace win

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Arsenal’s tense win over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals was made even more nervous when former star Eddie Nketiah was introduced into the match.

Familiar problems arose for Mikel Arteta during the first half as the Eagles took the lead early on at the Emirates Stadium.

As difficulties opening up the opposition appeared again, a transformed second half saw Gabriel Jesus score a hat-trick, his first ever in Arsenal colours.

A controlling lead almost let slip though, as Eddie Nketiah scored on his return against Arsenal, making for a nervous last ten minutes.

The Gunners managed to see it out, making their way to the EFL Cup semi-final, even if their former striker did crank the pressure up.

• READ MORE: Why there was no VAR to disallow Gabriel Jesus goal as Arsenal get fortunate against Crystal Palace

Gabriel Magalhaes sends wordless message to Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah’s return to his old club Arsenal was met with plenty of respect from fans inside the Emirates Stadium.

Plenty rose to their feet to cheer the Hale End academy graduate, with chants of “Eddie” coming from the stands.

His goal late on, only his second since joining Crystal Palace from the Gunners in the summer, wasn’t ideal for the home side though.

The striker refused to celebrate though, simply pointing to an invisible watch to suggest there was time left to find an equaliser.

The Eagles couldn’t score that leveller in the end though, giving Arsenal passage to the next round.

Plenty of stars took to social media to celebrate, but for Gabriel Magalhaes, it was a moment to send a touching message to Nketiah.

Taking to Instagram, he posted a story with a picture of the two of them, simply tagging the striker and posting a love heart.

It shows the heart in the dressing room, when players are able to still show their love for a former teammate of theirs, even when competing with them.

• READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus reveals secret plot he had with Martin Odegaard that made Arsenal hat-trick possible

What Oliver Glasner has said about Eddie Nketiah

Nketiah’s difficult start at Crystal Palace could well kick on after he scored his second goal for the club against Arsenal.

He will take on the Gunners again over the weekend, though this time on home turf at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.

There is another chance to haunt his former club, with Oliver Glasner already discussing his start for the Eagles.

Speaking in a recent press conference, he said: “He’s (Nketiah) very ambitious, he’s working hard and was thrown back with an injury then not coming back.

“Then in this period, especially at the end of his injury, the team started to win games and playing better and better.

“Then it’s about waiting for your chance.”

Whether that chance has now come, following his goal against Arsenal, remains to be seen but it is certainly a launchpad for him to improve.