The five Arsenal players who have a point to prove vs Crystal Palace – one is on his last chance

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Arsenal face Crystal Palace on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta will be desperately eyeing silverware this season, having not collected any trophies since Arsenal’s recent resurgence. 

The EFL Cup presents the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to get their hands on a trophy this term, with Arsenal just two steps away from Wembley. 

In the quarter-final, Crystal Palace await Arteta’s side, who will be desperate to book their place in the final four. 

Five players who must step up against Crystal Palace

While Arsenal’s focus will firmly be on getting a step closer to a cup final at Wembley, the Gunners first have to solve some internal problems.

Several players underperformed when Arsenal drew to Everton, calling for Arteta to see an improvement from such individuals. 

Here are five players who have a point to prove when the Gunners host Palace on Wednesday night.

Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal fans were unimpressed with Gabriel Jesus’ performance against Monaco, with many calling for the Brazilian to be sold.

While the striker is not performing right now, Arteta described Jesus’ possible transfer as nonsense, giving the forward additional chances to prove himself.

Against Palace, it could be make or break for the 27-year-old, who is fighting a losing battle to attempt to reannounce himself as a player of importance to Arteta.

The EFL Cup is where Jesus has found the most joy in a rather dreary season, scoring his only goal this campaign in the fourth round against Preston North End. 

Kai Havertz

Attacking has been a problem for Arsenal in recent weeks, which has subsequently impacted Kai Havertz.

Craig Burley believes Havertz is becoming a problem for the Gunners, taking aim at the German’s lack of goalscoring impact when it comes to leading the line.

It’s not the first time that the forward has been criticised, as Havertz was called ‘weak’ earlier in the season, with his claim to being Arsenal’s elected number nine not quite going to plan.

Against Palace, the 25-year-old must do better to impress in threatening areas to bring Arsenal’s lack of strength in the final third to a close.

Raheem Sterling

In a different light comes Raheem Sterling, who has had limited chance to impress since joining Arsenal from Chelsea on loan on deadline day.

Arteta admits that leaving Sterling out has been difficult, with the 30-year-old rarely featuring for the Gunners since arriving.

That being said, the Arsenal manager has also declined to call on the Englishman in times of need, hinting that Arteta doesn’t fully trust Sterling at this moment in time.

One thing that is certain is that Sterling is capable of making an impact against Palace, given that he’s already shone in the EFL Cup this season. 

Gabriel Martinelli

One real issue Arteta has right now is the lack of threat on the left side, specifically Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli has been urged to step up at Arsenal if he is to continue getting minutes, with a greater output urgently needed from the winger.

Having underperformed in the majority of games this season, the Brazilian could be handed the chance to prove a point against Palace, an opportunity that he must grasp to prove doubters wrong.

Leandro Trossard

A fellow underperformer on the left has been Leandro Trossard, who has lost his status as Arsenal’s ‘super sub’ this season.

While it’s clear that Trossard is trying to do more at Arsenal at this moment in time, the 2023 signing is having little luck at making things happen.

Arteta believes in Trossard and has backed the Belgian to elevate his game, something that must be seen against Palace.