Arsenal edge past Crystal Palace to reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals

Arsenal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel Jesus stealing the spotlight with a hat-trick.

The Gunners had a shaky start as Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace an early lead just three minutes into the match.

Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to find an equalizer in the first half, prompting Mikel Arteta to make key substitutions at the break.

Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri were replaced by William Saliba and Martin Odegaard, a move that transformed the game. Odegaard’s impact was immediate, providing a pinpoint through ball for Gabriel Jesus to score Arsenal’s first goal.

Minutes later, Jesus put the Gunners ahead, finishing off a Bukayo Saka assist, albeit in a controversial moment with no VAR intervention despite offside concerns.

Odegaard continued to shine, delivering another precise long pass that set Jesus up for his third goal, sealing his first hat-trick for Arsenal.

Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah, on loan from Arsenal, scored a late consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Gunners their victory.

While Jesus was named man of the match, Martin Odegaard’s performance was equally outstanding.

The Arsenal captain contributed two assists, boasted a 91% passing accuracy, and completed all his dribbles and long balls.

His resurgence after a dip in form over the last three games will be a boost for Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.

Arsenal now turn their attention to their next challenge a Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With the Gunners six points behind league leaders Liverpool, a win is crucial to keep their title hopes alive.

Mikel Arteta is expected to field a strong XI featuring Odegaard, Saka, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Declan Rice.