Gabriel Jesus nets second-half treble to send Arsenal into Carabao Cup last four

Gabriel Jesus scored a second-half hat-trick as Arsenal staged an impressive fightback to book their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.

The home side were staring at an underwhelming exit from the competition at half-time after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener for Palace inside just four minutes.

But Jesus, who had scored just once this season heading into Wednesday’s fixture, fired a treble in the second period with substitutes Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both central to his haul.

A five goal thriller sees @Arsenal prevail!#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/fCkhWQgjuC

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 18, 2024

Eddie Nketiah, sold to Palace from Arsenal in the summer, scored with five minutes remaining to provide his new employers with hope, but the Gunners held on to secure their last-four spot.

Mikel Arteta has overseen just one trophy in his five years in charge at Arsenal – a 2020 FA Cup triumph – and the Spaniard said ahead of Wednesday’s fixture that winning the Carabao Cup could provide a snowball effect for further glory.

But Arteta made eight changes from their goalless draw against Everton and they were behind after just 184 seconds when Jakub Kiwior – playing in the heart of Arsenal’s defence as Gabriel and William Saliba both sat on the bench – made a mess of a long ball over the top from Palace stopper Dean Henderson.

Mateta was quick to pounce on Kiwior’s misjudgement, controlling the ball with his chest, taking another touch with his left boot before unleashing a cynical finish past David Raya to silence the Emirates.

Arsenal looked for a quick response and Kieran Tierney – making his first appearance for Arsenal in 500 days – wanted a penalty when his