Arsenal’s bid for silverware in the 2024-25 season received a major boost as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. The night, filled with twists and tension, saw Gabriel Jesus score a stunning hat-trick, marking his first home goals in over a year and putting him back in the spotlight for all the right reasons.
Despite a difficult start to the season, including a lengthy goal drought stretching back to January, Jesus showcased his clinical best at Emirates Stadium. With Arsenal trailing 1-0 at half-time after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early goal, the stage was set for a comeback. A second-half surge led by the return of captain Martin Ødegaard proved decisive, with Jesus capitalising on Ødegaard’s pinpoint deliveries to score three goals in just 27 minutes.
A Resurgent Jesus
Prior to this match, the Brazilian forward had only managed to find the net once in his previous 33 appearances, a statistic that had raised doubts about his form. However, Jesus demonstrated all the qualities that made him one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded forwards during his time at Manchester City. His first goal was a thing of beauty — a composed dink over Palace keeper Dean Henderson after expertly reading Ødegaard’s perfectly weighted through ball.
Just 19 minutes later, Jesus doubled his tally, this time finishing with precision after Bukayo Saka provided a sublime pass. The hat-trick was completed in the 81st minute, as Jesus latched onto another Ødegaard assist, sprinting into space and calmly firing past Henderson once again. His performance was a timely reminder of his abilities, and the question now is whether this could serve as a turning point in his season.
Tierney’s Rare Start
One of the notable features of this match was Kieran Tierney’s first start for Arsenal since May 2023. The Scottish full-back, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, had been sidelined due to injury and was expected to be sold in the summer. However, after impressing in recent training sessions, Tierney was given a chance to prove his worth.
He did not disappoint. The left-back’s attacking runs down the flank brought a spark to Arsenal’s play, reminiscent of the early days of Mikel Arteta’s reign. His combination play with his teammates caused problems for Palace’s defence, and he was unlucky not to register an assist after creating a great chance for Raheem Sterling, whose shot was saved.
Impact of Substitutes
Arsenal’s turnaround in the second half was undoubtedly influenced by Arteta’s smart tactical changes. With the team struggling to cope with Palace’s high press, Arteta introduced Ødegaard and William Saliba after the break. Saliba provided the much-needed composure at the back, ensuring Palace’s lead didn’t stretch further. But it was Ødegaard’s impact that stood out. The Norwegian captain provided two assists and was the catalyst behind Arsenal’s dominance in the second half. His leadership was on full display as he orchestrated the play and lifted the tempo, setting up Jesus’ two decisive goals.
For Arteta, this victory not only secured a semi-final spot in a competition Arsenal have been keen to win but also showed the strength in depth of his squad. The inclusion of Tierney and the impact of Ødegaard and Saliba from the bench are signs that Arsenal’s pursuit of trophies this season is far from over. As Arteta approaches his five-year anniversary in charge, he will be hoping to add more silverware to his collection, with the Carabao Cup firmly in his sights.
A Trophy Bid on Track
While the final scoreline may suggest a close encounter, Arsenal’s performance after the break indicated their resilience and ambition. With key players returning to form, including Jesus, Arsenal’s trophy aspirations remain very much alive. The club now looks ahead to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where the challenge will only get tougher, but the Gunners will take heart from their comeback performance.
The win also provides a timely reminder that, while injuries and inconsistent form have posed challenges this season, Arsenal’s strength in depth — particularly with the likes of Ødegaard and Saliba — gives them the edge in the race for silverware. As for Gabriel Jesus, if his hat-trick is a sign of things to come, Arsenal fans will be hoping their striker has finally rediscovered his best form at a pivotal moment in the season.