The Independent
·18 décembre 2024
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·18 décembre 2024
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'That is always the narrative' - Mikel Arteta dismisses media's view of Arsenal's recent draws
Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates on Wednesday night to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
A much-changed Arsenal side got off to the worst possible start when Jakub Kiwior’s mistake allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to surge through and slot past David Raya within four minutes.
The hosts dominated much of the rest of the half, though they couldn’t fashion any clear openings, and Mikel Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard for the second half – a decision that paid off almost straight away, as the Norwegian threaded a brilliant pass to Gabriel Jesus to chip past Henderson.
The hosts continued to dominate from there, with Bukayo Saka slipping his own through ball to Jesus, who duly rifled in for 2-1.
The Brazilian wasn’t finished there though, latching onto an Odegaard through ball to power in his third of the night and the eventual winner, as the Gunners completed a remarkable turnaround and held off a late fightback from Palace.
Pinned
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.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace: Jesus netted a second-half hat-trick as the Gunners came froma goal down to march into the semi-finals
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 22:06
It’s fast approaching crunch time in the Carabao Cup and while it doesn’t start the season high on the list of priorities for many clubs - or fanbases - once we reach the quarter-finals, it’s difficult not to feel that opportunity is knocking, especially for those who have not won a major trophy in far too long.
After all, victory in two more rounds means a Wembley date and a cup final for the supporters to enjoy, with the prospect of a historic occasion for some.
In the last eight this year are reigning champions Liverpool, who face Southampton, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace and Newcastle United - still without a trophy since 1955 - will play Brentford. Those games all take place on Wednesday 18 December. Then, on Thursday, Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United, two clubs associated with inconsistency and underperformance this year in particular, but both with good historical track records in this competition, appearing in 19 finals between them.
The quarter-finals take place across Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 December
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 23:00
Arsenal now enter the draw for the semi-finals, which takes place tomorrow after the match between Spurs and Manchester United.
The semi-final ties are across two legs, with one at home and one away for each side. These will take place in on 8 January (first leg) and 5 February (second leg).
The final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 16 March.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 22:35
Mikel Arteta praises his side after the win, though he notes that they “started the game in a way that we didn’t want to, conceded that really poor goal to give them hope and energy.
“We lacked some fluidity, especially in wide areas. In the second half, we made some changes, and we looked much more of a threat.”
On Jesus, he says: “It’s about confidence, and when you haven’t scored a goal in almost a year it’s tough. You are thinking about it.
“Gabi is someone who wants to do more. He wants to work harder and help the team in any way. Today he got rewarded.
“The movement, the quality of his touches, the way he finished the actions, it’s a big thing for him and for the team.
“It’s a big message for the team, that we’ve got Gabi back at his best, and at that level he can really deliver for us.”
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 22:19
Hat-trick hero Jesus tells Sky that he “can score goals” as well as create, assist, run and help his side defensively.
“When I score I think everyone sees, but when I don’t, obviously they want their striker to scroe goals.
“That’s why im working a lot in training, finishing more, [to] put myself in a good position to finish the action, and that’s it.
“Today, my hard work paid off,” he adds.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 22:14