Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. (Image: Getty)
The return to form of Gabriel Jesus proved timely for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal fought back from a goal down to make the semi-finals. The Brazilian forward took his tally to four this season, and looked a player revitalised after his recent struggles.
The clash was just three minutes old when Jakub Kiwior was outmuscled by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who strode into the box before side-footing it past David Raya. But after Jesus stole the show in the second half, former Gunner Eddie Nketiah headed home to set up a nervy finish.
But Arsenal held on. And now Mikel Arteta’s side will eye a real chance of another major trophy.
Express Sport brings you the Arsenal player ratings below….
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya 6
Well beaten by Mateta’s crisp finish and Nketiah’s header, but little to do otherwise. One smart second half save.
Thomas Partey 5
Right-back is simply not the best position for the Ghanaian. Tried to get forward and proved a threat at times, but struggled to link effectively before he was hooked off for William Saliba at the interval.
Jurrien Timber 8
Moved to the right of the defence after Partey went off and helped change the contest, adding an extra dimension to his side going forward.
Jakob Kiwior 5
Weak defending for the first goal. On a rare start, failed to take his opportunity.
Kieran Tierney 6
Lack of game-time seemed to catch up on him as he was forced off in the second half with cramp. Steady display for over an hour before then.
Raheem Sterling failed to make an impact against Palace. (Image: Getty)
Ethan Nwaneri 5
Struggled to influence matters in the first 45 minutes and was another to be hauled off half-time.
Jorginho 7
Like his team, the skipper struggled for fluency in the first half. Looked far more influential as the home side poured forward after the break.
Mikel Merino 6
A mixed night. Flashes of quality and one 20-yard drive flew wide, but still not enough to present a regular selection headache for Arteta.
Raheem Sterling 4
You could see he desperation to make an impact and a first-half free kick forced a smart save out of Dean Henderson. But missed a glorious double chance just after the break and taken off 70 minutes in.
Gabriel Jesus 9
For a man short of goals, looked confident and clinical wirth a dinked finish for the equaliser. His second was driven low and powerfully and his third was just reward for his display. Manager and fans will hope this night proves a turning point.
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Leandro Trossard 6
Blazed over at 0-1 and was wasteful in the first half. But involved in a lot of the attacking play after the break.
Subs:
William Saliba (for Partey, HT) 7 His presence added balance and assurance, although Arteta would have been irked at having to use him so early.
Martin Odegaard (for Nwaneri, HT) 8 His extra quality made a huge difference, and claimed the assists for the first two Jesus goals
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Tierney, 69) 6 Showed flashes and added energy late on.
Bukayo Saka (for Sterling, 70) 8 Like Odegaard, instantly improved his side and created the third goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes (for Kiwior, 87) 6 Brought on to shore things up after Nketiah’s goal.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1990523/arsenal-player-ratings-crystal-palace-gabriel-jesus