EFL Cup: Sweet Jesus, that boy singlehandedly saved Arsenal

Stylish. Subtle. Superb.

Three words and sentences to describe Gabriel Jesus' Wednesday night second-half hat-trick against Crystal Palace at Emirates, which booked Arsenal the ticket for the EFL Cup semi-final.

The Brazilian striker singlehandedly pushed his side to a 3-2 win after not scoring a single goal at Emirates for over a year.

The Gunners came from behind after conceding early on, thanks to Mateta's opener. The Eagles proved to be a more than serious rival, ready to fight until the very last second. On the other hand, Mikel Arteta's side struggled in the opening half, failing to create spaces and chances that would return the stalemate, let alone award them a lead.

However, the things changed drastically as the former Manchester City forward decided to step up in spectacular fashion, netting trice betweeen 54 and 81 minute. All three of his goals came from the right-hand side, with the equalizer being a lovely piece of football art as he chipped it over the Eagles' keeper.

The other two goals were like a carbon copy of each other - a firm shot into the far corner, out of custodian's reach. A genuine striker's clinic in front of a packed Emirates!

The visitors managed to peg one back, though, through ex-Arsenal prodigy Eddie Nketiah. He headed it home impressively, but Crystal Palace didn't have time or the idea of how to completely recover from a two-goal deficit.

EFL CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Wednesday

Arsenal - Crystal Palace 3-2 (0-1)

/Jesus 54, 73, 81 - Mateta 4, Nketiah 84/

Newcastle - Brentford 3-1 (2-0)

/Tonali 9, 43, Schar 69 - Wissa 90+1/

Southampton - Liverpool IN PROGRESS

Thursday

23.00: (2.40) Tottenham (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.80)

***odds are subject to change***