Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace: Player Ratings as Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick takes the Gunners through to the semis
Arsenal hosted Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, December 18 and secured a come-from-behind 3-2 win against their rivals.
The visitors were handed the perfect start as Jean-Philippe Mateta handed them an early lead with just four minutes on the clock. The Gunners tried desperately to get back into the contest after that moment but were unsuccessful.
However, they struck early in the second half as Gabriel Jesus brought them level nine minutes after the restart. Martin Odegaard provided an assist for the goal. The Brazilian made it a brace in the 73rd minute, this time assisted by Bukayo Saka. Jesus made it a hat-trick in the 81st minute as Odegaard bagged his second assist.
Former Gunner Edward Nketiah then grabbed a late goal as he made it 3-2 in the 85th minute. Arsenal held on to secure a 3-2 win and a passage to the semi-finals.
On that note, here are the player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper
David Raya – 6.5/10
Raya made two saves in a decent performance for Arsenal in goal.
Defenders
Thomas Partey – 6.5/10
Partey had a decent game on the right side of the hosts’ defence.
Jurrien Timber – 6.5/10
Timber won three duels, making two clearances and two interceptions. He also completed three dribbles.
Jakub Kiwior – 5.5/10
He made a poor mistake early in the game which allowed Crystal Palace to score.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Tierney had a good game as he won all three of his duels, making one clearance and one interception as well.
Midfielders
Ethan Nwaneri – 6/10
Nwaneri looked slightly off-colour in a subpar performance for his team.
Jorginho – 7/10
He passed the ball with 94% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won one duel and made one interception.
Mikel Merino – 7/10
Merino passed the ball with just 68% accuracy, but won 10 duels in midfield, making one interception as well.
Forwards
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Sterling had a poor game for Arsenal as he could not make an impact on their goal scoring efforts.
Gabriel Jesus – 9.5/10
Jesus broke out of his scoring slump in great fashion as he scored a stunning second-half hat-trick to take Arsenal through to the next round.
Leandro Trossard – 7.5/10
Trossard passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including one key pass and one accurate cross. He also won five duels.
Substitutes
William Saliba – 6.5/10
He replaced Partey in defence and had a good game.
Martin Odegaard – 8/10
He came off the bench at half-time and provided two assists in the second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.5/10
He replaced Tierney in the second half and picked up a booking during his cameo.
Bukayo Saka – 7.5/10
Saka came on and had a quick impact as he provided one assist.
Gabriel Magalhaes – N/A
He played less than 10 minutes and hence does not warrant a rating.
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 8/10
He managed the game well, making timely changes and guiding his team to a win.
Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson – 8.5/10
He made an impressive six saves throughout the match to keep Crystal Palace in the game. He also provided an assist for their first goal.
Defenders
Trevoh Chalobah – 6.5/10
Chalobah had a decent game in defence for the Eagles.
Maxence Lacroix – 6/10
He won three duels in defence, making six clearances and one tackle.
Marc Guehi – 6.5/10
The Palace skipper had a decent game on the left side of their defence.
Midfielders
Caleb Kporha – 6/10
He had 19 touches of the ball and was dispossessed five times. He also won just three duels.
Will Hughes – 6.5/10
Hughes had a decent game in midfield against Arsenal as he played one key pass and won six duels.
Jefferson Lerma – 7/10
Lerma had a good game as he played one accurate cross and attempted one shot on target. He also won six duels, making three clearances and two interceptions.
Tyrick Mitchell – 6.5/10
He won five duels and made four tackles in a decent performance.
Forwards
Ismaila Sarr – 6.5/10
He could not replicate his performance from the last match in this one.
Eberechi Eze – 6.5/10
Eze had a decent game for Palace up front but could not make much of an impact for them in the final third.
Jean-Phillipe Mateta – 7.5/10
He scored his team’s early goal with a smart finish after holding off the defender. He also attempted another shot that was blocked.
Substitutes
Nathaniel Clyne – 6.5/10
He replaced Kporha and put in a decent performance for his team.
Daichi Kamada – 7/10
Kamada replaced Eze and put in a good cameo for his team off the bench.
Edward Nketiah – 7/10
He came off the bench to score against his former club.
Justin Devenny & Jeffrey Schlupp – N/A
The pair played less than 10 minutes apiece and hence do not warrant a rating.
Manager
Oliver Glasner – 7/10
He fielded a strong lineup and they were ahead in the game for 52 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What was the result of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
A. Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 3-2.
Q. When was Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
A. The game kicked-off at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 PM GMT.
Q. Who was the man of the match in Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
A. Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal was the man of the match.
Q. Who was the worst performer in Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
A. Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal was the worst performer.