Jesus hat-trick delivers early Christmas gift as Arsenal topple Palace

It seems fitting that Gabriel Jesus should have chosen this time of year to end his goalscoring drought.

- Ed Aarons

A brilliant hat-trick from the Brazil striker sealed a stirring second-half comeback for Arsenal to book their place in the semi-finals after Jean-Philippe Mateta had fired Crystal Palace into an early lead.

Oliver Glasner's well-drilled side looked capable of springing a surprise until Mikel Arteta's half-time substitutions changed the course of this tie, although it was Jesus - who had only found the net once in his past 34 appearances - who came to his manager's rescue in the end despite a scare when Eddie Nketiah pulled one back late on.

Arteta said beforehand that Arsenal could use this competition as a springboard to winning bigger trophies but his team selection showed where his true loyalties lie. There were eight changes from the disappointing draw against Everton here on Saturday, with Kieran Tierney recalled for his first start since the 2023 Community Shield at left-back and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling also making a rare appearance.