"Big game changers", "Without them Arsenal are nothing" - Fans hail 2 Gunners stars for showing in 3-2 win over Crystal Palace

Fans on social media have lauded Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka for their performances in Arsenal's 3-2 comeback victory against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. The duo's introduction in the second half transformed the Gunners’ attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for the Eagles in the fourth minute after a bizarre error by Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior. After a fairly toothless first-half, the Gunners equalized through Gabriel Jesus in the 54th minute. The Brazilian striker was set-up by Martin Odegaard with a brilliant through ball.

In the 73rd minute, Jesus made it 2-1 following a pass from Bukayo Saka. Jesus scored his third goal of the night eight minutes later after receiving another through ball from Odegaard.

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah reduced Palace's deficit with a brilliant header in the 85th minute. However, the game ended 3-2 in favor of the Gunners.

Saka featured for only 20 minutes, but his presence was key in the Gunners' attack. The Englishman had a passing accuracy of 100% (4/4). He also provided an assist despite taking only eight touches during his time on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Odegaard was introduced at half-time as Mikel Arteta looked to spark a comeback. The Norwegian midfielder had a passing accuracy of 91% (30/33). He registered two assists and created two big chances.

In the game's aftermath, fans took to X to commend the duo for their performance, with one tweeting:

"Odegaard and saka big game changers.”

"Without Odegaard & Saka Arsenal are nothing..,” another added.

"Odegaard and Saka One day your efforts will be crowned Congratulations to Gabriel Jesus on his hat-trick for Arsenal,” a fan opined.

"Jesus masterclass. Odegaard and Saka impact from the bench!,” another fan opined.

"Odegaard and saka FC saving us, now they will say we don't need an attacker in january ffs,” another chimed in.

"He’s fooling himself. That team can’t do much without Odegaard and Saka.,” wrote another.

The Gunners have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Carabao Cup alongside Newcastle United and holders Liverpool. The final slot in the last four will be filled by either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.

How did Gabriel Jesus perform in Arsenal's win against Crystal Palace?

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Quarter Final - Source: Getty

The Brazilian striker was brilliant against Palace as he netted his first hat-trick of the season. Jesus featured for 90 minutes and registered five shots on target.

The 27-year-old had a passing accuracy of 87% (20/23). He also registered 48 touches on the pitch and won three out of 10 ground duels contested. Jesus was named the man of the match for his brilliant hat-trick.

Jesus has now scored four goals and provided one assist in three Carabao Cup games this season. The Gunners' faithful will be hoping that he can translate his form to the Premier League, where he has zero goal contributions in 13 appearances.

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Disclaimer: The above stats were taken from FotMob on December 19 2024 at 04:37 AM IST. They are subject to change as per the platform's prerogative.