Gabriel Jesus’s second-half hattrick send Gunners into Carabao Cup semis

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Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus scored a thirty-minute second-half hat trick to propel Mikel Arteta’s side into the Carabao Cup semi-finals over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. 

The Gunners dusted off their goalless draw against Everton on Friday with a commanding 3-2 comeback in the game against the Eagles. They initially starred at a potential exit in the competition within the first five minutes as Jean-Philippe Mateta powered his way to meet Dean Herderson’s cross following an early mistake from Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior. The French international made no mistake in front of goal to put the Eagles ahead in the first half. 

After a lot of missed opportunities in the first half, Mikel Arteta who has made eight changes from his squad against Everton had to call for the expertise of his key players early in the second half to Change the trajectory of the game. Captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka who replaced Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling respectively made an immediate impact on the game, setting up Gabriel Jesus to equalize and give the Gunners a two-goal lead with 10 minutes to go. The Brazilian only had a goal to his name before the game, and would surely kick aside transfer rumors with his elite performance in the game. 

Former Arsenal winger Eddie Nketiah reduced the deficit for the Eagles five minutes to the end of regular time, as Arsenal held on to claim the win and qualify for the final four. 

The North London side is likely to face defending champions Liverpool, after their 2–1 victory over Southampton away from home. Newcastle United is also through to the last four with a superb 3-1 win over Brentford. Either Manchester United or Spurs would join the three victors to battle it out for a place in the finals. The semi-final draw is set to take place later this week.

ARSENAL TRANSFER SAGA

The 2025 January Transfer window is fast approaching with less than two weeks till it’s official. Like every other European club, Arsenal may seek to fortify their squad ahead of an intense second half of the season, where they intend to compete bitterly in the Champions League Knockout rounds and also put the chase on Liverpool and Chelsea for the Premier League title. While they have a reputation for quiet January deals since Mikel Arteta’s arrival, player contracts, injuries, desires, and performance creates room for changes in the dressing room.

Kieran Tierney is set to leave Arsenal in 2025, as reported by David Ornstein. This follows the club’s decision not to extend his current contract which is poised to expire soon. The club passed on the deadline to trigger an extension for the Scottish international’s contract who is now expected to leave the club by the end of the season. This comes as no surprise given Tierney’s struggles with injuries and reduced role under Mikel Arteta. 

The January transfer window would be a chance for interested clubs to make a bid for the 27-year-old left-back who he proven to remain an asset despite his multiple struggles in the last two years. Alternatively, Tierney will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England during the upcoming transfer window. He has been informed of the club’s decision and is currently working closely with his representatives on the way forward in his career, with multiple interest from rival English sides.

Kieran Tierney spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad and had previously admitted that his Arsenal career was likely over. Since joining Unai Emery Arsenal side in 2019 for €27 million, he was a regular starter until the 2021/22 season when Oleksandr Zinchenko joined the North London side from Manchester City. Although he has recently returned to full fitness and featured in the Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace, this has not changed Arsenal’s stance on his future. The Scottish defender may be more likely to reunite with his former boss Aston Villa after the club picked interest in landing his services in the coming months. Scottish side Celtic are also in advanced talks to land the defender this January.

The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus this January summer to help bring the firing flair the club recently juggles with against tougher opponents. The Gunners need to improve their attacking output from open play and have identified Kudus as a potential option, bearing in mind that the Ghanaian International would cost the club a fortune. 

Mohammed Kudus has a contract with West Ham that keeps him in the London Stadium until the summer of 2028. The Ghanaian has a £85million release clause in his contract which becomes active in the summer of 2025. Kudus joined West Ham from Ajax for £38m in the summer of 2023. He has 16 goals and eight assists in 58 games for the club. This season, he has made 15 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions.

While Arsenal are in dire need of a player of his profile, it is uncertain if they are willing to push for his services this winter, especially with Martin Odeegard and Gabriel Jesus returning to peak forms. To raise funds for his potential purchase, the Gunners may need to sell a key player like Leandro Trossard who has multiple Saudi Pro League club admirers.

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has agents to find newer opportunities for him outside the Emirates following limited Playtime under Mikel Arteta. His potential departure would be a big blow to Arsenal’s defensive line which has struggled with multiple injury set-back this season. The Polish international covered for Gabriel Magalhaes before his return from Arsenal and played 87 minutes of football against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. He is reportedly interested in a move to Seria A, and Antonio Conte’s Napoli is interested in placing a bid for his services.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked to out-of-favour Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford. Both London clubs have gone toe-to-toe in pursuit of the same candidates to fix their central forward problems in the last two transfer windows. The new rivalry might kick start again with their latest interest in Rashford, who they consider a cheaper option to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Marcus Rashford’s time at Man United seems to be drawing to an end with less playtime under new boss Ruben Amorim. A new chapter in a new club might just be what he needs to rekindle his amazing career.

UPCOMING ARSENAL FIXTURES

Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town, Premier League, Friday 27th December, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:15

Brentford vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Wednesday 1st January, Gtech Community Stadium, London, 17:30

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday 4th January, Amex Stadium, Brighton, 17:30

Arsenal vs. Manchester United, The FA Cup, Sunday 12th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 15:00

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Wednesday 15th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:00

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa, Premier League, Saturday 18th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 17:30

Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb, UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 22nd January, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday 25th January, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, 15:00

Girona vs. Arsenal, UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 29th January, Estadi Montilivi, Girona, 20:00

WHERE TO GET TICKETS TO ARSENAL GAMES!

Make sure you’re not missing out on any of the action this season with available Arsenal Tickets a click away from you. Be part of these well-anticipated fixtures across Europe and support the Gunners as they keep vying for victory on multiple fonts. Compare prices and seating options to find your perfect view using trusted reseller platforms as Official sites are sold out of these fast-selling tickets.

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