Arsenal vs Crystal Palace - LIVE!
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 and reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The Gunners made a disastrous start in north London, as Jakub Kiwior failed to deal with a long ball forward and Jean-Philippe Mateta charged through on goal to finish past David Raya in the opening minutes.
Palace still held the lead at half-time, forcing Mikel Arteta into changes as Martin Odegaard and William Saliba were introduced, but it was Jesus who took centre stage. Odegaard played Jesus in on goal for the first, with the Brazilian producing a wonderful dinked finish over Dean Henderson, before he relied on pure power to beat the goalkeeper for a second time when picked out by Bukayo Saka, another second-half substitute.
The third soon followed, when Jesus was completely free on the halfway line, Odegaard picked him out and he had the Palace half to himself. Hee strolled through and again found the bottom corner to secure the match ball. But Palace were given late hope when Eddie Nketiah headed in against his former club, setting up a grandstand finish. The Gunners survived that scare to hold firm.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace latest news
- GOAL! Nketiah gives Palace late hope
- GOAL! Jesus hat-trick for Gunners
- GOAL! Second for Jesus and Arsenal
- GOAL! Jesus levels with dinked finish
- GOAL! Mateta scores inside four minutes
Arsenal player ratings
21:34 , Matt VerriMikel Merino 6
Still has some work to do and doesn't look quite right in the system at the moment. Better in the second-half when Odegaard came on.
Raheem Sterling 6
Missed a glorious chance early in the second-half when Tierney’s cross found him at the back-post. Went close with a free-kick in the first-half and was lively.
Gabriel Jesus 9 | Star player
A dream night for the Brazilian. Had found the net twice all year before tonight - but scored a sensational second-half hat-trick. Majestic.
Read our ratings in full here!
FT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:24 , Matt VerriArsenal hold on!
They are through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, with Gabriel Jesus the hat-trick hero.
Eddie Nketiah set up a grandstand finish but Palace could not take it to penalties.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:22 , Matt Verri90+4 mins: Nketiah running down the left wing after a long throw, Saliba wants to run it out for a goal-kick but it bounces off his knee. Corner.
Henderson is up...
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:20 , Matt Verri90+2 mins: Chalobah launches the ball up rather than out, Odegaard tries to bring it down from the clouds but for once his touch lets him down.
Eventually Palace do lump it long... Timber sees it out of play. Seconds ticking away.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:18 , Matt Verri90 mins: Five minutes added on.
This has all got a bit nervy for Arsenal...
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:16 , Matt Verri88 mins: Chalobah goes down, decides to award himself a free-kick... it’s given the other way for handball as he grabs the ball.
Not the cleverest bit of play you’ll ever see.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:14 , Matt Verri86 mins: Mitchell off for Palace, Schlupp is introduced.
And Arteta has thrown Gabriel on to replace Kiwior for the final few minutes. Taking no chances.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace | Eddie Nketiah 85'
21:12 , Matt VerriWELL THEN!
This one isn’t done yet. Nketiah has a goal against his former club.
Clyne whips the cross in and it’s a brilliant header from Nketiah.
Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
21:09 , Matt VerriGabriel Jesus has scored more goals tonight than in the rest of his games this year combined.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace | Gabriel Jesus 81'
21:08 , Matt VerriHAT-TRICK FOR JESUS!
Incredible return to form. He’s in his own half as Odegaard picks him out and he can stroll through on goal.
Just a question of whether he can hold his nerve... and he does!
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:07 , Matt Verri79 mins: Replays suggest that second Jesus goal might well have been offside. No VAR tonight.
Arsenal appeals as Henderson comes off his line and claims the ball - did he take it outside the area? Referee says no.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:04 , Matt Verri76 mins: Saka threatens to lead Arsenal on the counter down the right, Kamada does well to get back and slide in.
Arsenal man takes a bit of time to get back to his feet after that, but he’s fine.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
21:01 , Matt VerriSuper goal from Arsenal. Arteta's substitutions have changed the game.
But, to be honest, with that sort of quality, why wouldn't they?
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace | Gabriel Jesus 73'
21:00 , Matt VerriTHE GUNNERS TAKE THE LEAD!
And it’s a second for Jesus. Saka slides the pass into his path and the Brazilian lashes a strike into the bottom corner.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:59 , Matt Verri71 mins: Odegaard pokes the ball into Merino’s path, and the strike from 20 yards out forces Henderson into action again.
Arsenal captain has made a big difference since coming on.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:57 , Matt Verri69 mins: Sterling and Tierney off then, as Saka and Lewis-Skelly are introduced.
Reminder that there will be no extra-time if it’s level after 90 minutes. Straight to penalties.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:56 , Matt Verri68 mins: Tierney looks to have pulled up slightly.
Limps off the pitch, Arteta shoves him back on to go down.
Lewis-Skelly going to be coming on to replace him, Saka also getting ready.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:55 , Matt Verri67 mins: Sterling loses the ball, quickly gets back and decides to bundle Kamada over to stop any attack.
USA boss Mauricio Pochettino is in stands watching on - not a whole lot of scouting for him to do right now.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:52 , Matt Verri64 mins: Trossard plays it into Jesus in the box, the Brazilian turns Lacroix brilliantly and forces Henderson into a good save from a tight angle. Corner.
Decent ball in from Trossard, but Palace deal with it in their own six-yard box.
Trossard crosses it back in, Henderson claims.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:50 , Matt Verri62 mins: Lerma tries his luck from 25 yards out, comfortable save for Raya.
Midfielder had a chance to go for goal from the halfway line about 30 seconds earlier, when Raya was miles off his line, but opted against it.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:47 , Matt Verri60 mins: Two Palace changes.
One of those is that Nketiah change, replacing Mateta, and Kamada is on for Eze.
Jesus needs some treatment for the Gunners after going down holding his back but he’s fine to continue.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
20:45 , Matt VerriOn comes Nketiah against his former team.
He's warmly clapped by the Arsenal fans and 'Eddie, Eddie' is chanted.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:45 , Matt Verri57 mins: Palace can’t get out at the moment, it’s constant Arsenal pressure.
Another lovely passing move, Timber at right-back is looking so dangerous. Odegaard combining with him really well.
Trossard’s pass deflects into Sterling’s path, but he can’t get the shot away.
Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
20:43 , Matt VerriBack pages everywhere now mapping out how the use the Jesus and Christmas time puns.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace | Gabriel Jesus 54'
20:42 , Matt VerriARSENAL ARE LEVEL!
It was coming, Gunners having a really good spell.
Odegaard of course involved, firing a brilliant ball into his path. Jesus holds off Chalobah and it’s then a sensational dinked finish over Henderson.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:41 , Matt Verri53 mins: Arsenal suddenly piling on the pressure. Merino goes close from distance, before a last-ditch challenges stops Timber dancing through the challenges in the box.
Much more like it from the hosts.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
20:40 , Matt VerriThey were both two really poor shots from Sterling, smacking of a player low on confidence.
The first he scuffs and Henderson makes a save he ought to, and then against the bar by Sterling.
Really terrible finishing.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:39 , Matt Verri51 mins: Scrappy start to this half, hasn’t really got going at all. That will suit Palace just fine.
Goes without saying that Arsenal need to get Odegaard on the ball.
Nice move here, Tierney free on the left, low ball into the middle is a brilliant one... how does Sterling miss?!
First effort from a few yards out is saved, second one on the rebound bounces off the woodwork.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:35 , Matt Verri47 mins: Timber now at right-back, with Saliba obviously moving alongside Kiwior.
The likes of Saka and Havertz won’t be far behind those half-time subs if this scoreline doesn’t change soon.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
20:33 , Matt VerriNot surprising that Nathaniel Clyne is replacing Caleb Kporha at the break.
The 18-year-old defended well on the ball but his off-the-ball positioning was criticised by Glasner from the touchline, plus he was on a yellow card. Makes sense.
Back underway!
20:33 , Matt VerriTwo Arsenal changes at the break.
Nwaneri and Partey off, Odegaard and Saliba on. Kproha, meanwhile, has been replaced by Clyne.
Nightmare from Kiwior...
20:24 , Matt VerriArsenal defender just did not deal with the long ball forward.
What a start for Crystal Palace! 💥
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Jean-Philippe Mateta puts them ahead after three minutes! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/buPaHqf4p2
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:20 , Matt VerriVisitors took the lead early on after a mistake from Kiwior allowed Mateta to pounce.
Arsenal not created enough since then, despite having plenty of possession.
Be interesting to see how long Arteta leaves it before turning to his bench.
HT: Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:17 , Matt VerriThat’s half-time.
Palace made a perfect start with that Mateta goal and Arsenal have not yet been able to respond.
Arteta has a number of stars on the bench to turn to - he surely has to before long.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:16 , Matt Verri45 mins: Palace with the free-kick, 35 yards out. Maybe more.
Eze is lining up like he fancies a shot here... and he does. Straight into the wall. Optimistic doesn’t do that justice.
One minute added on.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:13 , Matt Verri42 mins: Another Arsenal corner coming up. Again Gunners have to leave three man back on the halfway line to deal with the Palace players.
Trossard puts it right on top of Henderson, who punches it out. Arsenal stay on the attack, back to Trossard... cross flies over everyone and out of play.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:12 , Matt Verri41 mins: Sterling tracks back well to stop Mitchell getting in behind and he wins the free-kick. Been a decent performance from the Arsenal winger so far.
Gunners could do with a bit more than decent, though. From anyone.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:10 , Matt Verri39 mins: Not happening as regularly now, but Mateta is looking a real threat whenever the ball is sent up to him.
He’s standing on Kiwior and definitely has the better of the centre-back in a physical battle.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:07 , Matt Verri36 mins: Better spell for Arsenal, moving the ball quickly and starting to look more threatening.
Sterling with a nice burst inside off the right wing, draws the foul. Timber tries to convince the referee he’s stopped from taking the free-kick quickly... unsuccessfully.
Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
20:05 , Matt VerriFor a change, Arsenal's left flank has looked better than their right tonight.
Their best openings are coming down that side, with Jesus drifting out wide to join Trossard.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:03 , Matt Verri32 mins: Trossard to take this corner. Five Arsenal players at the back post ready to make their run.
Looped to the back post, Merino completely free. He tries to nod it back into the six-yard box, but too much on it and straight out of play.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:02 , Matt Verri31 mins: Looks like Sterling has won the battle to take this.
It’s a really good effort, whipped towards the top corner and Henderson is at full stretch to tip it behind.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:01 , Matt Verri30 mins: Chance here, for the Gunners.
Ball fired into Jesus on the edge of the box, great touch under pressure from Lacroix and the Palace defender trips him.
Free-kick in a great position.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:59 , Matt Verri28 mins: No real attacking threat from Arsenal yet - it’s been a familiar theme.
Already you’re starting to look at that bench, with the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Havertz on it.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
19:57 , Matt VerriIt's a clash of two VERY different managerial styles, right now.
While Glasner is practically pointing where each and every Palace pass should go before it goes there, Arteta is stood unmoved on the touchline.
1-0 Palace still.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:56 , Matt Verri25 mins: Jesus briefly in behind, but the touch isn’t great and he has to turn back.
Arsenal haven’t really been able to get the ball to Nwaneri in the final third. Been a quiet night for the midfielder so far.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:54 , Matt Verri23 mins: Trossard skips away from Kporha, poking the ball into space and he’s brought down. It’s a yellow card for the wing-back.
Real test now for the teenager on debut.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:52 , Matt Verri21 mins: Palace looking full of confidence, especially Eze. Takes a free-kick quickly, going for goal from about 50 yards out. Floats over the bar.
Arsenal with a long throw into the box, Merino flicks it on but Trossard can’t get it down in time to get a shot off.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:49 , Matt Verri18 mins: Trossard with a decent run down the left, clipped ball into the box but nobody there at the near post.
Cheers from the home fans as this time Kiwior does deal with a ball up to Mateta, even if he was launched to the ground at the same time.
Partey then takes too long on the ball, Eze robs him but the Arsenal man is very grateful to hear the whistle go for a foul.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:46 , Matt Verri15 mins: Arsenal look so, so vulnerable at the back.
Jesus loses it in midfield and Sarr can run at the defence, as Tierney backs off all the way into his box.
Sarr’s strike takes a slight deflecting and Raya does enough to turn it away.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:44 , Matt Verri13 mins: Timber looks to follow the Palace tactic and launches a ball long over the top of the defence.
Too long though, Trossard can only watch it bounce through to Trossard. Don’t think long balls are going to be Arsenal’s best bet with that front three.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
19:43 , Matt VerriOliver Glasner is absolutely livid at how open his right-sided defenders Kporha and Chalobah are leaving that flank for Arsenal to attack into.
Shouting at them, then his coaching staff, then them again.
Chill out, Oliver... Your team are winning... and Caleb is only 18!
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:42 , Matt Verri11 mins: Palace get themselves into trouble playing out from the back, Sterling hounding after Mitchell and winning it back.
He picks out Trossard on the edge of the box, the Belgian blazes a first-time finish over the bar.
Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
19:41 , Matt VerriPalace copying Monaco's tactic of having three players on the halfway for corners.
Means Arsenal cannot load the box as much as usual.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:41 , Matt Verri10 mins: Merino shifts it wide to Tierney, who is completely free on the left wing.
Tries to cut is back, but Chalobah charges it down. Appeals for a penalty are waved away, but it’s a corner for Arsenal. Trossard to take.
Timber, Partey and Kiwior the three in a huddle at the back post, Jesus and Merino joining them too.
Whipped into the near post, through everyone... hacked off the line!
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:38 , Matt Verri7 mins: Palace fans at the opposite end to that goal but they are making plenty of noise after that perfect start.
Another long ball forward from Henderson and again Arsenal are all over the place. Nobody deals with it, bounces in behind and Sarr is away.
Tierney gets back to deal with it. Shambles from the Gunners.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
19:36 , Matt VerriJust over three minutes on the clock and it's the side who made just one change from their Premier League XI tonight who have the lead.
Mateta bullies Kiwior, pushes him off course so he misses his header. Then he finishes with aplomb. Fine goal.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace | Jean-Philippe Mateta 4'
19:35 , Matt VerriPALACE IN FRONT!
Wow. Ball just lumped forward, Kiwior makes a complete mess of it and Mateta is clean through.
Too strong as Kiwior tries to get back, and he rolls a finish past Raya.
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
19:34 , Matt Verri2 mins: Arsenal parking themselves in the Palace half early on, without really threatening.
Signs already would suggest that Tierney is going to be a traditional left-back tonight, no inverting into midfield.
KICK-OFF!
19:31 , Matt VerriWe’re up and running in north London!
Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
19:30 , Matt VerriA big cheer as Kieran Tierney's name is read out by the PA announcer.
Even with his struggles, he is still something of a cult hero among fans.
Here we go!
19:27 , Matt VerriTeams are in the tunnel, Jorginho with the captain’s armband tonight for Arsenal in the absence of Odegaard.
A few pats on the back from Nketiah on his way past some familiar faces.
Pre-match thoughts from Mikel Arteta...
19:21 , Matt VerriThe Arsenal boss has been explaining his bold team selection.
"We are playing every three days" 🗓️
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
8 changes to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side from the weekend... pic.twitter.com/AQo7CzXAaK
Not long now!
19:17 , Matt VerriWarm-ups nearly done at the Emirates, with just under 15 minutes to go until kick-off.
Kieran Tierney has been linked with a move away in January, so this could prove to be one of his final Arsenal appearances.
As for Raheem Sterling, he absolutely must take his chance to impress tonight if he is to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s Premier League plans.
Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
19:10 , Matt VerriReally strong line-up from Palace, suggesting Glasner is taking this competition very seriously now that a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2012 is on the line.
Kporha in for the suspended Munoz is the only change.
I wondered whether Nketiah might be handed a start and Mateta rested, but Nketiah remains on the bench.
Glasner on Arsenal's threat from corners
19:04 , Matt VerriOliver Glasner is well aware of Arsenal’s set-piece threat ahead of tonight’s clash, admitting it is almost impossible to stop the Gunners creating chances.
“Everybody knows it, everybody tries different things,” the Palace boss said.
“To be honest, it looks like nobody could avoid that [Arsenal] have chances. They didn't score but they had one big chance against Everton. It's a strength, so the best thing is don't give them any corners, but this is the style, how they are playing.
“They force corners. They come from the wing, they overload sides, making the runs, early crosses, you block it… corner, and that's how they play.
“We have to deal with it. It's not that we are now just talking and thinking about the corners. We know it, but we don't make the issue bigger than it is.”
Why Arsenal do not regret selling Nketiah
18:56 , Matt VerriIt is telling that even as Arsenal’s attack has toiled at times this season, there have been few people questioning the club’s decision to sell Eddie Nketiah in the summer.
The Gunners banked £30million by selling the striker but, had he still been at Arsenal, tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter-final is exactly the game that Nketiah may have started.
The striker was lethal in that competition during his time at Arsenal, scoring 11 goals in 14 games.
Gabriel Jesus gets the nod for Arsenal - he has scored once in his last 33 games.
Some will argue Nketiah could have offered more than that, but the fact is Arsenal could not turn down £30m for a player who was never going to remove Kai Havertz as the team’s first-choice No9.
Given Nketiah was a homegrown player, the value of his sale was even greater due to the constraints of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
There was a misconception around Nketiah that he was some form of super-sub, but he actually performed best when starting.
Last season, only one of his six goals came after he was brought off the bench. The season before that, all nine were scored when Nketiah started.
The striker would have been aware of that and it is why both he and Arsenal agreed that this summer was the right time for him to move on in search of regular game time.
Will Arteta decisions pay off?
18:49 , Matt VerriThere is plenty of strength on that Arsenal bench to call upon if required.
"Kieran Tierney starts a game for Arsenal since May 2023... and a rare chance for Raheem Sterling to play."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 18, 2024
🗣 @sr_collings and @MrDomSmith give their pre-match thoughts on the team news from both camps.
LIVE: https://t.co/1LYmVoMyDd #ARSCRY | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/M6SVsa17Uo
Huge night for Kphora
18:41 , Matt VerriThere’s a Crystal Palace debut for Caleb Kphora tonight.
It’s a strong side named by Oliver Glasner, with Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze starting behind Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Eddie Nketiah only on the bench against his former club.
Evening shift 🤝💼#CPFC // @Carabao_Cup pic.twitter.com/IXzHB2ejyM
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 18, 2024
Arteta rotates his side...
18:35 , Matt VerriBig calls from Mikel Arteta, who has opted to leave the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba on the bench tonight.
Rare starts for Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling, while Gabriel Jesus leads the line despite his really poor run in front of goal.
Jurrien Timber at centre-back, as Thomas Partey fills in on the right.
Crystal Palace team news
18:33 , Matt VerriStarting XI: Henderson, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Kporha, Lerma, Hughes, Mitchell, Sarr, Eze, Mateta
Subs: Turner, Clyne, Ward, Richards, Doucoure, Schlupp, Devenny, Kamada, Nketiah
Arsenal team news
18:32 , Matt VerriStarting XI: Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard
Subs: Setford, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Place in the semi-finals on the line
18:19Reminder that should this match be level after 90 minutes, it will go straight to a penalty shootout. No extra-time.
Winner will go through to the semi-finals, where it’s guaranteed to be an all-Premier League lineup
In the other last-eight matches, Newcastle are hosting Brentford tonight and Liverpool travel to Southampton.
Tomorrow night, Tottenham are at home to Manchester United.
Stand by...
18:12 , Matt VerriAll the team news from the Emirates coming up very shortly.
Big question for Mikel Arteta is how strong does he go. Ideally he would have liked to have given the likes of Raheem Sterling and maybe even Kieran Tierney some minutes.
But will he decide to stick with his first-team stars, given the Premier League struggles?
Nwaneri could force Arteta rethinl
18:04 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta has had plenty of selection headaches this season, but working out how to fit Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard into the same team is one he may welcome.
Despite being only 17, Nwaneri has broken into the Arsenal first-team squad this season and impressed by scoring four goals.
Three of those goals have come in the Carabao Cup and he should get another chance to shine tonight.
Nwaneri is likely to come into the side for Odegaard and the teenager has essentially become the Arsenal captain’s understudy.
Given Nwaneri’s rapid rise, there will come a point, though, when Arteta is forced to find a way to get him and Odegaard in the same team.
It is an exciting prospect and one that Arteta may have to consider sooner rather than later given Arsenal’s attack has misfired at points this season.
Stage is set!
17:53 , Matt VerriLegally required to say ‘under the lights’ at some point tonight so we’ll get it over with...
Tonight's stage 🎭#CPFC // @Carabao_Cup pic.twitter.com/n0HA6lEFgl
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 18, 2024
Arteta eyeing trophy success
17:45 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta believes winning the Carabao Cup could lay the foundations for Arsenal to claim more silverware in the future.
The Gunners have won the FA Cup and two Community Shields during Arteta’s time in charge, which will hit five years come Friday.
Arteta spoke of his desire to win more trophies when he signed a new contract in September and is targeting this season’s Carabao Cup.
“It is really helpful, it brings belief, trust, positive energy, touching the cup, and being in the semi-final and beating somebody in the final,” said Arteta.
“It is that energy and it creates the right path to go and do something else, particularly because of the timing and when the competition is played in this country, it gets that momentum going.
“I fully believe in that, the fact that you are winning and you get into the next round and it creates something different around the team and that is why these kind of games are so important.
“It keeps everyone on their toes and everyone is willing to play those games and those competitions and if you can win it is momentum and belief and you are ready. The team is engaged every three days so to try to achieve that for the bigger ones.”
Nwaneri: Fans have only seen a small snippet
17:37 , Matt VerriEthan Nwaneri has hailed the influence of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard on his development - but told Arsenal fans the best is yet to come.
The 17-year-old has scored four goals, including three in Arsenal’s run to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
“Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been great for me, and not just me but all the young players,” said Nwaneri.
“They help us with everything, and somebody like Bukayo has had that journey already. That’s really important - he knows what we are going through, he can help me, offer me insights on what can help me.
“He’s so good to talk to because he’s so chilled and humble, but also I try to watch him as much as I can and learn that way. Martin as well, he was playing when he was 15 too, so to have that experience in the dressing room is great.
“I’ve made my first starts for the first team, scored my first professional goals too, but there is a lot more to come and it will come.
“I just know and I see where I want to be, and where I’m going to be, and I focus on that. Nobody has really seen anything from me yet, just a small snippet of what’s to come, so I’ve got a much bigger picture in my mind that I want to work towards.”
Standard Sport prediction
17:29 , Matt VerriArsenal look favourites at home and Arteta is not expected to rotate too much given a place in the last four is at stake.
Palace have certainly turned a corner after a miserable start to the season, and are now unbeaten in five. This could be a tight affair.
Arsenal to win 2-1.
Crystal Palace team news
17:22 , Matt VerriPalace will be without Daniel Munoz (suspension), Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca, while Eberechi Eze will need to be assessed after suffering a swollen foot against Brighton.
Eddie Nketiah and Matt Turner could feature against their former club.
Arsenal team news
17:14 , Matt VerriMyles Lewis-Skelly could tonight start his third game in a row.
The 18-year-old has started the last two games, against Monaco and Everton, at left-back in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori.
Calafiori and Zinchenko are still out, so Lewis-Skelly could get the nod again - unless Jurrien Timber is shifted over from right-back.
David Raya is expected to start in goal as Neto, who is on loan from Bournemouth, is cup-tied.
Jakub Kiwior could get a start in the heart of defence, with Gabriel only just back from a muscle injury.
Ethan Nwaneri, who has scored three goals in the Carabao Cup this season, is likely to come into the midfield. Mikel Merino and Jorginho could partner him, with the latter an option to captain the side if Martin Odegaard is rested.
In attack, Arteta faces a dilemma as to whether he plays Bukayo Saka or not. Raheem Sterling will hope to get a start after being given the nod in the last two rounds.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Sterling
How to watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
17:08 , Matt VerriTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 7pm GMT ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here with us! Simon Collings and Dom Smith will provide expert analysis from the ground.
Good evening!
17:01 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace!
The London clubs meet in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup - a place at Wembley is not far away.
Arsenal are need of a positive night to lift the mood and it’s not a great time to face Palace, who have found some form in recent weeks.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7:30pm GMT from the Emirates Stadium!
