Gabriel Jesus scored three times for Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
The return to form of Gabriel Jesus proved timely for as fought back from a goal down to make the semi-finals. The Brazilian forward took his tally to four this season, and looked a player revitalised after his recent struggles.
The tie was just three minutes old when Jakub Kiwior was outmuscled by Jean-Philippe Mateta,who strode into the box before sidefooting in past David Raya. But after Jesus stoles the show in the second half, former Gunner Eddie Nketiah headed home to set up a nervy finish.
But held on. And now ‘s side will eye a real chance of another moajor trophy.
Express Sport brings you the player ratings below….
player ratings
David Raya 6
Well beaten by Mateta’s crisp finish and Nketiah’s header, but little to do otherwise. One smart second half save.
Thomas Partey 4
Right-back is simply not the best position for the Ghanaian. Tried to get forward but struggled to link effectively and hooked off for William Saliba at the interval.
Jurrien Timber 8
Moved to the right of the defence after Partey went off and helped change the contest, adding an extra dimension to his side going forward.
Jakob Kiwior 5
Weak defending for the first goal. Failed to take his chance on a rare start.
6
Lack of game-time seemed to catch up on him as he was forced off in the second half with cramp. Steady before then.
Raheem (Image: Getty)
Ethan Nwaneri 5
Struggled to influence matters in the first 45 minutes and was another to be hauled off half-time.
Jorginho 7
Like his time, struggled for fluency in the first half. Looked far more influential as his side poured forward after the break.
Mikel Merino 6
A mixed night. Flashes of quality and one 20-yard drive flew wide, but still not enough to suggest a sleection headache for Arteta going forward.
Raheem Sterling 5
You could see he was trying and a first half free kick forced a smart save out of Dean Henderson. But missed a glorious double chance just after the break and taken off 70 minutes in.
Gabriel Jesus 9
For a man short of goals, looked confident and clinical wirth a dinked finish for the equaliser. His second was driven low and powerfully and his third was just reward. What a display.
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Leandro Trossard 6
Blazed over at 0-1 and was wasteful in the first half. But involved in a lot of the attacking play after the break.
Subs:
William Saliba (for Partey, HT) 7 His presence added balance and assurance, although Arteta would have been irked at having to use him so early.
Martin Odegaard (for Nwaneri, HT) 8 His extra quality made a huge difference, with one perfect through-ball providing an asisst for Jesus.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Tierney, 69) 6 Solid enough late on.