The return to form of Gabriel Jesus proved timely for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal 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 clash was just three minutes old when Jakub Kiwior was outmuscled by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who strode into the box before side-footing it past David Raya. But after Jesus stole the show in the second half, former Gunner Eddie Nketiah headed home to set up a nervy finish.
But Arsenal held on. And now Mikel Arteta’s side will eye a real chance of another major trophy.
Express Sport brings you the Arsenal player ratings below….
Arsenal 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 5
Right-back is simply not the best position for the Ghanaian. Tried to get forward and proved a threat at times, but struggled to link effectively before he was 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. On a rare start, failed to take his opportunity.
Kieran Tierney 6
Lack of game-time seemed to catch up on him as he was forced off in the second half with cramp. Steady display for over an hour before then.
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 team, the skipper struggled for fluency in the first half. Looked far more influential as the home 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 present a regular selection headache for Arteta.
Raheem Sterling 4
You could see he desperation to make an impact 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 for his display. Manager and fans will hope this night proves a turning point.
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, and claimed the assists for the first two Jesus goals
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Tierney, 69) 6 Showed flashes and added energy late on.
Bukayo Saka (for Sterling, 70) 8 Like Odegaard, instantly improved his side and created the third goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes (for Kiwior, 87) 6 Brought on to shore things up after Nketiah’s goal.
