Gabriel Jesus Fires Hat-trick as Arsenal Berth S’final

*Liverpool, Newcastle also through to the Last 4

Gabriel Jesus scored a second-half hat-trick as Arsenal staged an impressive fightback to book their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.

The home side were staring at an underwhelming exit from the competition at half-time after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener for Palace inside just four minutes.

But Jesus, who had scored just once this season heading into Wednesday’s fixture, fired a treble in the second period with substitutes Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both central to his haul.

Elsewhere on the night, Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle moved into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park.

The Italy midfielder, who returned this season from a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, drove in an early opener for the hosts after Tino Livramento’s cross was only partially cleared.

With Eddie Howe fielding arguably the strongest side at his disposal, the former AC Milan player added a second just before the break with a cushioned side-foot volley from Anthony Gordon’s corner from the right.

Also in the Carabao Cup last night, Darwin Nunez set Liverpool on the path to 2-1 victory over Southampton as Arne Slot’s side reached the semi-finals.

First-half strikes from Nunez and Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool firm control, although Cameron Archer pulled a goal back to give the hosts hope.

Southampton were led by interim manager Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin after Sunday’s 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham, and they started brightly but fell behind after 25 minutes.