Does this mean Arsenal don’t need a new striker?
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Highlights from the Carabao Cup quarter-finals between Arsenal and Crystal Palace
The number 9, who scored a hat-trick just in time for Christmas in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, is the perfect antidote when the attack is in doubt.
Arsenal’s recent laxity in open play and reliance on set pieces has sparked the annual debate over whether a new striker is needed in January. So is Gabriel Jesus now looking into his groove for at least half of his football?
Arsenal and Jesus proved in the second half that their problem was not a ‘striker’ problem. Many claimed the Gunners needed a forward last January and they have scored 91 goals in the Premier League. This was the most goals in the competition’s history.
What Arsenal have proven – and need to be addressed – is their reliance on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It is a question of creativity rather than offense.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked close to scoring until the pair came on as separate substitutes and provided an incisive assist for Jesus within minutes of arriving on the pitch.
So whether it’s improving the left winger position or securing better understudies for Saka and Odegaard, while Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling have failed to impress, Ethan Nwaneri has looked promising. If Arsenal are to make moves in January, this is where they need to focus.
Sam Blitz
Palace will want a rematch on Saturday
Saturday, December 21st, 5pm
Kickoff at 5:30 PM
Crystal Palace somehow had the cup clear for 54 minutes. Before Jesus equalised, Oliver Glasner would have been proud of how attacking and diligently organized his team had been.
The first goal came just four minutes after Jean-Phillipe Mateta chewed and spat on Jakub Kiwior before keeping his composure in front of goal as he battled for a 50-50 ball from Dean Henderson. Now we shouldn’t be surprised by Mateta’s lethal finish.
He has now scored 25 goals in 35 appearances for club and country. Any striker at the top level, bar Erling Haaland, would be reaching out for such a return. Palace were unable to maintain their courage outside of possession as Arsenal eventually chose to break through. But they return to Selhurst Park on Saturday to face the same opposition. Sky Sports live broadcastThis Palace team certainly has the game plan and aggression to make life difficult for the Gunners again. But this time you have to do it for 90 minutes.
louis jones
Elliot shines in Liverpool victory
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Highlights from the Carabao Cup quarter-final between Southampton and Liverpool
Harvey Elliott, making his first start since May, shone in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win at Southampton.
The midfielder finished the first half cleanly, scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.
Even at the age of 21, Elliott was one of the most experienced players in a young team and led by example in midfield.
The Englishman produced the most passes in the final third of the game (21), putting in a man-of-the-match performance.
“He was a truly outstanding person,” he said. Sky Sports’ Don Goodman. “Not just the goal, but his all-round work ethic with and without the ball. It was a great performance.”
Elliott will now be hoping that his performances will allow him to start in the Premier League and become more of a regular for Arne Slot.
Declan Ollie
Defense First – Is this a sign of things to come for the struggling Saints?
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Liverpool’s Jarrell Kwansa brought down Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes just before the end of the match.
When Liverpool came to St Mary’s for the second time in a month, the plan was clear to everyone from the start. Keeping compact with rigid banks of five and four, frustrating Liverpool, countering when the opportunity presented itself and holding out hope. For the best.
Under Russell Martin, Southampton loved to dominate the ball. However, he had little success and ended up getting fired a few days ago. His temporary replacement, Simon Rusk, knew they couldn’t win, especially against one of the best teams in the world at the moment.
For 20 minutes, Liverpool attacked repeatedly but were blocked. As the clearance was pumped long, the fans responded with cheers. There was a brave block later that kept the end result admirable.
Saints fans have recently seen their team leak goals that no one could see. In fact, there have been 11 goals in the last three Premier League games. And it was somewhat gratifying to see the defensive vulnerabilities disappear.
Is this a sign of things to come? Until Martin’s permanent successor is appointed, it is difficult to say for sure. If they play in a similar way in the Premier League, they could be in for a very early start in the race for survival.
short long
The great Tonali transformed for Toon.
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Highlights from the Carabao Cup quarter-final between Newcastle United and Brentford
If Sandro Tonali is unhappy at Newcastle, he certainly won’t see it.
The Italian midfielder finally appears to be living up to the expectations and price tag at St James’ Park, with his brilliance proving the difference in the Magpies’ 3-1 win over Brentford.
The first goal was exceptional, a cleanest hit that showcased the skills he had at his disposal. His reaction and congratulations show his bond with the Toon support team who supported him resolutely through his ban last season.
The second was the product of a well-executed routine in the corner and showed his intelligence and spatial awareness. Outside of goal, he and Bruno Guimaras dominated the center of the park. It feels as if a special partnership is forming between the two people.
If not his best appearance in a Newcastle shirt, this was certainly his most influential. His qualities took the game in their direction. If he can be the man to lead the club towards that long-awaited trophy, he will never be forgotten in the city.
Simeon Golam
Schedule catches up with Brentford
“It’s important to get the balance right during a busy week where we want to give our best in all three games.” That’s what Thomas Frank explained in advance about making a number of changes to the team that played Chelsea on Sunday. Did he get it right?
The frustration is understandable as Brentford return to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. “I don’t think we have an optimal schedule, but I’ve been quite vocal about the fact that that’s what it is right now. I have full faith that this team can compete,” he said.
Frank added, “But the game is over 90 minutes, not 60.” The problem was that Tonali was already two goals ahead of Newcastle when the Brentford manager substituted Brian M’bomo and Mikel Damsgaard.
Damsgaard was a real bright spark in the final 30 minutes of the game, releasing Mbeumo to set up Yoane Wissa for Brentford’s consolation goal. Mbeumo’s beautiful pass opened up the defense wide and created an opportunity for Wissa a little early.
Would it have made a difference if Frank felt he could start a trio? The Bees boss pointed to the example of Ethan Pinnock, who initially called for a restart to address a hamstring problem. Something had to give. Those were Brentford’s cup hopes.
Adam Bate
