Gabriel Jesus admitted he was under pressure to deliver for Arsenal prior to his goal blitz which sealed his side’s progression to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Heading into Wednesday’s last-eight fixture with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, Jesus had scored just once this season – in the previous round against Preston – and only twice in 2024.
But Jesus rolled back the years to score a 27-minute second-half treble as Arsenal staged a fightback to see off Palace and book their place in the final four.
It marked the first time Jesus has managed to score more than one goal in a game in 20 months, and it was also his maiden hat-trick in an Arsenal shirt following his move from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
Manager Mikel Arteta claimed afterwards that Jesus is now “back to his best” and hopes it is a turning point in his career – a week after the Brazilian spurned a number of good chances in Arsenal’s Champions League win against Monaco.
“I had pressure on my shoulders to score,” said Jesus following the 3-2 victory over Palace.
“Against Monaco I missed two clear chances. Obviously, I was disappointed that I didn’t score in that game.
“I just had to keep my mind clear and strong, work like I work with (attacking coach, Hussein) Isa every day and he told me: ‘Look Gabby, you’re quality, you need to be calm and then you’ll score.’