Hits and misses: Gabriel Jesus, Harvey Elliott and Sandro Tonali all picked up in Carabao Cup semi-finals | Football News

Does this mean Arsenal don't need a new striker?

Your number 9 turning up with a hat-trick just in time for Christmas in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace is a real treat when your attack is being questioned.

As a result of Arsenal's recent open play and reliance on set pieces, they have raised the now annual debate of whether a new striker is needed in January. So what now with Gabriel Jesus looking in the trenches, for half a football at least?

Arsenal and Jesus proved in that second half that their issue is not a 'striker' issue. Many claimed the Gunners needed a striker last January and they finished with 91 goals in the Premier League – the most in their history in the competition.

What Arsenal have proven – which must be dealt with – is the responsibility of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It is a problem of creativity more than one attacker.

Mikel Arteta's side looked unlikely to score until those two came on as separate substitutes and provided Jesus with an inspired assist within minutes of his arrival on the pitch. .

So whether it's improving the left-back position or getting better subs for Saka and Odegaard – Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling failed but Ethan Nwaneri looked promising – that's where Arsenal's focus needs to be to be, if they are going to move in January.
Sam Blitz

Palace will want a replay on Saturday

Crystal Palace were up for the cup, certainly for 54 minutes at least. Up until Jesus equalized, Oliver Glasner would have behaved with the aggressiveness and dedication of his team.

That proved to be the case for their opening goal after just four minutes as Jean-Phillipe Mateta chewed and out-jumped Jakub Kiwior as they battled for a 50-50 ball from Dean Henderson before holding on the striker is cool in front of the goal. We should not be surprised now by Mateta's deadly finish.

He now has 25 goals in his last 35 starts for club and country – any striker, except Erling Haaland, at the top level would give your hand off for such a return. Palace could not keep their heroics out of possession as Arsenal eventually picked their way through. But, back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, against the same opposition, live on Sky Sportsthis Palace team certainly has the game plan and the aggression to make life difficult for the Gunners again. They have to do that for 90 minutes this time, though.
Lewis Jones

Elliott shines in Liverpool's win

On his first start since May, Harvey Elliott shone in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win at Southampton.

The midfielder scored the winning goal with a clinical low finish in the first half.

Even at the age of 21, Elliott was one of the most experienced players in the youth team and led by example in midfield.

The Englishman made most of the passes in the final third (21) in the game as he put in a man-of-the-match display.

“It's been great,” he said Sky Sports' Don Goodman. “Not just the goal, his overall work ethic with and without the ball. A fantastic game.”

Now Elliott will be hoping his performance gives him a Premier League starting place to be more regular under Arne Slot.
Declan Olley

Defense first – a sign of things to come for struggling Saints?

The plan was clear to all from the start when Liverpool came to St Mary's for the second time in a month: stay tight, with tight banks of fives and fours, block Liverpool, hit them on the counter when the openings arose and hope for the best.

Under Russell Martin, Southampton liked to control the ball. But with little success – and, in the end, his sack just a few days ago – his interim agent, Simon Rusk, knew that wouldn't wash, especially against, who arguably, one of the best teams in the world right now.

For a good 20 minutes, Liverpool attacked and attacked, but were held off. When clearances were pumped long, the fans responded with cheers. Later, there were heroic blocks that held the final result with dignity.

Saints fans had seen their side leak goals like nobody's business recently – 11 in the last three Premier League games, in fact – and the loss of defensive fragility was very welcome. a view, even something.

Is it a sign of things to come? It's hard to say for sure until Martin's permanent replacement is appointed. If they play in the same way in the Premier League, they may have the start of a survival bid.
Dan Long

Terrific Tonali turns it up for Toon

If Sandro Tonali is unhappy with Newcastle, he certainly doesn't look it.

The Italy midfielder finally seems to be living up to 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 outstanding, the cleanest of shots that showed his technique. His comments and celebrations show the bond he has formed with the Toon support – who really supported him through his suspension last season.

The second, the result of a well-worked practice from a corner, showed his understanding and sense of space. Away from the goals, he and Bruno Guimaraes dominated the midfield. It feels like a special partnership is forming between the two.

If not his best display in a Newcastle shirt, this was certainly his most impactful. His quality led the game in their direction. If he could be the man to lead the club to that long awaited cup, he will never be forgotten in the city.
Simeon Gollum

The record goes up with Brentford

“It's about getting the balance right in a tight week where we want to perform at our best in all three games. That was Thomas Frank's explanation in advance for making so many changes to the team that played Chelsea on Sunday. Did he get it right?

Brentford are back in action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday so frustration is understandable. “I've been very vocal that I don't think we had the best schedule but it is what it is. I have full faith that this team can compete,” he said.

Surprisingly, Frank said: “And, anyway, a game is longer than 90 minutes not 60.” The problem was, before the Brentford boss turned to substitutes Bryan Mbeumo and Mikkel Damsgaard, Tonali had already scored two goals against Newcastle.

Damsgaard was a real spark in the final half hour of the game, releasing Mbeumo to set up Yoane Wissa for Brentford's consolation goal. Mbeumo's beautiful pass had cut the defense open creating a chance for Wissa moments earlier.

Would it have made a difference if Frank felt able to initiate the trio? The Bees boss cited the example of Ethan Pinnock, who was asked to start again only to pull up a hamstring problem early on. Something had to give. It was Brentford's cup hopes.
Adam Bate