Why Gabriel Jesus' second goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace was not ruled out for offside
Yesterday at 04:26 PM
Gabriel Jesus scored a terrific hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Crystal Palace to a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals – but replays seemed to show the forward in an offside position for his second goal in the 3-2 win.
Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalised on a poor error from Jakub Kiwior to open the scoring after only four minutes and the visitors held firm to go into the half-time break with a one-goal lead in north London.
But the Gunners, who made eight changes to the side that drew with Everton, rallied in the second period, with Martin Odegaard coming off the bench to set up Jesus’ exquisite 54th-minute equaliser.
Jesus’ only other goal this season, prior to tonight’s clash, came in Arsenal’s victory over Preston in the previous round and the Brazilian clearly has a thing for the competition.
Twenty minutes on from his opening strike, the 27-year-old grabbed his second to put Arsenal in front, though it appears he may have been in an offside position when receiving a pinpoint through ball, again from Odegaard.
However, the Carabao Cup is being played without VAR this season, given not all teams in the competition have access to the technology. Officials in this year’s final on March 16 will be able to call upon the video assistant referee, though.
‘Given the system is not installed at one of the participating semi-finalist Clubs and to maintain fairness and consistency, VAR technology will not be used in the Carabao Cup semi-final stage this season,’ a statement from the EFL confirmed at the start of the season.
‘This is in line with previous rounds of this season's competition when at some grounds, but not all, VAR has been available. VAR is installed at Wembley Stadium and as per our previous commitment VAR will be used in February's final.’
With nine minutes remaining of normal time, Jesus completed his first ever Arsenal hat-trick with Palace pushing up high in pursuit of an equaliser.
On this occasion, Bukayo Saka provided the assist as the former Manchester City beat Dean Henderson with a confident finish to take the roof off the Emirates.
Palace substitute Eddie Nkeitah came back to haunt Arsenal with a stunning header to reduce the deadlock – but the hosts held firm to secure their progression into the final four of the competition.
More to follow.
