Jesus returns to form for Christmas; Arsenal women top Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus stole the show against Crystal Palace with a hat-trick as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 3-2 in the Carabao Cup, while Renée Slegers led Arsenal Women to a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich to secure top spot in their Champions League group.

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Gabriel Jesus delivered a sensational performance to propel Arsenal into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace.

On a night filled with twists, Jesus finally rediscovered the form that had eluded him for much of 2024, ending his year-long Emirates goal drought with three exquisite finishes in 27 minutes.

The match began disastrously for Arsenal, with Jakub Kiwior’s defensive error gifting Jean-Philippe Mateta an early goal for Palace.

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Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in a lacklustre first half, prompting Mikel Arteta to make decisive changes at half-time. The introduction of Martin Ødegaard and William Saliba transformed the game, injecting control and creativity into Arsenal’s play.

Jesus equalised with a brilliant chip after a perfectly weighted pass from Ødegaard. Buoyed by the goal, he added a second from a sublime Bukayo Saka assist and completed his hat-trick with an emphatic strike following another pinpoint Ødegaard delivery.

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Despite a late header from former Arsenal player Eddie Nketiah, the Gunners held firm to secure the win.

Arteta hailed Jesus’ performance as a “big, big thing” for both the striker and the team, emphasising how an in-form Jesus can elevate Arsenal’s ambitions.

With Arsenal now two wins away from their first League Cup triumph since 1993, this Christmas resurrection from Jesus could prove pivotal to their season.

Arsenal Women top Champions League group under Slegers’ guidance

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Renée Slegers has continued her remarkable impact on Arsenal Women, overseeing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich to secure top spot in Group C of the Women’s Champions League.

In 11 matches as interim manager, Slegers has achieved 10 wins, transforming a season that appeared to be spiralling before Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in October.

The performance at Meadow Park was a testament to Arsenal’s resilience under Slegers. Twice they fell behind to goals from former Chelsea defender Magdalena Eriksson, yet they responded each time with determination and quality.

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Alessia Russo’s equaliser, her 10th goal in 11 matches, energised the side before Mariona Caldentey’s calmly converted late penalty secured victory.

This result, particularly following the 5-2 defeat to Bayern earlier in the group stage, highlighted the evolution of Arsenal under Slegers’ guidance.

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The fans at Meadow Park were vocal in their support, adapting Christmas songs to express their desire for Slegers to be given the role permanently. Leah Williamson, reflecting on the manager’s impact, noted how the players had stepped up under her leadership: “It’s like everyone is pulling their weight a bit more and maybe we needed that as well,” she said. “So you’re seeing a different side, but I think we needed that as well, because we as players are taking more responsibility and she’s just encouraged everyone to be themselves.”

Slegers herself remains pragmatic about her position, describing her tenure as “intense” and emphasising the collective efforts of her staff and players. Yet the evidence of progress is undeniable: Arsenal have scored 31 goals and conceded just six since her appointment, and they appear reinvigorated in both domestic and European competition.

As Arsenal head into the winter break, the club faces a significant decision. Whether Slegers remains in charge or not, her tenure has undeniably restored belief and momentum to a team that looked lost just months ago. For now, her leadership is providing the stability and ambition Arsenal Women need to push for success on all fronts.