Arsenal boss Arteta praises Jesus 

Every word Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal reached the last four of the Carabao Cup after beating Palace 

on the performance of the team:

Really happy, we’re in the semi-final. The game started in a way that we certainly didn’t want to with a very simple goal and then our team had to react and I think we did in a great way, showed a lot of character, so much desire to turn things around. In the first half we lacked some threat, we created two or three big chances but didn’t score and with a few adjustments in the second half we got a grip of the game again and we looked a threat.

on the confidence growing in Gabriel Jesus tonight:

So pleased for him, it’s been a long period for him without goals and today to score three goals, the three type of goals he scored tonight as well and many actions he was involved, he looked really sharp. I think it’s a great thing for him, great thing for the team that we can rely on a player with such a quality, same with Kieran, same with all the players who haven’t started many games and had the chance to do so. 

on getting some momentum back to the squad:

Yeah especially if we don’t win, to win the next one is really important, to win it in a difficult situation, different context, they played with their starting eleven as well, they get that momentum going and we’re able to break it, over commit and win the game. Really pleased, it’s very helpful for Saturday.

on whether Jesus can be a game changer this season:

Yeah well he brings something, he has that quality, he has a way of creating, generating situations that is quite unique, Gabby at that level obviously is a big asset 

on the eight changes to the starting eleven:

I thought it was appropriate and good for the team to make those changes. You are right or wrong in relation to the result basically but I think the players deserve especially some of them who haven’t been playing much to feel important and everything that they earn with their attitude, their behaviours, the way they train, the way they play when they have chances to feel that it’s worth it. So, I’m really happy with that.

on what level he believes Jesus can reach this season:

It’s now about consistency, so now obviously this is a moment of a spark that will give him so much confidence not only to him but to the team as well, now we can rely on him to change those games and now we need to take it, and give him more games, give him chances because when a player is in that moment it’s important to continue to do that.

on how vital Odegaard and Saka are to the team:

They are two of our best players but we rely on the team, we rely on a lot of individuals like any other team to perform, to change games, to help us to impact the team, certainly coming from the bench to have that impact they have, it’s really good to see. 

on why Kieran Tierney came off:

It was cramp.

on the way Tierney was utilised as a winger: 

He’s playing to his strengths, that’s something that we have to continue to learn because they give you a lot of information, they tell you not sometimes with their words but with a lot of information, where they feel more comfortable and certainly there is a much better fit for him. 

on the way Odegaard came back tonight:

Great, good response, that’s what we want from all of that, we have that to elevate the level and helps to impact the team.

on whether Jesus’ goals make for a selection headache:

Let’s see, let’s enjoy tonight and start to think. It’s good that we have players that are knocking on the door and telling the team I deserve to be there, it’s a good problem to have.