GABRIEL JESUS REVEALS WHAT MARTIN ODEGAARD TOLD HIM IMMEDIATELY HE ENTERED THE PITCH, LEADING TO HIS SECOND-HALF HAT-TRICK!
Gabriel Jesus dazzled Arsenal fans last night with a breathtaking second-half hat-trick that secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While the Brazilian’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, he revealed that a motivational speech from captain Martin Ødegaard was the catalyst for his stunning display.
Crystal Palace took the lead early, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring in the 4th minute. The forward expertly controlled a long ball from goalkeeper Dean Henderson and slotted it past Arsenal’s David Raya, leaving the Gunners stunned. Struggling to find a response, Arsenal trailed 1-0 at halftime.
Mikel Arteta made a decisive change at the break, introducing Ødegaard to inject creativity and composure into Arsenal’s attack. Speaking after the match, Jesus shared how Ødegaard’s words inspired him to rise to the occasion.
“As soon as Martin came on, he pulled me aside and said, ‘Gabby, this is our game to win. Trust me to find you—make the runs, stay focused, and when the chance comes, take it. We’re not leaving here without the three points,’” Jesus recalled. “It fired me up, and I knew I had to deliver.”
It didn’t take long for Ødegaard’s impact to be felt. In the 54th minute, his clever movement and incisive passing unsettled the Palace defence, leading to Arsenal’s equaliser. Jesus pounced on a loose ball just outside the box and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
With momentum now on Arsenal’s side, Bukayo Saka provided the assist for Jesus’s second goal in the 73rd minute. Saka weaved past two defenders on the right wing before cutting the ball back for Jesus, who coolly slotted it into the net, putting Arsenal ahead for the first time in the match.
The crowning moment came in the 81st minute. Ødegaard, showcasing his signature vision and precision, spotted Jesus making a darting run through the Palace defence. He threaded an immaculate through ball into Jesus’s path, and the Brazilian took one touch to control before delicately chipping the ball over Henderson to complete his hat-trick.
“That third goal was all about Martin,” Jesus said. “He told me to trust him, and he came through with an unbelievable pass. It was the perfect way to finish the game.”
Despite a late Palace goal in stoppage time, Arsenal held on to secure the crucial 3-2 victory.
Ødegaard, ever modest, deflected the praise onto his teammate. “Gabby was outstanding tonight. He worked so hard, and his finishing was top class. I just tried to help him in the way I know best,” he said.
Arteta was full of praise for both players. “Martin’s introduction gave us control, and his leadership was immense. Gabby showed his quality in front of goal. They both stepped up when we needed them most,” the manager said.
The win keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race, and with performances like this from Jesus and Ødegaard, the Gunners look poised to challenge for top honours this season.
