Hits and misses: Gabriel Jesus, Harvey Elliott and Sandro Tonali impress in Carabao Cup quarter-finals

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

The No.9's hat-trick appearance just in time for Christmas in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace is the perfect antidote when your attack is being called into question.

Arsenal's recent laxity in open play and reliance on set-pieces has sparked the now annual debate over whether a new striker is needed in January. So what now with Gabriel Jesus looking into at least half of football?

Arsenal and Jesus proved in the second half that their issue was not that of a 'striker'. Many claimed the Gunners needed a striker last January and they ended up scoring 91 goals in the Premier League – the most in their history in the competition.

What Arsenal have proven – and which needs to be addressed – is that there is a dependency on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It's more of a creativity problem than an attacker problem.

Mikel Arteta's side barely looked like they were scoring goals until these two players came into separate substitutions and provided assists for Jesus within minutes of his arrival on the pitch.

So whether it's improving the left wing position or getting a better replacement for Saka and Odegaard – Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling failed to impress but Ethan Nwaneri has looked promising – this is where Arsenal's focus should be, if they are to make a move in January.
Sam Blitz

Palace will fancy the return fixture on Saturday

Crystal Palace were poised to win the cup, certainly for 54 minutes anyway. Until Jesus equalised, Oliver Glasner was thrilled with how strong and organized his team was.

That was evident in their opening goal after just four minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta chewed up and spat out Jakob Kioor as they contested a 50-50 ball from Dean Henderson before the striker held his nerve in front of goal. We shouldn't be surprised now by Matita's deadly finish.

He's now on 25 goals in his last 35 appearances for club and country – any striker, Par Erling Haaland, at the top level would chop off their hand for such a comeback. Palace couldn't keep up their courage when in possession as Arsenal eventually made their way through. However, back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, facing the same opponents, Live on Sky SportsThis Palace side certainly has the game plan and aggression to make life difficult for the Gunners once again. They'll have to do it for 90 minutes this time.
Lewis Jones

Elliott shines in Liverpool's win

In his first match since May, Harvey Elliott impressed in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Southampton.

The midfielder scored what proved to be the winning goal with a low shot in the first half.

Even as a 21-year-old, Elliott was one of the most experienced players in a young team and a role model in midfield.

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

“It was great,” he said. Sky Sports Don Goodman. “Not just the goal, but his all-round work ethic with and without the ball. It's an excellent game.”

Now Elliott will hope his performances will earn him a starting place in the Premier League and become a more regular player under Arne Slott.
Declan Ollie

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

The plan was clear for all to see from the start as Liverpool came to St Mary's for the second time in a month: stay compact, with rigid sets of five and four, frustrating Liverpool, hit them on the counter when openings appeared and hope for the best.

Under Russell Martin, Southampton loved to control the ball. But with so little success – and, ultimately, being sacked just a few days ago – his temporary replacement Simon Rask knew that wouldn't work, especially against one of the best teams in the world at the moment.

For 20 minutes, Liverpool attacked and attacked, but were cleared. When the passes were pumped for a long time, the crowds reacted with cheers. Later, there were brave blocks that kept the final score respectable.

Saints fans have watched their team leak goals like never before recently – 11 in their last three Premier League games, in fact – and seeing defensive fragility disappear, even to some extent, has been very well received.

Is it a sign of things to come? It is difficult to say for sure until Martin's permanent replacement is appointed. If they play similarly in the Premier League, they could have a very early start to try and survive.
Dan Long

Awesome Tonali turns it into a toon

If Sandro Tonali is unhappy at Newcastle, it certainly doesn't look like it.

The Italian midfielder appears to have finally lived up to expectations and price at St James' Park, with his form proving the difference in the Magpies' 3-1 win over Brentford.

The first goal was exceptional, the cleanest of strikes that showed the technique he possesses. His reaction and celebration shows the connection he has built with the Toon support – who emphatically supported him during his ban last season.

As for the second, it was the result of an elaborate routine from the corner, which demonstrated his intelligence and spatial awareness. Aside from scoring, he and Bruno Guimarães dominated the midfield. It is as if a special partnership is forming between the two.

If not his best performance in a Newcastle shirt, it was certainly his most influential. His quality steered the game in their direction. If he can become the man to lead the club to that long-awaited trophy, it will never be forgotten in the city.
Simon is a boy

Timetable follows Brentford

“It's about striking the right balance in a tight week where we want to give our best in all three games.” This was Thomas Frank's explanation previously for making several 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 the frustration is understandable. “I've been very honest about the fact that I don't think we have a perfect schedule but that is the case. I have full confidence that this team is capable of competing,” he said.

Frank added: “By the way, the match lasts more than 90 minutes, not 60.” The problem was that by the time the Brentford manager turned to substitutes Brian Mbomou and Mikkel Damsgaard, Tonali had already put Newcastle two goals ahead.

Damsgaard was a real bright spark in the final half-hour of the game, unleashing Mbeumo to set up Lewane Wissa for Brentford's consolation goal. Mbeumo's beautiful pass cut the defense wide to create a chance for Luisa moments before.

Would it have made a difference if Frank had felt able to start the trio? The Bees boss might point to the example of Ethan Pinnock, who was asked to start over but developed a hamstring problem early on. Something had to give. It was Brentford's cup hopes.
Adam Pat