Arsenal survived a scare to book their place in his semi-finals EFL Cup after a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Victory secures a semi-final tie against Newcastle United with the second leg at St James’ Park, a venue where Arsenal have already lost this season.
The match was unforgettable for the Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesuswho completed a second-half hat-trick to complete his tally four goals this seasonall in the EFL Cup by the way. The show has delivered Mikel Arteta a selection headache ahead of Premier League trip to Selhurst Park. Does Jesus deserve to start over? Kai Havertzwho’s been racing for goals lately?
However, there was one performance in Arsenal’s quarter-final win that led many fans and pundits to call for the league player to be sacked at Palace after he put a Performance 5/10 and made a mistake that allowed Jean-Philipe Mateta to open the scoring early on.
The Arsenal star who must now leave
Jakub Kiwior has been targeted for his performance against Crystal Palace, with Phil Costa at X vying for the Poland international “not good enough” for this Arsenal team.
Kiwior missed a header in the early stages of the game which led to striker Mateta firing in front for Palace and then Arsenal chasing the game.
Kiwior made 14 appearances for the Gunners this season in all competitions but has yet to really establish himself as a key player since then arrival from Spezia in January 2023.
Kiwior has only won 52% of his defensive snaps so far this campaign and with Arsenal competing for honors on all four fronts, Arteta cannot afford to have passengers on their future journey to glory.
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Jakub Kiwior EFL Cup Performance vs Crystal Palace 24/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Actinium |
|
Blocked shots |
0 |
|
Wiretapping |
0 |
|
Tackling |
0 |
|
Dribble past |
1 |
|
Mistakes that lead to goals |
1 |
|
Ground duels won |
50% |
|
Possession lost |
3 |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
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The Polish defender didn’t do a single one interception, block or tackle throughout the game and made a glaring error that led to Crystal Palace opening the scoring. On the ball, Kiwior were also sub-par, losing possession three times and winning only 50% of ground duels during the match.
The performance will surely have boss Arteta thinking about recalling a solid Arsenal defense this season for the next crucial Premier League game.
The Arsenal star who should replace Kiwior in the starting line-up
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes he has been outstanding for Arsenal this season, scoring three goals in 14 appearances and forming a formidable partnership with the other central defender William Saliba.
Gabriel recently missed three games with a knee injury but it seems Arsenal are desperate to get him back to full fitness and back in the starting line-up as he is a significant upgrade on the Kiwior in a number of key defensive metrics.
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Gabriel Magalhaes – Jakub Kiwior season 24/25 |
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|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
Gabriel |
Actinium |
|
Goals |
3 |
0 |
|
Tackling |
11 |
4 |
|
Block |
26 |
5 |
|
Wiretapping |
7 |
1 |
|
The aerialists won |
25 |
5 |
|
Completion of pass |
89.4% |
84% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.27 |
2.22 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
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Gabriel leads Kiwior in tackles won, blocks made and interceptions completed. Unsurprisingly, Gabriel also won far more aerial duels than his Polish counterpart.
Furthermore, Gabriel has shown his threat from set-pieces this season, with three goals already, and has helped build Arsenal’s attacks from the back with higher passing completions and more progressive passes through the lines.
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It’s clear to both Arteta and Arsenal fans that the Gunners can’t afford any more drama if they are to win their first title in more than 20 years – Gabriel’s return to the team against Crystal Palace could help much in ensuring it. to happen.
