Gabriel Jesus stars as Arsenal thrash Crystal Palace despite Bukayo Saka injury worry

Whatever gifts Mikel Arteta unwraps this Christmas - the remarkable resurrection of Gabriel Jesus will take some topping. The red-hot Brazilian frontman continued exactly where he left off in midweek when he struck a second-half hat-trick to dump Crystal Palace out of the Carabao Cup as five-star Arsenal narrowed the gap at the Premier League summit to just three points ahead of Liverpool's tricky trip to Tottenham. Jesus, who hit a first-half brace to make it five goals in two matches against the powerless Eagles, made the hosts pay for their incompetent defending and yet still will have left disappointed that he did not claim the match-ball. His timely return to blistering goalscoring form could just be the boost that injects new life into the Gunners' title pursuit as Mikel Arteta's side rattled in five goals for the third time in eight matches. Just as sceptics began to question whether Arsenal required extra firepower in January to salvage their season - explosive attacker Jesus has flipped the script on its head, offering a clear solution and diffusing any lingering frustration following recent draws against Fulham and Everton, respectively.

Now, Arsenal will be desperate for positive news on Bukayo Saka, who limped off with a hamstring problem and left the ground on crutches to spoil an otherwise perfect night for the Gunners. They forced themselves ahead inside just six minutes when Saka fashioned a deep and dangerous out-swinging cross on his 250th Arsenal appearance, Gabriel Magalhaes' mere physical presence caused panic in the Palace penalty area before Jesus rifled home the loose ball. Up the other end, the importance of the quick-fire opener was embodied by David Raya's animated celebration as the Gunners goalkeeper thumped the air with joy. But if the Spanish shot-stopper was fantasising about the prospect of a routine evening's work at Selhurst Park - he was swiftly handed a sobering reality check. Raya paused in possession, inviting the Palace press and his risky, lacklustre pass out nearly ended in embarrassment when Will Hughes slid in aggressively and steered the ball narrowly wide. Minutes later, Palace were level when forward Ismaila Sarr drove at the unusually-shaky William Saliba before cunningly using the Frenchman's body to steer the ball into Raya's far corner with pinpoint precision. However, Arsenal needed little time to restore their advantage when Palace slayer Jesus steered home Thomas Partey's lay-off in stunning style following yet another Gunners corner.