It has been revealed why Gabriel Jesus’ second goal against Crystal Palace was not ruled out. The 27-year-old striker fired Mikel Arteta’s side into the Carabao Cup semi-final, netting a brilliant hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Jean-Philippe Mateta put the Eagles ahead inside the opening minutes before Jesus levelled proceedings shortly after the break. Then, in the final quarter of an hour or so, the Brazil international scored his second and third goals of the evening.
Eddie Nketiah pulled one back, though his strike proved to be only be a consolation. However, had there been a Video Assistant Referee in operation, the Hale End graduate’s effort could have been an equaliser that sent the tie to a penalty shootout.
Jesus appeared to be offside when Bukayo Saka slotted him in behind the Palace backline. Andrew Madley, the referee, and his assistants, Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor, adjudged the Arsenal forward to be onside when the ball was played, so the goal was – controversially – awarded.
Due to competition rules, VAR is not used in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, throwing the on-field match officials under the spotlight. The technology was first introduced in the 2018/19 season as part of a trial run for its eventual implementation in the Premier League the following season.
During that period, it was used in every round of the tournament. However, from the 2019/20 season onwards, the EFL decided to abandon VAR before the semi-final due to the system only being available at English top-flight venues, thereby ensuring no team had an unfair advantage.
