Arsenal secured their passage to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after an enthralling 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace. The dramatic quarter-final clash at the Emirates Stadium concluded 1-1 after 90 minutes and extensive stoppage time, requiring a decisive penalty contest. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero for the Gunners, saving the crucial spot-kick to send his team through to the last four of the competition.
The match itself was a tale of two halves, with Arsenal dominating the initial period before a resilient Crystal Palace mounted a spirited comeback. Despite Arsenal’s early control and numerous attacking opportunities, they struggled to convert their chances against a determined Palace defence and an inspired opposition goalkeeper. The tie remained finely balanced, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
The breakthrough for Arsenal came late in the second half when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net. However, the lead was short-lived as Marc Guehi sensationally equalised for Crystal Palace deep into the nine minutes of added time, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. This late drama encapsulated a fiercely contested London derby.
Arsenal now prepare for a two-legged semi-final against fellow London rivals Chelsea. The first leg is scheduled to take place at Stamford Bridge on January 14, followed by the return fixture at the Emirates on February 3. The winner of this highly anticipated encounter will earn a coveted spot in the Wembley showpiece final, intensifying the stakes for both clubs.
In the opening 45 minutes, Arsenal exerted significant pressure, enjoying over 80 per cent possession and creating a plethora of scoring opportunities. Crystal Palace’s second-choice goalkeeper, Walter Benitez, was instrumental in keeping his side in the contest, delivering a string of exceptional saves. His performance was particularly notable in thwarting Arsenal’s attacking efforts, preventing an early lead for the home side.
Noni Madueke, one of eight changes made by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, was a constant threat throughout the first half. He might have registered multiple goals were it not for Benitez’s heroics. Within the first three minutes, Madueke’s left-footed shot was comfortably saved, and midway through the period, his goal-bound effort was again diverted away from danger by the alert goalkeeper.
Benitez continued his inspired display, pulling off a fine double save from Gabriel Jesus’s header – the Brazilian making his first start in 345 days – and Madueke’s subsequent follow-up. As the first half drew to a close, Benitez once again denied Madueke with a sharp reaction save after the Arsenal player’s strike navigated through a crowded penalty area, ensuring the score remained goalless at the interval.
Crystal Palace demonstrated a marked improvement after the break, pushing forward with more intent. Adam Wharton’s long-range effort narrowly missed the target around the hour mark, signalling Palace’s growing confidence. Recognising the shift in momentum and the potential for a shock, Arteta introduced key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, replacing the largely ineffective Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
The late stages of regulation time were fraught with tension and incident. After a six-minute delay due to an injury to defender Chris Richards, Arsenal finally broke the deadlock. Maxence Lacroix, under pressure from a Bukayo Saka corner, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net with just 10 minutes remaining, seemingly putting Arsenal on course for victory.
However, the drama was far from over. In the fifth of nine added minutes, Crystal Palace launched a stunning equalizer. Marc Guehi expertly swept home Jefferson Lerma’s brilliant header, which originated from an Adam Wharton set-piece, sending the visiting fans into raptures and ensuring the match would be decided by penalties. Benitez then denied Declan Rice in the 12th minute of stoppage time to force the shootout.
The penalty shootout itself was a masterclass in composure from both sides, with the first seven spot-kicks clinically converted. William Saliba stepped up to put Arsenal 8-7 ahead, piling the pressure on Crystal Palace. The decisive moment arrived when Maxence Lacroix, already unfortunate with the own goal, saw his crucial effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, sealing Arsenal’s progression.
