Arsenal secured a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Crystal Palace.
Maxence Lacroix’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead, but Marc Guehi’s late equalizer forced penalties. Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be the hero for Arsenal, saving a crucial penalty to secure an 8-7 win.
Arsenal Player Ratings
GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga: 8/10
The Spanish keeper had a mixed evening during a rare start, showing some signs of rust and picking up a yellow card for time-wasting. However, his ball distribution was a highlight, specifically a brilliant long throw that sparked a late first-half counter-attack. While it took him several rounds to find his rhythm in the shootout, he eventually lived up to his reputation as a penalty specialist by making the match-winning save to send Arsenal through.
LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7/10
It was a somewhat quiet performance from the youngster, who struggled to exert his usual influence on the game. While he put in a steady shift defensively, the drop-off in creative output compared to the regular starters on the left flank was noticeable. He will be looking for more consistency as he continues to integrate into the first-team setup.
CB – Riccardo Calafiori: 7/10
Transitioning into a central defensive role, the Italian looked comfortable and composed when playing out from the back. He was instrumental in the opening goal, using his aerial prowess to meet a Bukayo Saka corner which led to the breakthrough. He was slightly less effective during the frantic final minutes, however, and bore some responsibility for failing to track Guehi for the Palace equalizer.
CB – William Saliba: 9/10
The Frenchman was once again the standout performer in the heart of the defense, displaying the reliability that has become his trademark. He produced two crucial interventions to halt dangerous Palace attacks and showed great confidence in carrying the ball into midfield. His presence remains the foundation upon which this Arsenal defense is built.
RB – Jurrien Timber: 7/10
Timber was a constant engine on the right side, covering a vast amount of ground and frequently appearing in advanced positions to support the attack. He will be disappointed to have missed a clear-headed opportunity in the opening half, but his energy and tactical flexibility provided the Gunners with great balance throughout the contest.
CM – Christian Norgaard: 8/10
The midfielder proved he is much more than a rotational option with a highly disciplined performance. Acting as a calm anchor, he dropped into the defensive line when necessary to allow his teammates the freedom to charge forward. It was a professional display that highlighted why the club brought him in for these high-pressure knockout fixtures.
CM – Mikel Merino: 7/10
Merino worked hard in a dual role, starting in the engine room before being pushed into a makeshift striking position late in the game. While he struggled to dictate the tempo for long stretches, his versatility was useful for Arteta’s tactical shifts. He currently appears to be finding his feet more effectively as a forward target than a traditional playmaker.
CM – Eberechi Eze: 6/10
Facing his former employers, Eze had a surprisingly muted evening and failed to truly spark the Arsenal attack into life. There were flashes of his signature acceleration, but he lacked the clinical edge required to dismantle the Palace defense. He was substituted in the second half after failing to take command of the midfield battle.
LW – Gabriel Martinelli: 8/10
The Brazilian was a whirlwind of activity on the left wing, repeatedly getting the better of Jaydee Canvot. He delivered several high-quality balls into the danger zone that deserved a better finish from his teammates. His directness and work rate were constant thorns in the side of the Palace defense until his withdrawal.
ST – Gabriel Jesus: 7/10
Making his return to the starting lineup, Jesus played with an infectious intensity and his trademark tenacity. While his finishing lacked the sharpness expected of a leading man—likely due to his recent spell on the sidelines—his overall movement and passion suggested he is trending toward a return to top form.
RW – Noni Madueke: 5/10
It was a frustrating night for the former Chelsea winger, whose performance was characterized by hesitation in the final third. Despite showing glimpses of his terrifying pace, he often dwelt on the ball too long, allowing defenders to recover and block his attempts. To cement his place, he will need to turn those promising moments into tangible goals and assists.
SUBS – Leandro Trossard (6). Bukayo Saka (7), Martin Odegaard (6), Declan Rice (6).