Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after defeating Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The match, rescheduled from last week due to Palace’s Europa Conference League commitments, ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before being decided by a dramatic shootout. The victory sets up a semi-final clash with Chelsea.
The Gunners dominated the opening period but were repeatedly denied by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who deputized for Dean Henderson. Benitez made crucial saves from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke twice, frustrating Arsenal’s attacking efforts. The Argentine keeper was determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s Champions League encounter with PSV Eindhoven, when he conceded seven goals against Arsenal.
Arsenal finally broke through when Maxence Lacroix turned a Bukayo Saka corner into his own net, appearing to settle the contest. However, Marc Guehi equalized in injury time to send the tie to penalties. Both teams converted their initial spot kicks before the shootout went deep into sudden death.
Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as Arsenal’s hero, saving from Lacroix to secure the 8-7 victory. The result marks Mikel Arteta’s side reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals in consecutive seasons. Arsenal will hope for better fortunes than last year, when they were comprehensively beaten by Newcastle across two legs.
The match presented numerous chances for both London sides throughout the 90 minutes. Arsenal’s dominance in possession and territory ultimately proved insufficient until the penalty shootout decided their progression to the final four of the competition.