Arsenal Beat Crystal Palace on Penalties to Reach Carabao Cup Semi-Final

NORTH LONDON : Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero at the Emirates Stadium, saving the decisive penalty from Maxence Lacroix to secure Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Gunners triumphed 8-7 in a high-stakes shootout.

In a match that remained deadlocked for 80 minutes, Arsenal finally broke through when Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently bundled a clearance into his own net following a Gunners corner.

However, Oliver Glasner’s resilient Palace side refused to buckle. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Adam Wharton delivered a pinpoint free-kick. After a knockdown from Jefferson Lerma, Marc Guehi reacted quickest to poke home from close range, silencing the home crowd and forcing the game to penalties.

The shootout was a masterclass in precision until the very end. With the score at 8-7 to Arsenal, Lacroix stepped up to redeem his earlier own goal. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga guessed correctly, diving low to his right to parry the Frenchman’s effort and spark jubilant celebrations.

Mikel Arteta’s side now shifts their focus to a mouth-watering two-legged semi-final clash against London rivals Chelsea. Despite the victory, questions remain regarding Arsenal’s current form as they look to reach their first final of the 2025 campaign.

Arsenal 58% – 42% Crystal Palace

Arsenal 6 – 4 Crystal Palace

Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace) – Kept Palace in the tie with multiple world-class saves from Gabriel Jesus.