Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Maxence Lacroix's own goal looked to have sent the Gunners through, but Marc Guéhi's stoppage-time equaliser forced spot-kicks, where Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Lacroix's effort to seal the win.
Arsenal dominated the first half but were thwarted by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who made several fine saves to keep the visitors in the game. Gabriel Jesus, making his 100th appearance for the club, was denied on multiple occasions, while Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli also went close.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Lacroix turned the ball into his own net under pressure from a corner. However, Palace showed resilience and levelled in the fifth minute of added time through Guéhi, who headed home to take the match to penalties.
The shootout saw 15 consecutive successful spot-kicks before Lacroix's effort was saved by Arrizabalaga, sending Arsenal through. 'We conceded the goal and it was emotionally tough to accept after the way the game went,' said relieved Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. 'But I think the margin should have been much bigger.'
Crystal Palace's Chris Richards was forced off with a nasty foot injury and watched the shootout on crutches. The result sets up a semi-final clash with Chelsea for Arsenal.
