Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with the Gunners prevailing 8-7 on penalties after Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Maxence Lacroix's decisive spot-kick.
Arsenal took the lead in the 79th minute through an own goal by Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who inadvertently turned Bukayo Saka's cross into his own net. Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez had been outstanding throughout, making several fine saves to keep his side in the contest.
Crystal Palace snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, with Marc Guéhi tapping home from close range after Jefferson Lerma's header from a free-kick. The goal sent the match to extra time, but neither side could find a winner, setting the stage for a tense shootout.
In the penalty shootout, both teams converted their first seven spot-kicks with composure, including efforts from Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Bukayo Saka for Arsenal. With the scores level at 7-7, Lacroix stepped up but saw his penalty saved by Arrizabalaga, who dived to his right to secure the win for Arsenal.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash against Chelsea, while the other semi-final will see Newcastle United take on Manchester City. This marks the third consecutive season Arsenal have reached the semi-finals of the competition.
