Arsenal booked their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup after a nerve-shredding and marathon 8-7 penalty shoot-out victory over London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
Benitez Heroics and Late Drama Force Penalties
The Gunners dominated the first half but were repeatedly denied by an inspired performance from Crystal Palace's second-choice goalkeeper, Walter Benitez. The Argentine made a string of fine saves, notably a brilliant double stop from Gabriel Jesus's header and Noni Madueke's follow-up, to keep the hosts at bay. Arsenal, enjoying around 80% of the possession, could not find a breakthrough before the interval.
The deadlock was finally broken with just ten minutes of normal time remaining. Bukayo Saka's corner caused chaos in the Palace box, and defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure. However, in a sensational twist, Palace equalised deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, Marc Guehi swept home from close range after Jefferson Lerma flicked on Adam Wharton's set-piece, sending the tie to a penalty shoot-out.
Kepa the Shoot-Out Hero for Arsenal
The penalty drama was of the highest quality, with both teams clinically converting their first seven spot-kicks. William Saliba finally put Arsenal ahead in the sudden-death phase, leaving Lacroix with the task of keeping Palace in the competition. The defender's effort, however, was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who plunged to his right to secure a dramatic victory for Mikel Arteta's side.
The match also saw a worrying injury for Palace defender Chris Richards, who was stretchered off with a right ankle problem, causing a six-minute delay in the second half.
Semi-Final Showdown with Chelsea Awaits
With this victory, Arsenal advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they will face another London club, Chelsea, in a two-legged tie. The first leg is scheduled for January 14 at Stamford Bridge, with the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium set for February 3. The winners will earn a coveted place in the final at Wembley Stadium.
This result keeps Arsenal's hopes of silverware alive this season and provides a significant morale boost after a physically and mentally demanding encounter that was ultimately decided by the narrowest of margins from twelve yards.
