Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero in a nail-biting Carabao Cup quarter-final, saving a crucial penalty to send the Gunners through to the semi-finals at the expense of Crystal Palace. The match ended 1-1 after normal time, with a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser forcing a shootout that Arsenal eventually won 5-4.
Benitez Brilliance and Late Palace Drama
The first half at the Emirates Stadium was dominated by Arsenal, but they found Crystal Palace's stand-in goalkeeper, Walter Benitez, in inspired form. The Argentine, a free summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, produced a string of fine saves to keep the scores level. He denied Gabriel Jesus on multiple occasions and thwarted efforts from Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.
Palace, fielding a heavily rotated side due to a congested fixture list, struggled to create chances. Teenager Jaydee Canvot had a difficult time at right wing-back against Martinelli and was substituted at half-time for Nathaniel Clyne. The visitors' task was made harder when defender Chris Richards was forced off with a nasty foot injury requiring stitches, watching the shootout later on crutches.
Own Goal and Stoppage-Time Heartbreak for Arsenal
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half, but not in the manner Arsenal would have hoped. After sustained pressure and another Benitez save from Jesus, the ball pinballed around the box before deflecting off Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and into his own net.
With the clock ticking into the fifth minute of stoppage time, Crystal Palace delivered a stunning blow. A free-kick from Adam Wharton was met by Jefferson Lerma, and captain Marc Guéhi was on hand to tap in the equaliser, sending the travelling fans into raptures and forcing a penalty shootout.
Shootout Agony for Lacroix as Kepa Seals It
The penalty shootout was a marathon of precision, with the first 15 spot-kicks all successfully converted. The tension finally broke when Maxence Lacroix stepped up for Palace's sixth penalty. His effort was saved by Arsenal's Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, sending the Gunners through to a semi-final clash with Chelsea.
"We conceded the goal and it was emotionally tough to accept after the way the game went," said a relieved Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "But I think the margin should have been much bigger. That should have been three or four and then you’re not worried about what happens in the last minute."
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner focused on the positives of his side's second-half fightback. "I’m delighted with the second-half performance today, especially after the first-half performance, it was really bad," he said. "For us it’s important to build on the second-half performance and also show great character again."
The victory keeps Arsenal's hopes of silverware this season alive, while Crystal Palace's hectic schedule continues, with the late drama underscoring the unpredictable nature of cup football.
