Arsenal secured a dramatic passage into the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night, defeating Crystal Palace in a tense penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium. The victory, however, was overshadowed by a fresh injury concern for star forward Gabriel Martinelli.
Late Drama Forces Penalty Decider
The Gunners appeared to be heading for a narrow 1-0 victory after a first-half own goal from Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. Yet, Marc Guehi struck a late equaliser for the visitors in normal time, sending the quarter-final clash straight to a penalty shootout.
Both teams displayed remarkable composure from the spot, with each side converting their first seven attempts. The deadlock was finally broken when Arsenal's on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Lacroix's penalty, handing the initiative to the hosts. William Saliba then stepped up to score the decisive spot-kick, sending Arsenal through to face Chelsea in the last four.
Arteta's Mixed Emotions After Victory
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at reaching the semi-finals but confirmed an anxious moment regarding Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger was forced off just before the hour mark and replaced by Leandro Trossard. "He could not carry on so we had to make the sub," Arteta revealed in his post-match comments.
Despite the worry, the Spaniard praised his team's performance and resilience. "Very happy to be in the semi-final," he stated. "We played against a team that is very hard to generate chances against. We generated a lot and should have had more goals." He also highlighted the need to learn from conceding a late goal, but commended his players for their ice-cool demeanour during the shootout.
Heroic Kepa and Saliba's Delight
For goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, it was a rare chance to be the hero in a season where he has played understudy to David Raya. The Spanish international, a two-time runner-up in this competition with Chelsea, was thrilled with the outcome. "You have to keep your cool, be focused and don't lose your focus," he told Sky Sports, reflecting on his crucial save.
Match-winner William Saliba, making just his third appearance after an injury lay-off, was equally pleased. "It was a tough game against a top team. We did well," said the French defender. "At the end, Kepa saved us. We want to win both [semi-final] games and go into the final." He acknowledged the need to improve on last season's semi-final exit to Newcastle United.
The result sets up a tantalising London derby against Chelsea in the semi-finals, as Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first Carabao Cup trophy under Mikel Arteta's management.
