Arsenal have booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a heart-stopping penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners prevailed after a dramatic 1-1 draw in normal time, with the tie ultimately decided by a single missed spot-kick in a tense shootout where the first 15 penalties were all converted.
Benitez Heroics and a Freakish Opener
The first half was dominated by Arsenal, who were repeatedly denied by a sensational performance from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez. The Argentine shot-stopper made a string of fine saves, notably keeping out efforts from Noni Madueke and a brilliant low stop to thwart a Gabriel Jesus header. Despite the pressure, Palace's resolute defence held firm until the interval.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 80th minute in bizarre circumstances. Following a corner from Bukayo Saka, a goalmouth scramble saw the ball ricochet off the foot of Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and into his own net. It was the third consecutive own goal scored in Arsenal's favour at the Emirates this season.
Palace's Stoppage Time Resilience
Just as Arsenal thought they had secured the win, Crystal Palace displayed their trademark character. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, defender Marc Guehi reacted quickest to poke the ball home after a free-kick was headed down into his path, sending the travelling supporters into raptures and forcing the game to penalties.
The Nerve-Shredding Shootout Decider
Both teams displayed remarkable composure from the spot, with 15 consecutive penalties finding the net. The drama finally concluded when Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Lacroix's effort, compounding a night of misery for the Palace centre-back who had earlier scored the own goal. The save sparked wild celebrations from the Arsenal players, who now advance to face Chelsea in the last four.
The victory keeps alive Arsenal's quest to win the competition for the first time since 1993. Under Mikel Arteta, the depth of the squad was on show, with several fringe players performing strongly. For Oliver Glasner's Palace, the defeat extends a difficult run of form, but their spirited fightback and performance against a strong Arsenal side offered significant encouragement.
