Arsenal Edge Crystal Palace on Penalties to Reach Carabao Cup

Bornheimer – Arsenal secured a place in the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup semifinals after edging past Crystal Palace in a tense penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium early Wednesday morning. The match ended 1–1 after 90 minutes, before the Gunners prevailed 8–7 on penalties. While the spotlight often falls on Arsenal’s attacking stars, this time it was goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who emerged as the unlikely hero.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Steps Into the Spotlight

Although he was rarely tested during the first half, Kepa proved decisive when it mattered most. In the sudden-death phase of the shootout, the Spanish keeper read Maxence Lacroix’s effort perfectly and denied Palace a lifeline. That single save ultimately sent Arsenal through, underlining the importance of composure and experience in high-pressure moments.

Arsenal Control the First Half but Lack Precision

From the opening whistle, Arsenal dictated the tempo. Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession and repeatedly attacked down the left flank. However, despite their territorial control, clear-cut chances were limited. Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez stood firm, ensuring the score remained goalless at the break.

Crystal Palace Grow Braver After the Interval

The second half told a different story. Palace made two substitutions and began pressing higher up the pitch. Their increased intensity disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm, forcing the home side to be more cautious. As the clock ticked down, the match began to open up, setting the stage for late drama.

Own Goal Breaks the Deadlock Late On

Arsenal finally broke through in the 83rd minute. A corner delivered by Bukayo Saka caused chaos in the Palace box. Riccardo Calafiori’s touch deflected off Maxence Lacroix and into the net, giving the Gunners a narrow lead. At that point, it appeared Arsenal were on course for a regulation-time victory.

Palace Force Penalties in Injury Time

However, Crystal Palace refused to go quietly. Deep into injury time, Marc Guehi capitalized on a scramble in the Arsenal penalty area and fired home the equalizer. The late goal stunned the Emirates crowd and sent the tie straight to penalties.

A Nerve-Wracking Penalty Shootout

The shootout unfolded with remarkable tension. Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino all converted their attempts with confidence. Both teams remained flawless until the sudden-death phase, where the pressure intensified with every kick.

Kepa’s Save Seals the Semifinal Spot

When Lacroix stepped up for Palace, Kepa delivered the defining moment. He guessed correctly, diving to his right to make a crucial save. The stop sparked celebrations among the Arsenal players and supporters, confirming a semifinal clash against Chelsea.

Defensive Solidity Anchors Arsenal’s Performance

At the back, William Saliba delivered a commanding display. Calm in possession and dominant in duels, the French defender made several key interventions, including a vital block late in the game. His assured penalty conversion further highlighted his growing leadership at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.

Midfield Balance Keeps Arsenal Competitive

In midfield, Christian Nørgaard stood out with a disciplined and composed performance. His distribution was tidy, and his positioning helped Arsenal maintain structure during Palace’s second-half surge. Meanwhile, Declan Rice made an immediate impact off the bench, showing composure beyond his limited minutes.

Attacking Threats and Missed Opportunities

Up front, Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet in the first half, repeatedly troubling Palace down the left. Unfortunately, his night ended early after a heavy collision. Gabriel Jesus worked tirelessly, linking play and finding pockets of space, but lacked a clinical finish on his milestone appearance.

Substitutes Change the Momentum

Arteta’s substitutions played a key role. Leandro Trossard injected urgency, while Ødegaard’s introduction brought greater creativity. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, delivered the corner that led to Arsenal’s goal and calmly converted his penalty, reinforcing his importance in decisive moments.

Arteta’s Side Show Mental Strength

Beyond tactics and individual performances, Arsenal’s biggest takeaway was their resilience. After conceding a heartbreaking late equalizer, the team regrouped quickly and held their nerve from the spot. That mental strength could prove vital as the competition reaches its latter stages.

Chelsea Await in the Semifinals

With this victory, Arsenal move on to face Chelsea in what promises to be a high-stakes semifinal. While improvements are needed in front of goal, the Gunners will take confidence from their ability to survive under pressure and rely on squad depth when it matters most.

A Night Defined by Composure and Character

In the end, this was not Arsenal’s most fluent performance. Yet, it was a night defined by composure, character, and a goalkeeper who seized his moment. For the Gunners, the journey in the Carabao Cup continues, and belief is growing with every hard-fought win.