Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after surviving a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Crystal Palace 8–7, following a 1–1 draw after regulation time at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Gunners join Manchester City, Newcastle United and Chelsea in the last four and will now face London rivals Chelsea over two legs, with the first semi-final scheduled at Stamford Bridge on January 14.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated large spells of the quarter-final and created the bulk of the clear-cut chances, but were made to work hard by a resilient Palace outfit and an outstanding goalkeeping display from Walter Benítez.
After sustained pressure, Arsenal finally found the breakthrough in the 80th minute. Bukayo Saka’s corner caused chaos in the Palace box, with Riccardo Calafiori’s header deflecting into the net off centre-back Maxence Lacroix for an unfortunate own goal.
Palace refused to fold and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Club captain Marc Guéhi reacted quickest to Jefferson Lerma’s knockdown to score in the fifth minute of added time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
What followed was a tense and absorbing shootout, with the first 15 penalties converted by both sides. The decisive moment arrived when Lacroix stepped up for Palace’s 16th kick, only for Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to read his effort and produce the crucial save.
The victory keeps Arsenal on course for their first Wembley appearance in five years. It was their second-highest scoring penalty shootout, behind only the 9–8 win over Rotherham in 2003–04, and extended their impressive conversion rate to 47 successful spot-kicks from their last 51 attempts.
Arsenal had set the tone early, pressing high and dominating possession. The advanced positioning of full-backs Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly repeatedly stretched Palace’s defensive shape, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to thrive down the left flank.
Martinelli created five chances in the first half alone, but Benítez produced a series of fine saves to keep Palace level at the break. Oliver Glasner responded with changes at half-time, introducing Nathaniel Clyne and Justin Devenny, which helped the visitors grow into the contest.
Despite Palace’s improved second-half display, Arsenal continued to threaten. Gabriel Jesus came closest to scoring with a header from Martin Ødegaard’s precise delivery, while Timber also went close after pressing Guéhi inside the penalty area.
However, Arsenal were punished for failing to kill the game off as Palace struck late to force penalties.
In the shootout, Kepa emerged as the hero, producing a moment of redemption after losing previous Carabao Cup finals on penalties with Chelsea. The Spaniard’s save ensured Arsenal’s progression and set up a compelling semi-final clash against his former club.
The English Football League Cup, known as the Carabao Cup, is one of the major domestic trophies in English football. While it may lack the historic prestige of the FA Cup and the Premier League title, it remains a valued piece of silverware and offers a direct route into European competition.
Match Scorecard
EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) – Quarter-final
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Arsenal 1–1 Crystal Palace
(Arsenal win 8–7 on penalties)
Goals:
M. Lacroix (Crystal Palace) 80’ (OG)
M. Guéhi (Crystal Palace) 90+5’
Penalty Shootout:
Arsenal won 8–7
Image credit: Premiere League/X
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