Arsenal booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals after edging past Crystal Palace 8–7 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga proved the difference in the shootout, saving Maxence Lacroix’s spot kick to end the contest after all the other penalties had been converted. It capped a difficult night for the Palace defender, who had earlier put through his own net late in normal time.
Arsenal, who dominated possession throughout, finally made the breakthrough in the 80th minute when Lacroix inadvertently diverted a corner past his own goalkeeper Walter Benítez. The Palace keeper had been outstanding until then, keeping his side in the tie with a series of fine first-half saves, twice denying Noni Madueke from close range and also stopping a Gabriel Jesus header.
Palace, the FA Cup holders, improved after the interval and forced the game to penalties when captain Marc Guéhi struck in stoppage time, pouncing on a knockdown from a free kick to level the score.
The Premier League leaders will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals. The quarter-final had been postponed from last week due to Palace’s involvement in the UEFA Conference League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his side’s composure after conceding late. “The margins should have been bigger and we will work on that,” he said, also referencing their narrow league win over Everton at the weekend.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was encouraged by his team’s response after the break. “Walter Benítez kept us in the game and the second half was much more even,” he said, adding that his players would now take time to enjoy Christmas following a hectic schedule.
Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, while Palace, currently eighth in the table, welcome Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
