Arsenal through to Carabao cup semi-finals after penalty shootout thriller against Palace

Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as Arsenal’s match-winner after saving the decisive penalty in a tense shootout victory over Crystal Palace, sending the Gunners into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup following a dramatic contest, Sport360NG reports.

Arsenal appeared to have sealed the tie late on when Palace defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 80th minute while attempting to clear an Arsenal corner. However, the visitors were denied a regulation-time victory as Palace struck deep into stoppage time.

Adam Wharton’s floated free-kick caused problems in the Arsenal area and, after Jefferson Lerma’s initial knockdown, Marc Guehi reacted quickest to prod home from close range and force penalties.

Declan Rice had the chance to settle the contest with the final action of normal time, but Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez produced another outstanding save to keep his side alive. The stand-in keeper had been Palace’s standout performer, notably denying Gabriel Jesus twice to frustrate Arsenal for long periods.

The shootout proved to be of high quality, but it was Lacroix whose evening ended in disappointment. With the scores at 8-7, the centre-back saw his penalty kept out by Arrizabalaga, who dived low to his right to secure Arsenal’s place in the last four.

Mikel Arteta’s side will now face London rivals Chelsea over two legs for a place in the final.

Arsenal analysis: Progress achieved, but concerns remain

Arteta will welcome his team’s passage into the semi-finals, yet the manner of the performance is unlikely to fully satisfy the Arsenal manager.

The Gunners were below their usual standards, creating numerous chances without capitalising before benefiting from Lacroix’s late own goal. Arteta made eight changes from the side that narrowly beat Everton at the weekend, including a first start in 345 days for Gabriel Jesus following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and the reshuffled line-up lacked fluency.

Arteta cut an animated figure on the touchline, growing increasingly animated as the game entered its closing stages. A needless foul conceded by William Saliba in stoppage time ultimately led to Palace’s equaliser, though Arsenal were spared the consequences as they prevailed on penalties.

While recent draws with Sunderland and Chelsea, along with a defeat to Aston Villa, suggest Arsenal have steadied after a brief wobble, their performances have yet to return to the level shown earlier in the campaign.

Crystal Palace analysis: Late resilience but cruel exit

For Crystal Palace, the defeat brought a frustrating end to another encouraging showing in what has been a memorable year for the club.

With the FA Cup and Community Shield already secured and a first European adventure under way, Oliver Glasner’s side continue to compete admirably. Yet there remains a sense that Palace’s ceiling could be higher with greater depth in the squad.

Glasner made three changes from the heavy defeat at Leeds, but signs of fatigue have crept in as a demanding fixture list begins to test a relatively small group of players. Despite that, Palace remained organised and resilient, qualities that underpinned their dramatic late equaliser.

Injuries have further stretched the squad, with Daniel Muñoz unavailable, Chris Richards forced off during the match, and Jean-Philippe Mateta playing through a knock. Still, Palace pushed Arsenal all the way and came close to a place in the semi-finals.

Although the shootout defeat was harsh, the Eagles can take pride in a spirited display against elite opposition.