Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace as “emotionally tough” after his side conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, before ultimately triumphing 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners dominated much of the game and could have sealed the contest well before the interval. Walter Benítez, Crystal Palace’s stand-in goalkeeper, was in outstanding form, denying several early opportunities and keeping the score goalless at half-time.
The breakthrough for Arsenal arrived ten minutes from time. Riccardo Calafiori nodded Bukayo Saka’s corner down, William Saliba reacted quickly, and amidst the frantic Palace defence, Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
However, Palace responded dramatically in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Jefferson Lerma met a corner with a downward header, and Marc Guehi reached the ball first, slotting it between Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs for Palace’s first shot on target, forcing extra time.
The penalty shoot-out was tense, stretching to 15 successful kicks before Lacroix was once again on the wrong end. Kepa’s decisive save to his right sent Arsenal through to the semi-finals, where they will meet Chelsea in January.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta highlighted the positives while acknowledging missed opportunities.
“Considering the number of changes we made, the energy and quality we showed against a well-organised team that concedes few chances, we generated a lot,” he said.
“The margin should have been much bigger. They weren’t, and when that happens, teams have the quality to hurt you on a set-piece. That was emotionally tough to accept, but we stayed calm, showed great composure, and executed in the shoot-out.”
Benítez’s heroics included saves from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Eberechi Eze, and finally Declan Rice, illustrating the fine margins of knockout football.
Arsenal’s win marked their fourth consecutive victory and their second in three days, having beaten Everton on Saturday to reclaim a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
“You have to win in different situations and contexts,” Arteta added. “Two very difficult games, and we managed to win both. Credit to the boys for performing at this level every three days.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed concern over Chris Richards, who was stretchered off with a significant foot injury.
“He got a knock on his foot that had to be stitched,” Glasner said. “I don’t know if he will be okay for the Tottenham game, but I am hopeful for the Fulham match.”
Penalty Shoot-Out Summary:
| Player/Team | Penalty Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal (8) | Scored |
| Crystal Palace (7) | Scored |
| Maxence Lacroix | Missed Decisive Penalty |
| Kepa Arrizabalaga | Key Save |
Arsenal now look forward to a semi-final clash with Chelsea, while Palace regroup to face Tottenham and Fulham in their upcoming fixtures.