Arrizabalaga’s Penalty Heroics Send Arsenal into Carabao Cup Semi-Finals After Palace Thriller

Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the decisive figure as Arsenal edged past Crystal Palace in a dramatic Carabao Cup quarter-final, sealing a semi-final berth after a tense penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish goalkeeper saved the crucial spot-kick from Maxence Lacroix, bringing an end to a match that swung repeatedly in its closing moments and underlined both Arsenal’s resilience and their lingering inconsistencies.

---

Late Goals, Then Penalties

Arsenal appeared to have settled the contest in the 80th minute when Palace defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear an Arsenal corner. The Gunners looked set for victory until stoppage time delivered another twist.

In the fifth minute of added time, Adam Wharton sent a free-kick into the box, Jefferson Lerma flicked it on, and Palace captain Marc Guehi reacted quickest to stab home from close range, forcing the tie into penalties.

There was still one final chance in regulation time. Declan Rice struck Arsenal’s last-gasp effort, but Palace’s stand-in goalkeeper Walter Benítez produced an outstanding save to keep his side alive.

---

Shootout Drama and Kepa’s Moment

The penalty shootout was of high quality, with both teams converting repeatedly as the tension mounted. With Palace trailing 8–7, Lacroix stepped up hoping to atone for his earlier own goal. Instead, his difficult evening was compounded when Arrizabalaga guessed correctly, diving low to his right to push the shot away and send Arsenal through.

The victory books Arsenal a two-legged semi-final against London rivals Chelsea, keeping alive their hopes of lifting the Carabao Cup.

---

Arsenal: Progress, but Questions Remain

While Mikel Arteta will welcome his side’s progress, the performance itself is unlikely to have satisfied the Arsenal manager. The Gunners dominated large spells but struggled to convert chances, relying on Palace errors and a shootout to advance.

Arteta made eight changes from the team that beat Everton at the weekend, including a first start in 345 days for Gabriel Jesus following his return from an ACL injury. The reshuffled line-up looked disjointed at times, despite creating opportunities.

Defensively, Arsenal were nearly punished for a lapse late on when William Saliba conceded the free-kick that led to Palace’s equaliser. Though the error did not prove fatal, it reflected a recent trend of wavering game management.

Despite moving back into a winning run after draws against Sunderland and Chelsea and a defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal are still operating below the levels they set earlier in the season.

---

Crystal Palace: Pride Despite Exit

For Crystal Palace, the defeat brought an end to an impressive cup run but not without credit. Under manager Oliver Glasner, 2025 has been among the club’s most successful periods, with the FA Cup, Community Shield, and a maiden European campaign already secured.

Palace showed character to force extra drama late on, underlining the resilience Glasner has instilled. However, squad depth remains a concern. Injuries to key players — including Daniel Muñoz, a potentially serious injury to Chris Richards during the match, and a fitness issue for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta — have stretched resources.

Even so, Palace pushed Arsenal all the way and came close to another landmark achievement. While disappointment is inevitable, the performance reinforced their growing reputation as a side capable of competing with the Premier League’s elite.

---

What’s Next

Arsenal now turn their attention to a high-profile semi-final clash with Chelsea, while Palace shift focus back to league and European commitments. For both clubs, this pulsating contest served as a reminder of the fine margins that define knockout football.