Arsenal Hold Their Nerve in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Edge Past Crystal Palace

Arsenal progressed to the Carabao Cup semifinals after surviving a tense and emotionally draining encounter against Crystal Palace, winning 8–7 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The quarterfinal clash tested the Gunners’ patience, composure, and mental strength, with manager Mikel Arteta later admitting that his side found it “emotionally tough” to deal with Palace’s late equaliser.

Dominant First Half but Missed Opportunities

The match could have been effectively decided well before halftime, as Arsenal dominated possession and created several clear chances. Despite their attacking intent, the hosts were unable to find the breakthrough in the first half, largely due to an outstanding performance from Crystal Palace’s deputy goalkeeper Walter Benítez.

Benítez made a series of impressive saves to deny Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Eberechi Eze, frustrating Arsenal and keeping the scoreline goalless at the interval. His sharp reflexes and positioning ensured Palace stayed in the contest despite Arsenal’s relentless pressure.

Late Breakthrough and Even Later Drama

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes remaining in normal time. From a Bukayo Saka corner, Riccardo Calafiori nodded the ball down into the danger area. William Saliba attempted to connect, and amid the defensive scramble, Palace defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Arsenal a deserved lead.

Just when it seemed the Gunners had sealed victory, Palace struck back in dramatic fashion. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Jefferson Lerma flicked on a corner, and captain Marc Guéhi reacted quickest to poke the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Remarkably, it was Palace’s first shot on target of the entire match, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak and Redemption

Both teams displayed incredible composure from the spot, converting the first 15 penalties without error. However, Lacroix’s night went from unfortunate to devastating when he stepped up again—this time as the final Palace taker. Kepa Arrizabalaga guessed correctly, diving to his right to make the decisive save and send Arsenal through to the semifinals.

Arteta praised his goalkeeper for delivering when it mattered most but was critical of his team’s inability to finish the match earlier.

“The margin should have been much bigger,” Arteta said. “We created enough to be three or four goals ahead. When you don’t take those chances, teams can punish you from set-pieces.”

Arteta Reflects on Growth and Consistency

Despite his frustrations, Arteta acknowledged the maturity his team showed under pressure.

“That was emotionally tough to accept, conceding so late,” he said. “But we stayed calm, showed great composure, and executed the shootout with quality. I’m very happy for Kepa making the final save.”

The win marked Arsenal’s fourth consecutive victory in all competitions and their second in three days, following a crucial Premier League win over Everton that restored their two-point lead at the top of the table. Arsenal will now face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinals in January.

“You have to win games in different contexts,” Arteta added. “The boys deserve huge credit. Every three days, they are performing at an extremely high level.”

Injury Concerns for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner provided an update on defender Chris Richards, who was stretchered off after suffering a deep cut to his foot.

“He needed stitches,” Glasner said. “It doesn’t look too bad, but I don’t know yet if he’ll be ready for the Tottenham game. Hopefully, he can return against Fulham.”

Liverpool’s Slot Slams ‘Reckless’ Van de Ven Tackle After Isak Injury

Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot strongly criticised Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven following a challenge that resulted in a serious injury to striker Alexander Isak during Liverpool’s 2–1 victory over Spurs.

Isak was injured while scoring Liverpool’s opening goal after Van de Ven slid in aggressively inside the penalty area. Despite the severity of the challenge, no foul or card was given at the time.

Subsequent medical tests confirmed that Isak had suffered a broken ankle and fibula. He underwent successful surgery on Monday and is expected to be sidelined for “a couple of months.”

Slot Expresses Frustration Over Dangerous Challenge

Slot described the tackle as “reckless” and highlighted the dangers of such challenges.

“If you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there’s a chance of a serious injury,” Slot said. “This had nothing to do with player overload. It was simply a dangerous challenge.”

While Liverpool have also dealt with muscle-related injuries to players such as Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez, Slot emphasized that Isak’s injury was entirely avoidable.

Despite the setback, Liverpool continued their strong form, though the loss of Isak presents a significant challenge for the coming months.