Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the EFL Cup semifinals at the Emirates Stadium as Maxence Lacroix scored an own goal then missed a crucial penalty.
Arsenal reached the EFL Cup semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The quarter final finished 1-1 after normal time, and proceed straight to penalties with the hosts eventually winning 8-7 on penalties. Maxence Lacroix endured a difficult night, scoring an own goal before missing the decisive spot kick. Kepa Arrizabalaga saved his effort to send Arsenal through.
Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the side that beat Everton at the weekend. Arsenal controlled large spells, especially in the first half, but struggled to convert chances. Stand in Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez produced several key saves to keep the game level. Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke were both denied as frustration grew.
The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute from a corner. Arsenal applied pressure in the box, and Lacroix bundled the ball into his own net while attempting to clear. The goal looked set to send Arsenal through without penalties. Palace, however, continued to push forward despite limited possession.
Crystal Palace found a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Adam Wharton delivered a free kick, Jefferson Lerma flicked it on, and Marc Guehi finished from close range. Declan Rice had a chance to win it late for Arsenal but was denied by Benitez. The match moved to penalties after a tense finish.
Kepa Arrizabalaga proved decisive in the shootout after 15 successful penalties. He saved Lacroix’s effort to settle a high-quality contest. Benitez was Palace’s standout performer during open play, keeping his side competitive throughout. Arsenal created the better chances but were again punished for wasteful finishing.
Arsenal outshot Crystal Palace 25 to eight over the course of the match. The hosts also finished with a higher expected goals total of 2.76 compared to Palace’s 0.91. Both teams converted their first seven penalties before the decisive save. Arsenal have now beaten Brighton and Palace in successive EFL Cup rounds.
Arsenal remain in contention for silverware as the season enters a busy period. Arsenal will face Chelsea in a two-legged semifinal for a place at Wembley. The first leg will be played at on January 14th, with the return on February 3rd. The Gunnes return to action on December 27th when they host Brighton at The Emirates before welcoming high flying Aston Villa on December 30th.
Crystal Palace now turn their focus back to other competitions after a spirited cup run. The Eagles return to league action when they host Tottenham on December 28th, before hosting Fulham on January 1st.
