Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals after edging past a resilient Crystal Palace side in a sudden-death penalty shootout, extending their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Eagles to nine matches, Softfootball reports.
The Gunners came into the quarter-final in confident mood after seeing off Brighton 2-0 in the previous round, and that assurance showed early on. Despite the competition arguably ranking lower on Mikel Arteta’s list of priorities, Arsenal began with real intent. Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez was quickly called into action, first denying Noni Madueke before producing an outstanding save to claw away Gabriel Jesus’ header that looked destined for the bottom corner.
Arsenal continued to press as the first half wore on, with Benítez again frustrating Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli causing constant problems down the left. The Brazilian teed up Jurriën Timber with a teasing cross, but the defender could only head over, as Oliver Glasner’s Palace somehow reached half-time still on level terms.
Palace, who had reached this stage by stunning Liverpool 3-0 away at Anfield, showed far more ambition after the break. Adam Wharton dragged a long-range effort wide, signalling a shift in momentum that forced Arteta into action. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard were introduced, and the latter soon created a chance for Jesus, who nodded wide. Still, the expected Arsenal onslaught never truly materialised, with Palace looking increasingly comfortable.
The visitors’ resistance was finally broken in the 81st minute, albeit in cruel fashion. From a set-piece, Palace failed to clear their lines and Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. It appeared to be the decisive moment, especially coming just after Will Hughes had gone close at the other end.
However, Palace refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, Marc Guéhi reacted quickest to slot home from close range after Arsenal failed to deal with another Wharton delivery, forcing the tie into penalties.
What followed was a tense, extended shootout, eventually settled when Lacroix’s effort was saved, allowing Arsenal to prevail 8-7 from the spot. On balance, the Gunners’ greater control and chances arguably justified their progression.
After the game ended, Arsenal via its official X handle shared the post match reactions of players as the head into the dressing room, the gunners will now turn their focus to Chelsea in the semifinals in what promises to be a cracker. They posted:
The win makes it four victories in a row across all competitions for Arteta’s side, who now turn their attention back to the Premier League title race with Brighton visiting the Emirates this weekend. For Palace, despite exiting the competition, it was a brave and disciplined display that underlined their fighting spirit during a demanding period for their stretched squad.
