Arsenal Advance to EFL Cup Semi-Final After Dramatic Penalty Win Over Palace

Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals after edging out Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The EFL Cup quarter-final was packed with late twists, missed chances, and a marathon shootout that ultimately saw goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga emerge as the decisive figure.

Mikel Arteta made eight changes to his Arsenal side, underlining the challenge of balancing squad rotation with progression in the EFL Cup. Despite the alterations, Arsenal dominated possession and territory for long periods, creating numerous chances but struggling to convert their superiority into goals.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, arrived with a depleted squad and a heavy recent workload, yet showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the EFL Cup tie, keeping Arsenal at bay until the closing stages.

Match Information :

• Competition: EFL Cup
• Round: Quarter-final
• Venue: Emirates Stadium
• Final Score: Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
• Penalty Result: Arsenal won 8-7
• Arsenal Goal: Maxence Lacroix (own goal, 80th minute)
• Palace Goal: Marc Guehi (90+5 minute)
• Key Player: Kepa Arrizabalaga
• Next Fixture: EFL Cup semi-final vs Chelsea

Arsenal began the EFL Cup quarter-final at a high tempo, pressing Palace deep into their own half. Gabriel Martinelli was a constant outlet down the left, while Gabriel Jesus, making his first start in almost a year after injury, tested Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez on multiple occasions.

Benítez proved to be Crystal Palace’s standout performer in the EFL Cup contest, producing a series of excellent saves to deny Jesus, Noni Madueke, and Declan Rice. His efforts ensured the match remained goalless at half-time despite Arsenal’s dominance.

Palace gradually improved after the break following tactical adjustments by manager Oliver Glasner. Adam Wharton began to influence proceedings from midfield, while Palace posed more of a threat from set-pieces, forcing Arsenal to stay alert defensively.

The breakthrough in the EFL Cup finally arrived in the 80th minute, albeit in unfortunate circumstances for the visitors. From an Arsenal corner, Maxence Lacroix attempted to clear the ball but instead bundled it into his own net, seemingly sending Arsenal into the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Late Equaliser and Penalty Shootout Drama

Just when Arsenal appeared to have secured the EFL Cup victory, Crystal Palace struck back in dramatic fashion. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Wharton delivered a dangerous free-kick, Jefferson Lerma flicked it on, and captain Marc Guehi reacted quickest to score from close range and force penalties.

Arsenal almost snatched the EFL Cup win with the final kick of the game, but Rice was again denied by Benítez, who capped a superb individual display.

The EFL Cup tie went straight to penalties, and what followed was one of the competition’s most remarkable shootouts. The first 15 spot-kicks were converted with confidence, taking the score to 8-7. When Lacroix stepped up to take Palace’s eighth penalty, Arrizabalaga read his intention perfectly and saved to his right, sealing Arsenal’s passage into the EFL Cup last four.

The shootout marked Arsenal’s second-highest scoring penalty win in their history and underlined their impressive recent record from the spot in the EFL Cup and other competitions.

Arsenal will now face London rivals Chelsea over two legs in the EFL Cup semi-finals, with a place at Wembley at stake. For Palace, the EFL Cup exit was painful, but their performance offered encouragement amid injuries and a demanding schedule.

Looking ahead, Arsenal’s progress in the EFL Cup keeps their hopes of silverware firmly alive and provides valuable momentum as the season enters a demanding phase. For Crystal Palace, despite falling short in the EFL Cup, the fighting spirit shown against Arsenal highlighted the strength of their collective approach, and with careful squad management, they will aim to turn performances into results in the weeks ahead.