Arsenal secured a place in the Carabao Cup semifinals after edging Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties on Tuesday night. The quarterfinal clash ended 1-1 after normal time at the Emirates Stadium.
The London derby produced late drama. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net in the 79th minute. His mistake handed Arsenal a late lead and lifted the home crowd.
Arsenal and Palace Trade Late Goals
Crystal Palace refused to back down and pushed forward. Their effort paid off in stoppage time when captain Marc Guéhi rose to head home the equaliser. As a result, the match went straight to penalties.
Both teams converted repeatedly during the shootout. The contest stretched into sudden death as the pressure mounted. Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga then delivered the decisive moment.
He saved Palace’s 16th penalty, which Lacroix took. The stop sealed Arsenal’s place in the last four.
Injury Disrupts Palace Defence
The match also brought concern for Palace. Defender Chris Richards suffered a serious foot injury in the second half. Medical staff stretchered him off the pitch, forcing an early reshuffle.
Despite the setback, Palace stayed competitive. The visitors pushed Arsenal until the final kick of the shootout.
Arsenal Set for Chelsea Semifinal Clash
The victory keeps Arsenal’s trophy hopes alive this season. The Gunners will now face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinals.
The two-leg ties will take place in January and February. Another London derby now awaits in the race for the EFL Cup.
