Kepa Heroics Send Arsenal Into Carabao Cup Semis
Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the unlikely hero as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw, booking a Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Chelsea.
Arsenal survived a night of late drama and missed chances to defeat Crystal Palace on penalties and progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, with Kepa Arrizabalaga saving the decisive spot kick at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners dominated large spells of the contest but struggled to turn their superiority into goals, largely due to an outstanding performance from Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Gabriel Jesus was denied twice in the first half, while Noni Madueke and Akor Adams also failed to capitalise on promising openings as Palace held firm.
Arsenal finally thought they had won it in the 80th minute when sustained pressure from a corner led to Maxence Lacroix bundling the ball into his own net while attempting to clear. The goal appeared to settle the tie and sparked celebrations inside the stadium.
However, Palace produced a dramatic twist deep into stoppage time. Adam Wharton delivered a teasing free kick into the box, Jefferson Lerma won the initial header and Marc Guehi reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Declan Rice had one last chance to avoid penalties with the final kick of the game, but again Benitez stood tall, pushing his effort away to cap a superb night for the Palace goalkeeper.
The shootout proved long and tense, with both sides converting their first 15 penalties. With the score at 8-7, Lacroix stepped up once more, but his nightmare evening was complete when Kepa dived low to his right to save and send Arsenal into the last four.
Mikel Arteta made eight changes to his starting line-up, including handing Gabriel Jesus his first start in almost a year following an ACL injury, and the lack of rhythm was evident at times. Arsenal controlled possession but were wasteful in front of goal and vulnerable late on, with William Saliba conceding the free kick that led to Palace’s equaliser.
Despite the flaws, Arsenal march on and will now face Chelsea over two legs in an all-London semi-final, keeping their hopes of silverware alive.
For Crystal Palace, it was a brave and disciplined display that ultimately ended in disappointment. Oliver Glasner’s side, stretched by injuries and a demanding schedule, showed resilience and belief to force penalties and push one of the tournament favourites to the limit.
Palace may be out of the competition, but the fight and organisation they displayed against top opposition will give them confidence as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.
