LONDON-(MaraviPost)-Arsenal kept their EFL Cup dreams alive after surviving a tense and emotional night against Crystal Palace, sealing a place in the semi-finals through an 8-7 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
From the opening whistle, the match carried the intensity expected of a cup quarter-final.
Arsenal controlled large spells of possession, patiently moving the ball across the pitch, while Crystal Palace remained disciplined, soaking up pressure and looking to exploit moments on the counterattack.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in midfield, clear chances were limited in the first half as Palace’s defensive structure frustrated the hosts.
Both sides went into the break level, knowing that one moment of quality or error could decide the contest.
The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute when sustained Arsenal pressure paid off.
A dangerous delivery into the box caused confusion in the Palace defence and Maxence Lacroix, attempting to clear his lines, accidentally turned the ball into his own net, handing Arsenal a late advantage.
However, Crystal Palace showed resilience and refused to surrender.
Deep into stoppage time, Palace capitalised on a set piece situation and Marc Guéhi rose to the occasion, guiding home a dramatic equaliser to force the match into penalties.
The shootout unfolded as a test of nerves with both teams displaying remarkable composure.
Penalty after penalty found the back of the net, as goalkeepers were left guessing while the pressure mounted with every kick.
The decisive moment came during the eighth round of penalties.
Lacroix, already unfortunate with the own goal, stepped forward once more but Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga read the effort perfectly and produced a crucial save to end Palace’s resistance.
Kepa’s intervention sparked jubilant celebrations among Arsenal players and supporters alike, as the Gunners secured their place in the last four of the competition.
His calm presence and decisive save proved the difference on a night defined by fine margins.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat was heartbreaking. After showing character to equalise late and matching Arsenal kick for kick in the shootout, they exited the competition with pride but clear disappointment.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a challenging semi final clash against Chelsea in a two legged tie.
The winner of that showdown will earn a place in the final against either Manchester City or Newcastle United.
