Arsenal Edge Crystal Palace on Penalties to Reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals
Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals by defeating Crystal Palace on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on 23 December 2025.
The shootout was decided when Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved a spot-kick from Maxence Lacroix, securing Arsenal's progression.
During regular time, Lacroix had initially scored an own goal, giving Arsenal what appeared to be a winning lead.
However, Palace captain Marc Guéhi equalised in the 95th minute, forcing the game into penalties.
The match featured notable changes for Arsenal, who made eight changes from their usual lineup; Riccardo Calafiori started at centre-back, filling in for the sidelined Pierro Hincapié, who was out with a knock.
Palace's goalkeeper Walter Benítez made several important saves in the first half to keep his team competitive.
Guéhi was making his 31st appearance of the season, while Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus returned after a lengthy 345-day recovery from an ACL injury.
Palace had requested to reschedule the match due to their commitments in European competition, a decision that inadvertently allowed Arsenal some rest and rotation in their squad.
Arsenal will now face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
