Kepa Arrizabalaga Sends Arsenal to Carabao Cup Semi-Final After Penalty Shootout Win Over Crystal Palace
Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace. The quarter-final match saw Arsenal take the lead through an own goal by Maxence Lacroix. However, Palace fought back to equalise in stoppage time, with Marc Guéhi scoring in the 95th minute to send the game to penalties.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero for Arsenal, saving Lacroix's penalty which ultimately secured their progression. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rotated eight players for the match and introduced Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka after half-time to spark the breakthrough.
Gabriel Jesus returned from an ACL injury and made his 100th Arsenal appearance in the match against Crystal Palace. Jesus had been building his form since scoring a hat-trick earlier in the competition. On Palace's side, goalkeeper Walter Benítez made several key saves, including efforts against Jesus and Madueke to keep the game alive before penalties.
Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards was carried off with a foot injury and was replaced by Nathaniel Clyne as Palace faced a demanding schedule. This game was a rematch of last year's quarter-final, and Arsenal will now face Chelsea in the semi-final round.
