Arsenal Edge Palace on Penalties After Late Drama to Reach Semifinals

Arsenal booked their place in the League Cup semifinals after a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace, following a tense 1-1 draw at full time.

The decisive moment came when Palace defender Maxence Lacroix endured a night to forget. After scoring an own goal in the 80th minute, the Frenchman later missed his penalty in the shootout, handing Arsenal the edge as every other spot-kick was converted.

The Premier League leaders had controlled possession for much of the contest and finally found a breakthrough when Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball past goalkeeper Walter Benitez while attempting to clear an Arsenal corner. Despite the setback, Palace showed resilience and equalised deep into stoppage time. Captain Marc Guehi reacted quickest to a loose ball following a free kick, forcing the tie into penalties.

Benitez was instrumental in keeping Palace competitive, especially in the first half. The goalkeeper produced several crucial saves, twice denying Noni Madueke from close range and also stopping a powerful header from Gabriel Jesus.

Palace, the reigning FA Cup holders, improved significantly after the break but struggled to create clear chances until the late equaliser.

The fixture had been postponed from the previous week due to Palace’s UEFA Conference League commitments.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s composure after conceding late. He admitted the margin should have been wider, referencing their recent narrow league win over Everton.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner highlighted his side’s improved second-half performance and credited Benitez for keeping them in the contest, adding that his players would now take a short break to recover after a demanding schedule.

Arsenal will next host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, while Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Arsenal now prepare for a League Cup semifinal showdown against Chelsea.