Arsenal edge past Crystal Palace on penalties to reach EFL Cup Semi-Finals

Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals after surviving a dramatic night at the Emirates, eventually defeating Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties following a tense draw that stretched deep into stoppage time.

The victory extended the Gunners’ unbeaten run against Palace to nine matches and kept alive their hopes of lifting silverware in a season where Mikel Arteta’s side are competing on multiple fronts. While the EFL Cup may not sit at the top of Arsenal’s priority list, their aggressive opening display suggested anything but indifference.

Arsenal dominance meets Benítez resistance

Arsenal burst out of the blocks and quickly tested Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who was the standout performer of the first half. The Argentine shot-stopper produced a sharp save to deny Noni Madueke early on before pulling off an outstanding stop to keep out a powerful Gabriel Jesus header that seemed destined for the bottom corner.

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The pressure continued to build, with Benítez again frustrating Madueke as Arsenal probed relentlessly. Gabriel Martinelli was a constant threat down the left flank, whipping in a dangerous cross that Jurriën Timber could only glance over the bar.

Despite being pinned back for long periods, Palace reached half-time with their clean sheet intact, largely thanks to Benítez’s heroics and disciplined defending.

Palace grow into the contest

The second half brought a noticeable shift in momentum. Palace emerged with renewed belief and began to trouble Arsenal’s shape, with Adam Wharton firing a long-range effort just wide of the target.

Sensing the need for greater control, Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian playmaker nearly made an instant impact, his inviting cross finding Jesus, who headed wide.

However, Arsenal’s dominance waned, and Palace grew increasingly comfortable, defending with confidence and threatening sporadically on the counter.

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The turning point appeared to arrive in the 81st minute. From a set-piece, Palace failed to clear their lines, and in a moment of cruel misfortune, Maxence Lacroix diverted the ball into his own net, handing Arsenal a late breakthrough.

The goal came just moments after Palace had gone close themselves, with Will Hughes flicking a dangerous effort narrowly past the post, making the setback even more painful for Oliver Glasner’s side.

Arsenal looked set to see out the win, but stoppage time delivered another twist. Poor marking from a Wharton set-piece allowed Marc Guéhi to rise and head past Kepa Arrizabalaga, stunning the Emirates and forcing penalties.

Penalty shootout seals Arsenal progress

What followed was a nerve-shredding shootout that seemed to have no end. Both sides showed remarkable composure from the spot until Lacroix, already unfortunate on the night, saw his penalty saved to finally bring proceedings to a close.

Arsenal prevailed 8-7 on penalties, sealing their place in the last four of the competition. Given the balance of chances, few could argue against the Gunners’ progression. The win marked a fourth straight victory in all competitions for Arteta’s side, who now turn their focus back to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion set to visit the Emirates.

For Crystal Palace, it was another night of frustration. Despite a brave and resilient display from a depleted squad, the Eagles remain winless in four matches, though their performance here deserved more than defeat.