By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware on four fronts remains firmly on track after a heart-pounding penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace secured their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. In a match defined by late drama and “sudden death” tension, the Gunners eventually prevailed 8-7 from the spot after the contest ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The victory extends Mikel Arteta’s dominant head-to-head record against the Eagles to nine games unbeaten (W8, D1) and keeps the north London side “purring nicely” as they head into a crucial festive period.
A Frustrating Opening for the Gunners
Despite the EFL Cup often sitting lower on the priority list, Arsenal started with a rampant intensity that suggested otherwise. Crystal Palace shot-stopper Walter Benítez was the hero of the first half, producing a string of outstanding saves to keep the game level.
Benítez first denied Noni Madueke before pulling off a world-class save to keep out a goal-bound header from Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel Martinelli was equally dangerous down the left flank, providing a pinpoint cross for Jurriën Timber, who could only watch in agony as his header cleared the crossbar.
Palace Fight Back
After weathering the first-half storm, Oliver Glasner’s side emerged for the second period with renewed vigor. Adam Wharton signaled Palace’s intent with a flashing long-range effort, prompting Arteta to summon Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard from the bench to regain control.
The game took a physical toll on the visitors when defender Chris Richards was forced off with an injury, further testing a “threadbare” Palace squad that showed remarkable defensive resolve.
Late Drama and Heartbreak
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute in the “cruellest fashion.” Following a scramble from a set-piece, Palace defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, giving Arsenal what looked like the winning goal.
However, the Eagles refused to fold. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Marc Guehi dramatically slotted home past Kepa Arrizabalaga after the Gunners failed to clear another dangerous delivery from Wharton, sending the match straight to penalties.
The Shootout: Lacroix’s Redemption Denied
The ensuing shootout was a marathon of nerves. Both sides remained clinical until the pressure reached a breaking point in sudden death. In a poetic but painful twist of fate, it was Maxence Lacroix—who had earlier scored the own goal—whose final spot-kick was saved, handing Arsenal an 8-7 victory.
Looking Ahead
While Palace can take pride in a “gutsy display” despite their four-game winless run, Arsenal’s focus now shifts back to the Premier League title race. The Gunners will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates this Saturday, brimming with confidence after their fourth successive victory across all competitions.
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