Arsenal Carabao Cup semi-final place sealed after an 8–7 penalty win over Crystal Palace following a tense London derby at the Emirates

Arsenal Football Club advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night after edging Crystal Palace Football Club 8–7 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 quarter-final draw at the Emirates Stadium, London.

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The London derby was settled in a nerve-shredding shootout after normal time ended level, with Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga producing the decisive moment.

Arsenal took the lead in the 79th minute when Palace defender Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net under pressure from William Saliba, following a precise corner delivered by Bukayo Saka.

The own goal appeared to have secured victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, but Palace forced extra drama deep into stoppage time.

Centre-back **Marc Guéhi** struck from close range after Jefferson Lerma headed down a free-kick, sending the tie to penalties.

The match was also marred by a serious injury to Palace defender Chris Richards, who was stretchered off in the second half with a bleeding foot.

Arsenal dominated the early stages, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Jurrien Timber all involved in sustained attacking pressure.

Martinelli was particularly influential in the first half, creating several chances before hobbling off following a clash of knees.

Palace grew into the contest after the break, forcing Arrizabalaga into multiple saves, including a sharp stop from a long Lerma throw.

Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka as the tempo rose, with Ødegaard later delivering a cross that Jesus narrowly failed to convert.

The penalty shootout extended into sudden death, with both teams converting until Lacroix stepped up for Palace’s 16th kick.

Arrizabalaga saved the effort to complete a dramatic Arsenal Carabao Cup semi-final qualification.

Arsenal converted all eight of their penalties through Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Saka, Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, Timber, and Saliba.

The victory sends Arsenal into the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the 18th time in the club’s history.

Arsenal will face Chelsea Football Club over two legs, with the first leg scheduled at Stamford Bridge in the week beginning January 12 and the return fixture at the Emirates in early February.

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The Gunners next host Brighton and Hove Albion on December 27 before welcoming Aston Villa on December 30 in their final Premier League fixtures of 2025.