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Arsenal edge Palace on penalties to reach Carabao Cup semis

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Arsenal

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Also read: Newcastle United seek VAR clarity after disputed Chelsea penalty

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.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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