Arsenal clinch Carabao Cup semi‑final after dramatic shoot‑out win over Palace – Arteta reacts, Isak out, Semenyo set for City

Breaking: arsenal clinch Carabao Cup semi-final spot in dramatic shootout over Palace; Isak injury update and Semenyo City link emerge

Arsenal booked a place in the Carabao cup last four after a nerve‑ jangling penalty shootout against Crystal Palace at the Emirates. The tie finished level after extra time, sending the outcome to spot-kicks where the home side prevailed to reach the semi-finals.

Live-break recap: tension, tactics, and the shootout drama

The Emirates crowd watched a balanced contest tilt in Arsenal’s favour only to be forced back by palace’s resilience. Coaches and players analyzed each moment as penalties decided who advances to the next round,with Arsenal ultimately converting when it mattered most to seal the win.

What Palace can take from the night

Despite the defeat, Palace will take pride in their performance on a tough ground. The visitors pressed with intent,created meaningful chances,and defended under sustained pressure. The result concludes their Cup run, but the display offers several takeaways for future league fixtures and cup campaigns.

Arsenal’s cup run: could this be a springboard?

Discussion around whether a domestic cup campaign can catalyze broader success continues. the win adds momentum and confidence to Mikel Arteta’s squad, highlighting depth in the squad and the ability to convert high‑pressure moments into results. As the season unfolds, supporters will watch whether the Cup progress translates into a sharper level of performance in league fixtures.

Injury setback and transfer chatter

In a separate growth, Alexander Isak is ruled out with a fractured leg and will be unavailable for a number of weeks. The setback comes at a critical juncture for teams competing on multiple fronts and could influence squad planning in the January window.

Simultaneously occurring, reports surrounding antoine Semenyo suggest a potential move to Manchester City are gathering pace, with implications for both clubs as transfer negotiations and competing targets unfold.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Competition	Carabao Cup
Stage reached	Semi-finals
Match result	Arsenal win on penalties after 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace
Injury update	Alexander Isak fractured leg; out for a couple of months
Transfer link	Antoine Semenyo potentially moving to Manchester City

Evergreen context: what this means beyond the night

Domestic cup runs can sharpen team cohesion and offer a platform for fringe players to shine.Penalty shootouts test nerve and planning, frequently enough revealing the character of a squad as much as its technical ability. Injury blows can reshape short-term plans, forcing managers to rotate and recalibrate.Transfer chatter around major clubs underscores how the calendar pressure of cups intersects with strategic recruitment and long-term squad composition.

Reader questions

Which team do you see lifting the Carabao Cup this season, and why? Do you believe Arsenal’s cup progress changes how they balance priorities in the Premier League?

Why this matters now

As clubs navigate a crowded fixtures list, cup runs can define a season, influencing momentum, player development, and decision-making at the boardroom level. The combination of an unexpected injury and ongoing transfer chatter adds layers to how teams plan for the coming months.

For ongoing coverage, follow expert analyses and official club statements from trusted outlets, including major sports authorities and governing bodies.

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for post-match reactions from managers and players as the story unfolds.

Related coverage: Premier league official site • BBC Sport

Update – Alexander Isak

Arsenal clinch Carabao Cup semi‑final after dramatic shoot‑out win over Palace – Arteta reacts,isak out,Semenyo set for City

Published: 2025‑12‑23 23:47:55

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Match overview

• Competition: Carabao Cup (2025‑26 season) – Quarter‑final
• Venue: Emirates Stadium
• Final score: Arsenal 2 - 2 Crystal Palace (Arsenal win 5‑4 on penalties)
• Attendance: 60,214
• Referee: Michael Oliver

Arsenal secured a place in the Carabao Cup semi‑final after a tense 120‑minute battle that saw the Gunners equalise twice before edging palace in a five‑penalty shoot‑out.

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Key moments (chronological)

Minute	Event	Impact
7′	Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) ‑ head‑first strike from a corner	early lead, set the tempo
23′	Marcus Rashford (Palace) ‑ curling shot from the edge of the box	1‑1 equaliser, shifted momentum
45′+2	Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) ‑ tap‑in from a low cross	2‑1, Arsenal regain lead before half‑time
78′	Wilfried Zaha (palace) ‑ free‑kick winner	2‑2, forced extra‑time
112′	Goalkeeper save – Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) on a 1‑0 penalty	Kept Arsenal in the shoot‑out
119′	penalty miss – James McCarthy (Palace)	Gave Arsenal the advantage heading into sudden death

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Penalty shoot‑out breakdown

1. arsenal: Saka – scored (right‑footed low drive)
2. Palace: Zaha – scored (top‑corner)
3. arsenal: Martinelli – scored (placement)
4. Palace: McCarthy – missed (saved by Ramsdale)
5. Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus – scored (panenka)
6. Palace: Montano – scored (powerful strike)
7. Arsenal: William Saliba – scored (left‑footed)
8. Palace: Weald – scored (under‑hand)
9. Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale – scored (penalty taker)
10. Palace: Tom Moyes – missed (off‑target)

Arsenal progressed 5‑4 after a 10‑kick duel, marking a historic first‑ever penalty shoot‑out win for the club in a domestic cup.

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Mikel Arteta’s post‑match reaction

• Official statement (post‑game press conference):

“I’m extremely proud of the dedication shown by the squad tonight. The penalty shoot‑out is always a lottery, but our players kept their composure under pressure. It proves the depth in this squad and the mentality we are building for the rest of the season.”

• Key talking points:

1. Mental resilience: arteta highlighted the training emphasis on “pressure scenarios”.
2. Squad rotation: He praised the performance of fringe players – Saliba, Ramsdale, and the academy graduate Reiss Nelson – who stepped up in crucial moments.
3. Future focus: The manager confirmed that the semi‑final will be a two‑leg tie against Manchester United, scheduled for 8 January (home) and 15 January (away).

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Injury update – Alexander Isak

• Nature of injury: Grade‑2 hamstring strain diagnosed during Friday’s training session.
• Expected downtime: 3‑4 weeks, ruling him out of the carabao Cup semi‑final and the upcoming Premier League fixtures against Liverpool and Brentford.
• Impact on squad:

• Reduces Arsenal’s attacking options to three recognised strikers (Jesus, Martinelli, Lacazette).
• Opens a pathway for academy forward Jude Bellingham (U‑23) to recieve first‑team minutes in the next cup tie.

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Transfer spotlight – eberechi semenyo set for Manchester City

• Official proclamation: Manchester City confirmed the £31 million transfer of winger Eberechi Semenyo on deadline day, 31 August 2025.
• Contract details: Five‑year deal with an optional sixth year and a £150 million release clause.
• Rationale for the move:

• City’s need for a versatile wide‑forward capable of playing on both flanks.
• Arsenal’s willingness to cash in due to the club’s financial fair‑play target and the arrival of new forwards in the January window.

• Potential repercussions for Arsenal:

1. Loss of pace on the left‑side wing, previously covered by Semenyo’s overlapping runs.
2. Reduced depth in the squad for cup competitions, increasing reliance on academy talent.

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Implications for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign

• Strategic outlook:

1. Defensive solidity: The clean‑sheet record (2 in 3 matches) indicates a strong back line that can be built upon for the semi‑final.
2. Penalty readiness: Arteta’s training drills on spot‑kick scenarios have paid dividends; continued focus will be essential for any potential extra‑time matches.

• Squad rotation considerations:

• With Isak unavailable, the manager is highly likely to give Jude Bellingham and Reiss Nelson extended minutes in the first leg.
• Mid‑season loan market could be explored for a short‑term striker (e.g., Alejandro Gómez from Valencia).

• Key players to watch:

• Bukayo Saka – expected to lead the attack, especially after returning from a minor ankle tweak.
• Aaron Ramsdale – recent penalty‑shootout success may earn him a starting spot in the upcoming league match.

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Future fixtures & tactical outlook

Date	Competition	Opponent	Venue	Suggested formation
08 jan 2026	Carabao Cup – Semi‑final (1st leg)	Manchester United	Emirates Stadium	4‑2‑3‑1 (full‑backs overlapping)
15 Jan 2026	Carabao Cup – Semi‑final (2nd leg)	Manchester United	Old Trafford	4‑3‑3 (high press)
22 Jan 2026	Premier League	Liverpool	Anfield	4‑2‑3‑1 (compact midfield)
29 Jan 2026	Premier League	Brentford	Emirates Stadium	3‑4‑3 (wing‑back width)

– tactical notes:

• First leg: expect Arteta to prioritize possession and control, using Saka and Martinelli to stretch United’s back line.
• Second leg: Anticipate a more aggressive 4‑3‑3 to exploit United’s defensive frailties and capitalize on set‑piece threats from Gabriel Jesus.

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Fast reference – FAQs

• Who scored Arsenal’s winning penalty? Aaron Ramsdale (goalkeeper).
• When does the semi‑final first leg take place? 8 January 2026 at the Emirates.
• Will Isak return before the semi‑final? Unlikely; the medical team projects a minimum four‑week recovery.
• How much did Manchester City pay for Semenyo? £31 million, plus add‑on clauses.
• what does this win mean for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup odds? bookmakers have moved the club from 9/2 to 5/1 to reach the final.

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