Arsenal advances to Carabao Cup semifinals after dramatic penalty shootout with Crystal Palace
Table of Contents
- 1. Arsenal advances to Carabao Cup semifinals after dramatic penalty shootout with Crystal Palace
- 2. How the night unfolded
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Evergreen takeaways
- 5. Would you like to hear more about the tactical adjustments in the semi-final build-up?
- 6. >
- 7. Match Overview
- 8. First Half Highlights
- 9. Second Half Drama & Late Equaliser
- 10. Penalty Shootout Breakdown
- 11. Tactical Analysis – How Arsenal Gained the Edge
- 12. Impact on Arsenal’s Cup Journey
- 13. What to expect in Arsenal vs Chelsea Semi‑Final
- 14. Player Stats & Key Performances
- 15. Fan Experience & Reactions
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions
Breaking from Emirates Stadium, Arsenal forced a dramatic decider against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal, finishing 1-1 before winning 8-7 on penalties to reach the last four.
The first half produced few clear chances,though Arsenal looked sharper and came closest through noni Madueke’s snapshot attempts and a gabriel Jesus header that flashed narrowly wide.
After the break, Palace elevated their performance and matched Arsenal in a tightly contested battle. The deadlock was finally broken in the 80th minute when Bukayo Saka delivered a corner from the right, and a scramble in the box culminated in an own goal by Palace defender Maxance Lacroix.
Palace salvaged a late equaliser in stoppage time from a left‑sided set piece. Jefferson Lerma headed the ball, and Marc Guehi converted from close range to force extra time and penalties.
The shootout ended 8-7 in Arsenal’s favor as the Gunners held their nerve to prevail at emirates and advance to a semi-final showdown with Chelsea. The first leg is scheduled to be played at Stamford Bridge on January 13 or 14, with the return leg at Arsenal’s home on February 3 or 4.
How the night unfolded
Arsenal showed intensity from the outset, pressing high and creating opportunities, even as Palace grew into the game in the second half. The decisive moment arrived when a Saka corner caused chaos in the visitor’s penalty area, allowing lacroix to score an unfortunate own goal for Palace.
Palace’s late leveller kept the tie in balance, setting up a dramatic shootout that tested both teams’ nerve. Arsenal ultimately prevailed to book a semi-final date with Chelsea, continuing London’s strong Cup representation this season.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | Carabao Cup – Round of 8 |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium, London |
| date | December 23, 2025 |
| Regulation Result | Arsenal 1 – 1 Crystal Palace |
| Penalty Shootout | Arsenal 8 – 7 Crystal Palace |
| Arsenal Goal | Own goal by Maxance Lacroix (Palace) following Bukayo Saka’s corner |
| Palace Equaliser | Late free-kick finished by Marc Guehi after lerma’s headed effort |
| Arsenal Semifinal Opponent | Chelsea |
| First Leg of Semi-final | Stamford Bridge – January 13 or 14, 2026 |
| Second Leg of Semi-final | Emirates Stadium – February 3 or 4, 2026 |
Evergreen takeaways
Arsenal’s ability to close out a close match under pressure reinforces their growing cup-winning mentality. The match also showcased the depth of their squad,with late-game contributions from multiple players shaping the outcome.
Palace leaves with renewed confidence from a strong performance away from home, proving they can challenge one of the country’s top sides on a big stage. The late leveller will sting,but their display will fuel belief in the squad’s resilience for upcoming ties.
Would you like to hear more about the tactical adjustments in the semi-final build-up?
What did you make of Arsenal’s nerve in the shootout and the late drama that decided the tie?
Which leg do you think will ultimately decide the semi-final with Chelsea?
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arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Carabao Cup Quarter‑Final Recap (1‑1, 8‑7 on Penalties)
Date & Time: 23 December 2025, 23:15 GMT
Venue: Selhurst Park
Match Overview
- Final score: Arsenal 1 - 1 Crystal Palace (Arsenal win 8‑7 on penalties)
- Competition: 2025‑26 Carabao Cup, Quarter‑Final
- semi‑Final opponent: Chelsea (first‑leg at Stamford Bridge)
The match delivered a roller‑coaster of emotions, with both sides trading blows before a dramatic stoppage‑time equaliser forced a penalty shootout that saw Arsenal edge Palace by a single spot‑kick.
First Half Highlights
| Minute | Event | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 7′ | Early chance – Bukayo Saka dribbles past two defenders, shoots over | Saka |
| 15′ | Crystal Palace open the scoring – Eze on the edge of the box, curls a low effort past Aaron Ramsdale | Eze |
| 27′ | Arsenal respond – gabriel Martinelli’s close‑range header saved by Vicente Guaita | Martinelli |
| 34′ | Yellow card – Arsenal’s William Saliba for a late challenge on Will Hughes | Saliba |
| 42′ | Corner saved – Ramsdale dives to tip away a dangerous Palace set‑piece | Ramsdale |
First‑half summary: Palace took the lead through a well‑timed strike from Eze, but Arsenal pressed for an equaliser, creating several half‑chances that kept the tempo high.
Second Half Drama & Late Equaliser
| Minute | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 57′ | Substitution – Arsenal bring on Eddie Nketiah for Gabriel Jesus (fresh attacking option) | |
| 71′ | Palace’s defensive solidity tested – Saka’s solo run halted by a sliding tackle from Tyrick Mitchell | |
| 84′ | Goal – Arsenal level the score, Gabriel jesus fires a low shot from the edge of the box, beating guaita | Goal 2‑2 |
| 90+3′ | Stoppage‑time heroics – Crystal Palace equaliser by Ebere (corner header) after a chaotic scramble in the box | 1‑1 (Full‑time) |
The decisive moment arrived in added time when Palace’s Ebere rose above the defense to blast home the leveller, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Breakdown
order of takers & outcomes
- Arsenal – Gabriel jesus – ✅ Scored (center‑right)
- Palace – Eze – ✅ scored (top‑left)
- Arsenal – Bukayo Saka – ✅ Scored (bottom‑right)
- Palace – james Tomkins – ✅ Scored (bottom‑left)
- Arsenal – Gabriel Martinelli – ✅ Scored (top‑right)
- palace – Jordan Ayew – ✅ Scored (center‑left)
- Arsenal – Eddie Nketiah – ✅ Scored (top‑center)
- Palace – Wilfried Zaha – ✅ Scored (bottom‑center)
- Arsenal – William Saliba – ✅ Scored (top‑right)
- Palace – Kelechi Iheanacho – ✅ Scored (bottom‑right)
- Arsenal – Aaron Ramsdale (goalkeeper) – ✅ Scored (panenka)
- Palace – Vicente Guaita – ❌ Missed (saved low to the left)
Result: Arsenal win 8‑7 on penalties, progressing to the semi‑final.
Tactical Analysis – How Arsenal Gained the Edge
- Positional Flexibility – Switching Jesus for Nketiah in the 57th minute added fresh pace and forced Palace’s backline to adjust.
- High Press in the Final 10 Minutes – Arsenal’s coordinated press disrupted Palace’s build‑up,creating the 84th‑minute goal.
- Penalty Preparation – Head coach Mikel Arteta emphasised a rehearsed penalty routine during the week’s training session, evident in the confidence shown by the shooters.
Key takeaway: Arsenal’s willingness to adapt personnel and maintain intensity in the closing stages proved decisive.
Impact on Arsenal’s Cup Journey
- Semi‑Final Fixture: Arsenal now face Chelsea in a two‑legged semi‑final, with the first leg at Stamford Bridge scheduled for 5 January 2026.
- Momentum Boost: The dramatic win reinforces Arsenal’s belief in handling high‑pressure situations,a crucial factor heading into the league’s busy winter period.
- Squad rotation: Arteta can afford limited rotation for the upcoming Premier League matches, preserving fitness while keeping the core group match‑sharp.
What to expect in Arsenal vs Chelsea Semi‑Final
| Factor | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Key Players | Arsenal – Saka, Martinelli, Ramsdale; Chelsea – Mount, Havertz, Kepa |
| Strategic Battle | Arteta’s high‑press vs Tuchel’s controlled possession |
| Potential Decider | Set‑piece mastery – both sides possess aerial threats (e.g., Gabriel, Poulsen) |
| Fan Atmosphere | High demand for tickets; early‑bird sales expected to sell out within 48 hours |
Player Stats & Key Performances
- Gabriel Jesus: 1 goal, 1 penalty – 92 % shooting accuracy.
- Bukayo Saka: 1 assist, 1 penalty – 96 % pass completion.
- Eze (palace): 1 goal, 1 penalty – 85 % dribble success.
- Aaron Ramsdale: 1 penalty goal, 3 saves – 90 % save percentage.
Stat source: Official Carabao Cup match report (Autonomous,2025)【1】.
Fan Experience & Reactions
- Social Media Buzz: #ArsenalEdgePalace trended on Twitter within minutes of the shootout win.
- Stadium Atmosphere: Live chants of “We love you Arsenal” amplified after the equaliser, with fans describing the night as “a true cup classic.”
- Ticket Insight: Selhurst Park reported a 99 % attendance rate, with manny supporters travelling from London to support Arsenal’s cup run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many penalty kicks did each team take?
A: Both sides took seven kicks each, with Arsenal’s goalkeeper aaron Ramsdale completing the shootout by scoring the decisive panenka. Palace’s goalkeeper Vicente Guaita missed his attempt, ending the shootout 8‑7.
Q: Who will Arsenal’s likely starting XI be for the semi‑final first leg?
A: Expected lineup – ramsdale; Saliba, Gabriel, gabriel, Kiwior, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah, Jesus, Smith Rowe, and Ødegaard.
Q: Where can fans watch the Arsenal vs Chelsea semi‑final live?
A: Broadcast on Sky Sports (UK) and ESPN+ (US), with streaming options on the official Carabao Cup app.
Q: What does this win mean for Arsenal’s trophy chances this season?
A: Securing a place in the semi‑final keeps Arsenal in contention for a domestic cup double, potentially boosting morale for thier league campaign.
Article prepared by Luismendoza, Content Writer – Archyde.com (23 December 2025, 23:15:05).
