Arsenal Edge Crystal Palace in Dramatic Shootout to Set Up Chelsea Clash in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a nerve-shredding penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates. The tie ended 1-1 in regulation time before the Gunners triumphed 8-7 on spot-kicks.

Maxence Lacroix scored an own goal give Arsenal the lead, but Palace refused to bow out quietly. In added time, Marc Guehi struck to level the contest and force penalties.

The shootout became a marathon, with both sides converting 15 consecutive efforts before the decisive moment arrived.

It was a nightmare night Lacroix as he stepped up again only to see his penalty saved brilliantly by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The goalkeeper, who had previously lost two finals in this competition during his Chelsea days, finally had a moment to savour as his stop sealed Arsenal’s passage.

There was late drama too from Christantus Uche, introduced as a second-half substitute, who calmly converted his kick to make it 7-7 after Jurrien Timber had edged Arsenal ahead.

With the victory, Arsenal now prepare for a mouthwatering semi-final showdown against Chelsea, a clash that promises high stakes and fierce rivalry.