Arsenal Survive Emotionally Tough Palace Shootout

Quarterfinal Thriller Ends in Penalty Shootout Victory

In a dramatic Carabao Cup quarterfinal, Arsenal edged past Crystal Palace 8-7 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ victory keeps them in contention for four trophies this season.

Emotional Rollercoaster for Arteta’s Side

Arsenal

manager Mikel Arteta described the match as “emotionally tough” due to Palace’s stoppage-time equalizer. The Gunners had dominated the game, but Palace’s number two goalkeeper, Walter Benítez, made several crucial saves to keep the score goalless at halftime.
The breakthrough for Arsenal came 10 minutes from the end of the match, when defender Maxence Lacroix inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. However, Palace hit back in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Marc Guéhi scoring the equalizer.

Penalty Shootout Drama

The match ultimately came down to a penalty shootout, which Arsenal won 8-7. Lacroix was the unlucky party, with Kepa Arrizabalaga diving to his right to save the decisive penalty.
Arteta expressed his disappointment at not being able to finish the tie earlier, stating, “The margin should have been much bigger. They weren’t, and when that happens teams have the quality to hurt you on a set-piece.”

Palace’s Injury Concerns

Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed that defender Chris Richards will be unavailable for the upcoming Tottenham game due to a nasty cut to his foot. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but Glasner is hopeful that Richards will be back in action for the Fulham match on January 1.

Arsenal’s Momentum Continues

Arsenal’s victory marks their fourth win in a row, and they will face Chelsea in the semi-finals in January. Arteta praised his team’s ability to perform in different situations and contexts, saying, “You have to win in different situations and contexts. We had two very difficult games which we managed to win.”

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