Kepa the Hero as Arsenal Edge Past Crystal Palace on Penalties to Reach League Cup Semi-Finals

Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as Arsenal’s decisive figure as the Gunners secured a dramatic 8–7 penalty shoot-out victory over Crystal Palace to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals following a 1–1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish goalkeeper produced the crucial save to deny Maxence Lacroix after both sides converted their first seven spot-kicks. William Saliba had calmly dispatched Arsenal’s eighth penalty moments earlier, before Kepa dived low to his right to seal qualification and compound a difficult night for the Palace defender.

Lacroix had earlier endured misfortune when his attempted clearance from a Bukayo Saka corner diverted into his own net with 10 minutes remaining, seemingly sending Arsenal through. However, Palace struck back deep into stoppage time when Marc Guéhi converted from close range to force the tie into a shoot-out.

For Kepa, the moment represented a form of redemption. The goalkeeper’s past penalty shoot-out experiences have been well documented, including his refusal to be substituted during Chelsea’s League Cup final defeat to Manchester City in 2019 and a missed kick in the 2022 final loss to Liverpool. This time, he delivered when it mattered most.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised both his goalkeeper and his players’ composure.

“We generated a lot and should have scored many more goals,” Arteta said.
“When you don’t finish games, these things can happen. But we had some big individual performances. Kepa’s commitment to the group is incredible.”

He added:

“The players were so composed with the penalties, and in the end Kepa made the save we needed. We are exactly where we want to be.”

The victory sends Arsenal into the semi-finals for the second consecutive season as they continue their pursuit of a first major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2020. The north London club have won the League Cup just twice, with their most recent success coming in the 1992–93 campaign.

Arsenal will face London rivals Chelsea over two legs in January and February, while the other semi-final will see holders Newcastle United take on Manchester City.

Arteta made eight changes from the side that defeated Everton in the Premier League, yet still named a strong line-up including Saliba, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Jesus made his first start in 345 days after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January, having returned as a substitute earlier this month against Club Brugge.

Despite Arsenal’s dominance, they were repeatedly frustrated in the first half by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who delivered an outstanding performance. Noni Madueke was twice denied, while Benítez also produced fine saves to keep out a close-range header from Jesus and another powerful effort from Madueke.

Jurrien Timber later headed over from close range, and as chances continued to go begging, Arteta introduced Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard after the interval. Ødegaard made an immediate impact, delivering a cross that Jesus narrowly failed to convert.

Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, once again capitalising from a set-piece. Saka’s corner caused confusion in the Palace area, and under pressure from Saliba, Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Palace, however, responded with their first shot on target in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Adam Wharton’s free-kick was headed down by Jefferson Lerma, allowing Guéhi to bundle the equaliser home and force penalties.

After a succession of nerveless spot-kicks from both teams, Kepa had the final say, sending Arsenal through and ending a night of tension and drama at the Emirates.

With Christmas celebrations complete, Arteta’s side will now refocus on the Premier League title race, hosting Brighton and third-placed Aston Villa as they aim to close out the year strongly. While winning their first league title since 2004 remains the primary objective, lifting the League Cup in March would represent a significant boost for a club eager to add silverware.