Arsenal kept their Carabao Cup ambitions alive after edging past Crystal Palace in a dramatic quarter-final decided by penalties at the Emirates Stadium. After 90 minutes of fluctuating momentum ended 1-1, the hosts held their nerve to secure an 8-7 shoot-out victory in front of a tense home crowd.
The match appeared to be drifting towards a narrow Arsenal win when the breakthrough finally arrived late on. Sustained pressure from the home side paid off as a corner from the right caused chaos in the Palace area, resulting in an unfortunate own goal that gave Arsenal a deserved lead. It was a reward for their territorial dominance and superior shot count across the evening.
Crystal Palace, however, refused to fade. Despite spending long spells without the ball, they remained disciplined and dangerous from set pieces. Deep into stoppage time, that resilience was rewarded when a well-delivered dead-ball found its way into the Arsenal box and was converted at close range, stunning the Emirates and forcing the contest to penalties.
During normal time, Arsenal created the clearer chances, moving the ball quickly through midfield and repeatedly testing the Palace goalkeeper, who delivered an outstanding performance. Several close-range efforts and long-range strikes were turned away, keeping Palace in the tie when the game threatened to slip beyond them.
The penalty shoot-out was relentless in its quality. Both teams converted with confidence, round after round, as pressure mounted with every kick. After fourteen successful penalties, the decisive moment finally arrived when Arsenal’s goalkeeper guessed correctly to make a crucial save, sealing progression and sparking celebrations among the home players and supporters.
For Arsenal, the victory highlighted composure under extreme pressure and reinforced belief in their squad depth during a demanding season. While defensive concentration will be questioned after the late equaliser, the ability to recover mentally and prevail from the spot may prove invaluable in later rounds.
Crystal Palace exited the competition with heads held high. Their organisation, defensive discipline and mental strength in the shoot-out reflected a side capable of competing with top-level opposition. Although elimination will sting, the performance offered encouragement and tangible positives to carry forward.
Arsenal now move one step closer to silverware, having navigated a night filled with tension, late drama and decisive moments that encapsulated the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
