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Arsenal secured their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners advanced to face Chelsea in the next round, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead late in the game when Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net. Palace fought back fiercely, as Marc Guehi headed in a stoppage-time equalizer to force penalties. The shootout turned epic, with both teams trading perfect kicks until Kepa Arrizabalaga denied Lacroix’s effort to seal the win.
Arteta praised his team’s resilience in the post-match press conference. He called the victory a relief but noted the margins could have favored Arsenal more. The manager highlighted Kepa’s heroics and urged focus on the upcoming semi-final clash.
Kepa emerged as the star, earning a 9/10 rating from analysts for his crucial save. The on-loan goalkeeper expressed joy at contributing to the team’s success. He credited the squad’s composure under pressure.
Bukayo Saka shone brightly, delivering key crosses that pressured Palace’s defense. Fans lauded his performance, with one X post calling him the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack. Saka admitted the game tested their nerves but celebrated the collective effort.
