Arsenal don reach EFL Cup semi-final after 8-7 penalty win following 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Di Gunners dominate first half, recording 1.60 expected goals (xG) to Palace’s 0.06xG, but Walter Benitez super saves and missed chances make di scores remain 0-0 at halftime.
Second half Palace improve plenty, threatening to open scoring, but Arsenal take lead when Maxence Lacroix turn ball into him own net with 10 minutes left.
Crystal Palace fight back late as Marc Guehi poke home Adam Wharton free-kick, forcing penalties. After 15 penalties, Lacroix miss confirm Arsenal win 8-7, sending dem to EFL Cup semi-finals.
TPB Verdict
Arsenal get plenty chances in first half, especially from crosses as Palace wing-backs struggle, but failure to score go concern Mikel Arteta. Goals dry up recently, and by not capitalising first-half dominance, Palace stay in game and improve in second half.
Although Arsenal eventually take lead through set-piece, Guehi equalise late, showing Gunners need attacking improvements as dem aim challenge on multiple fronts.
For Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner fit get some encouragement from second-half response, but elimination dey disappointing. Lacroix suffer di most, scoring own-goal and having penalty saved by Kepa.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Highlights
- Maxence Lacroix goal vs Crystal Palace (80th min, Arsenal 1-0 Palace): Arsenal finally lead, Lacroix turn ball into him own net after Bukayo Saka cross and Timber rebound.
- Marc Guehi goal vs Arsenal (95th min, Arsenal 1-1 Palace): Adam Wharton free-kick, Jefferson Lerma first touch, Guehi poke past Kepa to equalise late.
- Maxence Lacroix penalty miss vs Arsenal (Arsenal 8-7 Palace): Kepa saves bottom-left attempt, secure penalty shootout win for Arsenal.
Man of the Match – Walter Benitez
Even though Palace lose, goalkeeper Benitez shine, making 7 saves and preventing 3.07 xG. His efforts in 90 minutes fully deserve man of the match award.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Match Stats
- Possession: Arsenal 69%-31% Crystal Palace
- Shots: Arsenal 25-8 Crystal Palace
- Shots on target: Arsenal 7-1 Crystal Palace
- Corners: Arsenal 8-2 Crystal Palace
- Fouls: Arsenal 9-12 Crystal Palace
What Next?
Arsenal finish 2025 with home games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa in Premier League. Crystal Palace return Selhurst Park to face Tottenham, then open 2026 with New Year’s Day clash vs Fulham.
