Drama at the Emirates: Arsenal scrape past Crystal Palace on penalties

Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a dramatic night at the Emirates, the tie finishing 1-1 after normal time before Arsenal held their nerve to win 8-7 on penalties. The match was decided by a late own goal, a stoppage-time equaliser, and a shootout that saw both sides convert their first 15 spot kicks, until Maxence Lacroix’s effort was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The game had everything fans expect from a London derby, and more: Arsenal dominated possession and territory for long spells, Crystal Palace produced an extraordinary goalkeeping display from Walter Benítez, and Palace were hit by a worrying injury when defender Chris Richards was stretchered off with a bleeding foot. Arsenal now head into a two-legged semi-final against Chelsea, while Palace are left to regroup amid a congested December schedule.

Match summary

• Venue: Emirates Stadium, attendance at capacity
• Final score: Arsenal 1, Crystal Palace 1 (Arsenal won 8-7 on penalties)
• Key moments:
• 80th minute, own goal: Maxence Lacroix, under pressure, diverted the ball into his own net to give Arsenal the lead
• 90+5, equaliser: Marc Guéhi headed in a stoppage-time set-piece to force penalties
• Penalty shootout: both sides scored their first seven penalties, William Saliba converted Arsenal’s eighth, Lacroix’s eighth was saved by Kepa
• Notable incident: Chris Richards left the pitch on a stretcher with a visibly bleeding foot, forcing Palace to reshuffle their defensive options late in the tie

"A fixture of late drama and fine margins, where two well-drilled teams tipped the balance in a penalty shootout."

Penalty shootout, simplified sequence

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Penalties (final sequence)
Arsenal: scored 1-8 (all converted)
Crystal Palace: scored 1-7, 8th missed (Lacroix saved)
Result: Arsenal win 8-7 on penalties
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Tactical analysis

Arsenal: control, but frustration in the box

Mikel Arteta’s side controlled possession for long stretches and repeatedly probed Palace’s back line and full-back spaces, but the final product was often missing until late. Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez produced a string of saves to deny early openings, forcing Arsenal to rely on set-piece pressure and late substitutions to create the decisive moments. Arsenal’s changes, bringing on influential figures to tighten midfield control and creativity, ultimately paid off in the end, but not before their dominance had been matched by Palace resilience.

Crystal Palace: compact, counter-ready, and defensively brave

Oliver Glasner set Palace up to absorb pressure, with quick transitions on the break and aerial threat from set-pieces. The visiting side conceded an own goal under sustained pressure, but they stayed organised and were rewarded deep into added time when Marc Guéhi converted from a set-piece. Palace’s night was ultimately defined by their goalkeeper’s performance, and by the late injury to Chris Richards which exposed their lack of defensive depth on the bench.

Player focus

• Kepa Arrizabalaga (Arsenal): the decisive figure in the shootout, making the penalty save that clinched the tie.
• Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace): kept Palace in the game with multiple high-quality saves during normal time.
• Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace): unfortunate evening, both the player to score an own goal and the one to miss the decisive penalty.
• Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace): match-saver with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser that forced penalties.
• Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): introduced as part of Arteta’s tactical response, they helped regain control and composure in the closing stages.

Key statistics and context

Why the game mattered: the tie showcased Arsenal’s depth and ability to withstand a low, organised block, while Palace confirmed they can compete with top-tier opposition even when stretched by fixtures. The late equaliser underlined Palace’s set-piece threat, and the shootout highlighted individual pressure handling from both squads.

Injuries, scheduling and the wider picture

Crystal Palace were working through a heavy December schedule and several absences, issues that were compounded when Chris Richards suffered a worrying foot injury during the match. Stadium medics treated him on the pitch before he was taken off, and Palace were forced into an improvised defensive reshuffle, which impacted their substitution options.

Arsenal, meanwhile, used rotation but still fielded experienced players in the second half to close out the tie. The victory means Arteta’s squad must now balance Premier League ambitions with a League Cup semi against Chelsea beginning January 13, creating a compressed winter run of fixtures.

Multiple viewpoints

• From Arsenal’s perspective, the night was one of character and squad depth, a narrow escape that still delivered progression in a domestic cup competition. Supporters will point to the team’s ability to convert pressure into a result, even if finishing was initially wasteful.
• From Crystal Palace’s viewpoint, the match was evidence of tactical discipline and spirit, a performance that should encourage belief despite the heartbreak of losing on penalties. The injury to Richards and the fixture congestion remain immediate concerns for the manager and medical staff.
• Neutral observers will note the entertainment value, the quality of the goalkeeping on display, and how fine margins such as an own goal and a single missed penalty determine cup nights.

What this means next

• Arsenal: a semi-final meeting with Chelsea in January, while Premier League responsibilities continue, meaning rotation decisions will be scrutinised.
• Crystal Palace: recovery, medical updates and fixture management will be priorities as Palace balance cup ambitions with league survival and European commitments elsewhere in the season.

Looking back at recent meetings

These repeated, tightly contested London derbies show a pattern: Arsenal often control possession and territory, Palace remain dangerous from set-pieces and counter transitions, and a single moment frequently determines the outcome.

Conclusion

The Emirates produced a dramatic evening, a reminder that cup football can swing on tiny margins. Arsenal progress to the semi-finals after a nervy shootout, while Crystal Palace leave with pride, and serious questions over fitness and scheduling. For neutrals, the tie supplied drama, heroics and heartbreak — everything that makes knockout football compelling.

If you want a breakdown of the tactical shape in numbers, or a minute-by-minute timeline, tell me which you prefer and I will expand either section with detailed charts and timelines.