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Gunners outblast Eagles in shootout for semi-final slot
The Independent
|December 24, 2025
Arsenal won 8-7 on penalties
Arsenal 1
Lacroix (80 og)
Crystal Palace 1
Guehi (90+5)
Arsenal secured their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a marathon 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal dominated the first half - with second-choice Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez delivering a string of fine saves - but the last-eight tie at the Emirates Stadium hung in the balance after the interval following an improved performance by the visitors.
The home side made the breakthrough when Palace were unable to clear Bukayo Saka's corner before Maxence Lacroix put the ball through his own net with 10 minutes left.
However, Palace sensationally struck back in the fifth of nine added minutes after Marc Guehi swept home Jefferson Lerma's brilliant header from Adam Wharton's set-piece.
With both teams clinically scoring their first seven spot-kicks, William Saliba put his side one clear before Lacroix saw his effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This story is from the December 24, 2025 edition of The Independent.
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