Nightmare for Lacroix! Arsenal advance to Carabao Cup Semi-Finals after epic penalty shootout against Crystal Palace

The opening half was a display of absolute control by Arsenal, who pinned Crystal Palace deep into their own territory. Statistically, the gap between the two teams was massive; Arsenal generated an expected goals (xG) rating of 1.60, compared to a tiny 0.06xG for the visitors. Gabriel Martinelli was the primary engine of the attack, constantly outpacing his defenders on the left flank to deliver dangerous balls into the box. However, the score remained level due to the heroics of goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who made remarkable saves to deny Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke from point-blank range.

The second half saw a change in momentum as Crystal Palace began to find their rhythm and attack with more aggression. Sensing the danger, Mikel Arteta sent Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to restore order. The pressure finally told in the 80th minute, marking the beginning of Maxence Lacroix’s unfortunate downfall. Saka delivered a high corner toward the back post, which Riccardo Calafiori headed back into the danger zone. Jurrien Timber’s follow-up shot was initially blocked, but the ball struck the shins of the helpless Lacroix and diverted into his own net.

Despite this breakthrough, Arsenal failed to kill off the game, allowing Palace to find a dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute. Adam Wharton floated a precise free-kick toward Jefferson Lerma, who headed the ball across the face of the goal. Marc Guehi, completely ignored by the Arsenal defense, poked the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga to stun the home fans. With the match ending 1-1, the contest moved to a high-stakes penalty shootout to determine the winner.

The shootout was nearly perfect, with both sides scoring their first seven penalties. The burden of the eighth kick fell to the devastated Lacroix. Looking to redeem his earlier mistake, the defender aimed for the bottom left corner, but Kepa Arrizabalaga anticipated the move perfectly. The Spanish keeper dived low to push the ball away, ending Lacroix’s night of misery and securing an 8-7 victory for the Gunners.

Following this narrow escape, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the semi-finals. This stage of the competition is played over two legs to decide who goes to Wembley. The first match will take place at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2026, followed by the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026.