Arsenal Edge Crystal Palace 8–7 on Penalties, Book London Derby with Chelsea

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 24 December 2025 - Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a dramatic night at the Emirates Stadium, edging Crystal Palace 8–7 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regulation time in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final tie against London rivals Chelsea next month.

The tie lived up to its billing as a tense and tightly contested affair.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Arsenal found themselves frustrated in the early stages by a resolute Palace defence and a strong performance from goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who made a string of fine saves.

The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute.

Bukayo Saka’s corner delivery caused chaos in the box, and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix accidentally turned the ball into his own net, giving Arsenal the lead and sparking wild celebrations among the home support.

However, Palace refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time, Marc Guéhi rose highest from a free-kick delivery to divert the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, getting Crystal Palace level and forcing the tie into a penalty shootout.

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In the ensuing shootout, both sides showed remarkable composure, with the first seven penalties each finding the back of the net. Arsenal’s William Saliba coolly converted their eighth kick, and then Kepa emerged as the hero, saving Lacroix’s penalty to clinch the shootout and send Arsenal through 8–7 on penalties.

The win not only earns Arsenal a place in the last four of the competition, but also sets up an intriguing all-London semifinal against Chelsea, adding extra spice to one of English football’s oldest rivalries.

Chelsea will be preparing for their own quarter-final challenges before the clash, which is scheduled to take place in January and February 2026.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience after the match, especially the penalty performance and Kepa’s decisive save, while Palace were left to rue their late equaliser that ultimately wasn’t enough to take them through.

Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.