Arsenal are into the last four of the Carabao Cup, but only after a night that tested every nerve at the Emirates Stadium. A 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace told just part of the story. The rest was an epic, 8-7 penalty shootout decided by Kepa Arrizabalaga’s outstretched right hand to deny Maxence Lacroix. Cup football can be cruel and kind in the same breath. This was both.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: late twist forces a shootout

Arsenal went ahead in simple, set‑piece fashion. Bukayo Saka’s corner flew into the danger zone, William Saliba attacked the ball, and under pressure Maxence Lacroix turned it into his own net. It was the sort of goal that comes from steady work on dead balls and a defender’s presence. It settled the home crowd and seemed to set the rhythm.

But the League Cup has a way of springing late drama. Crystal Palace refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, centre‑back Marc Guehi rose to level. One clean header and the whole tie flipped. Extra time was off the table in this round, so straight to penalties they went—tension rising with every step to the spot.

“Palace don’t stop at 90. Arsenal can’t stop before 90.”

Carabao Cup penalty shootout: 8-7 and a keeper’s moment

Then came the long walk and the longest minutes. One by one, takers converted. Reports noted a near‑perfect streak—15 successful penalties—before the finale. The shootout score ticked up to 8-7. And then, the decisive moment: Kepa Arrizabalaga guessed right and saved from Lacroix. The same player involved in the own goal now faced the same goalmouth, only this time with the whole tie on his foot. Kepa’s stop sent Arsenal through and set off a roar that felt like a release.

As one match report framed it, “After 15 successful penalties, Arrizabalaga dived to his right to keep out Palace’s final spot kick, and start the celebrations.” That single sentence captured the essence: a high‑wire act settled by a single reach.

“8-7 on pens and my pulse is still at full sprint.”

Why this League Cup win matters for Arsenal

Semifinals mean more than a date in the diary. They mean a shot at silverware, momentum for the squad, and proof that the group can handle pressure. This was pressure. Arsenal led, lost control in stoppage time, and still found a way. That resilience is not flashy, but it wins cups.

There is also a psychological layer. To concede so late can crush belief. Instead, Arsenal steadied themselves and took on a shootout that punishes doubt. Confidence at the spot and trust in the goalkeeper carried them to the last four.

• Three pivotal beats: a Lacroix own goal, a Guehi equaliser, and a Kepa save. Simple moments, huge swing.

Palace’s punch: the Guehi equaliser and the what‑if

Crystal Palace will feel the sting. Guehi’s late header was leadership in action—taking on the big moment and dragging his team level. For long stretches, Palace stayed in the fight and then forced extra drama at the death. That takes character. On another night, one more kick changes everything and the visitors celebrate instead.

Lacroix’s evening under the lights will be hard to forget: an own goal under pressure and then the final kick saved. That is the thin line of knockout football. Palace showed they belong in these battles; the margins were brutal.

“One dive from Kepa, one lesson for Palace: finish the job.”

Names that shaped the night: Kepa, Lacroix, Guehi, Saka, Saliba

Kepa Arrizabalaga owned the decisive frame. Goalkeepers live for that moment—guess right, get strong hands, and hold your nerve. He did all three.

Maxence Lacroix played two roles in the plot: the unlucky own goal and the final taker denied. It happens fast in the cup. From edge of relief to edge of heartbreak in 90 minutes and a walk to the spot.

Marc Guehi gave Palace late life. Leaders do that—step up when the clock is almost done. His header reset the match and sent it to the lottery.

Bukayo Saka provided the corner that caused the opener. William Saliba attacked the cross and forced the error. These small details decide knockout games as much as any long‑range rocket.

The verdict: fine margins under the Emirates lights

The Carabao Cup is often called a fast lane to a trophy. It can also be a gauntlet. Arsenal survived both the punch of a stoppage‑time equaliser and the coin‑flip of a shootout. The scoreline reads 1-1 (8-7 pens), but the imprint is larger: composure tested, bottle proven.

It was reported on December 23, 2025, and the Emirates Stadium felt every beat of it. Arsenal have their final ticket for a semi‑final place. Palace have proof they can stand toe‑to‑toe in a tough arena. The last word, though, belonged to a goalkeeper diving right, and a stadium exploding into winter‑night noise.