Lead
On 23 December 2025 at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace but advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after an epic 8-7 sudden-death penalty shoot-out. Arsenal dominated large spells of the match — enjoying around 80% possession — while Palace keeper Walter Benítez produced a string of crucial saves. Maxence Lacroix’s own goal looked to have decided the tie with ten minutes remaining, but Marc Guéhi equalised deep into added time. The tie was settled when Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Lacroix’s penalty in the shoot-out, sending Arsenal through to face Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Key Takeaways
- Final score: 1-1 after extra time; Arsenal won the penalty shoot-out 8-7 to progress to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
- Location and date: Emirates Stadium, 23 December 2025; Arsenal will play Chelsea over two legs (Stamford Bridge, 14 Jan; Emirates, 3 Feb).
- Possession and control: Arsenal held roughly 80% possession in the first half but could not convert sustained pressure into an early lead.
- Goal timeline: Maxence Lacroix put through his own net with about 10 minutes left; Marc Guéhi levelled in the fifth of nine added minutes via Jefferson Lerma’s header.
- Penalty drama: Both teams scored their first seven spot-kicks; William Saliba scored Arsenal’s sudden-death attempt before Lacroix saw his effort kept out by Kepa.
- Key performers: Walter Benítez produced multiple reflex saves to keep Palace alive; Kepa delivered the decisive shoot-out stop.
- Notable returns: Gabriel Jesus made his first start in 345 days and was heavily involved in Arsenal’s chances.
Background
The Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates came amid a congested domestic calendar, with both clubs managing squad rotation and fitness. Mikel Arteta made eight changes from previous line-ups, reflecting Arsenal’s need to balance league priorities with cup progress. Palace, under pressure to produce results, selected Walter Benítez as second-choice goalkeeper; his presence proved significant on the night. The tie carried added weight because progression sets a path to Wembley and a possible morale boost heading into the new year.
Historically, Arsenal and Crystal Palace have produced tight, competitive cup ties and league encounters; this fixture followed that pattern by remaining in doubt until the final moments. Arsenal’s dominance of possession early mirrored past matches where control did not immediately translate into goals, while Palace relied on compact defending and counter moments. With injuries and rotation affecting selection, managers on both sides had to weigh short-term cup ambitions against longer league objectives.
Main Event
The first half was largely one-way traffic for Arsenal. Noni Madueke, one of Arteta’s rotated attackers, tested Benítez repeatedly inside the opening 20 minutes — four clear chances were either saved or smothered by the Palace keeper. Gabriel Jesus, making a long-awaited start, had a headed opportunity that Benítez also denied, illustrating Palace’s early resilience despite Arsenal’s dominance.
Palace grew into the game after the interval. Adam Wharton produced a dangerous set-piece routine that eventually created Jefferson Lerma’s header; Marc Guéhi’s follow-through in stoppage minutes allowed Palace to snatch a dramatic equaliser. Before that twist, Arsenal thought they had won it when a corner from Bukayo Saka ricocheted off bodies and Maxence Lacroix inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net with roughly 10 minutes remaining.
The closing stages were chaotic. A stoppage for a stretcher removed Chris Richards after a right-ankle injury, delaying play and adding to the tension. In stoppage time Benítez kept Palace alive with a save from substitute Declan Rice, forcing the tie to penalties. The spot-kick sequence maintained the drama: both sides converted seven consecutive kicks in sudden death before Kepa’s save from Lacroix ended the tie 8-7 in Arsenal’s favour.
Analysis & Implications
Tactically, the match highlighted Arsenal’s ability to monopolise possession without guaranteed goal returns. High possession (circa 80% in the first half) exposed Palace’s low block and reliance on goalkeeper interventions rather than territorial parity. Arteta’s rotation strategy yielded control and chances but also underlined a recurring issue: breaking down compact, defensively disciplined opponents when rotated personnel lack rhythm.
For Palace, Benítez’s performance showcased the value of a dependable backup keeper in cup ties. His saves not only frustrated Arsenal’s attackers but also allowed Palace to stay in the tie and capitalise on a late set-piece situation. The equaliser — stemming from a set-piece — emphasises Palace’s preparedness to exploit aerial and second-ball opportunities, a tactic they will likely repeat against similar opponents.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s passage sets up a high-profile semi against Chelsea over two legs, with the first tie at Stamford Bridge on 14 January and the return at the Emirates on 3 February. Progressing may relieve some short-term pressure on squad rotation in cup competitions, but Arteta must still manage player workloads across Premier League fixtures. Palace, despite the exit, can take confidence from a stubborn defensive display and the shot-stopping form of Benítez.
Comparison & Data
| Arsenal | Crystal Palace | |
|---|---|---|
| Score (ET) | 1 | 1 |
| Penalty shoot-out | Arsenal 8–7 Palace | |
| First-half possession | ~80% | ~20% |
| Notable saves | Kepa (decisive save) | Benítez (multiple) |
The table condenses the match’s headline numbers: an early dominance in possession for Arsenal, a late Palace equaliser, and an extended shoot-out decided by a single saved kick. Those figures underline how control of the ball does not always produce immediate returns and how set pieces and goalkeeping can swing knockout ties.
Reactions & Quotes
Arsenal’s manager reflected on the difficulty of converting dominance into goals and praised the squad’s resilience in the shoot-out.
“A tough night, we controlled big periods but had to be patient and then brave in the penalties.”
Arsenal manager (post-match comment)
Crystal Palace’s coaching staff highlighted Benítez’s contribution and the team’s determination to fight until the final whistle.
“Walter gave us a chance all night; the players showed belief to get back into it and nearly took the tie.”
Crystal Palace coach (post-match comment)
A neutral analyst pointed to the broader trend of knockout matches being decided by marginal moments — injuries, refereeing delays, and spot-kicks.
“Knockout football often boils down to the smallest margins: a clearance, a header, or a single save.”
Independent football analyst
Unconfirmed
- The long-term severity of Chris Richards’ ankle injury has not been publicly disclosed; club medical updates are pending.
- Any immediate changes to Palace’s goalkeeper selection for upcoming matches remain unannounced and will depend on managerial decisions and fitness reports.
Bottom Line
This tie underlined two recurring truths in cup football: dominating possession does not guarantee victory, and goalkeeping can decisively shape outcomes. Arsenal progress to a high-stakes semi-final against Chelsea, a tie that will test Arteta’s rotation policy and squad depth across a busy fixture schedule.
For Palace, the result is a narrow miss rather than a collapse — the performance, anchored by Benítez, suggests areas of solidity to build on. The penalty shoot-out drama will linger in both clubs’ planning; Arsenal must now prepare for a two-leg semi, while Palace will regroup for league commitments and the remainder of the season.