Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup Report: Kepa Saves Decisive Penalty

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the opening exchanges, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus testing Palace’s backup goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who was in inspired form. Despite the pressure, the deadlock wasn't broken until the 80th minute under bizarre circumstances. A Bukayo Saka corner caused chaos in the six-yard box, eventually deflecting off Maxence Lacroix for an own goal. At that moment, it seemed the French defender’s night couldn't get any worse.

However, Crystal Palace showed immense character. Deep into stoppage time, in the 95th minute, Marc Guéhi prodded home an equalizer following a Jefferson Lerma header. The late strike stunned the Emirates and sent the tie directly to a penalty shootout.

The Shootout: Kepa’s Moment of Glory

The quality of penalties on display was exceptional. Arsenal’s stars, including Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, all converted with clinical precision. For Palace, the likes of Jean Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton kept pace, leading to a tense sudden death scenario.

With the score at 8-7 following William Saliba’s successful strike, the pressure fell squarely on Lacroix. The defender, looking to redeem his earlier own goal, fired toward the bottom corner. But Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has frequently been the cup specialist for Arteta, guessed correctly and dived to his right to palm the ball away. It was a redemption arc for the Spaniard and a cruel twist of fate for Lacroix, who ended the night involved in both the goal conceded and the final miss.

What’s Next for the Gunners?

This victory sets up a mouth watering semi final encounter against Chelsea, Kepa’s former club. For Mikel Arteta, the win keeps Arsenal on track for multiple trophies in 2025, proving the depth of his squad and their ability to handle "blood and thunder" cup ties. Palace, meanwhile, exit the competition with heads held high after a performance that pushed the Premier League leaders to the absolute limit.