Arsenal moved into the EFL Cup semi-finals after a penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace, following a 1-1 draw. Maxence Lacroix missed the decisive kick after already scoring an own goal. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s save settled the tie and kept alive Arsenal’s hopes of ending a five-year wait for a major trophy.
The quarter-final went straight to penalties after Crystal Palace forced extra drama in added time. Both teams scored their first seven spot-kicks with composure. Lacroix then aimed low to the bottom-left corner, but Kepa read the attempt. The goalkeeper dived across and smothered the shot, confirming Arsenal’s progress.
The closing minutes of normal time brought major swings in momentum. With 80 minutes played, Arsenal finally broke through
when Jurrien Timber’s driven effort caused chaos in the six-yard box. The ball struck Lacroix and crossed the line, despite several Crystal Palace players attempting clearances. That own goal appeared to secure the hosts’ place in the EFL Cup last four.
Crystal Palace refused to accept defeat and forced the EFL Cup quarter-final into a shoot-out deep in stoppage time. Jefferson Lerma met a high ball and directed a clever header into the area. Marc Guehi reacted before the Arsenal defence, drifting into space to sweep home from close range and level the contest at 1-1.
Arsenal controlled most of the first half and created the clearer openings in the EFL Cup tie. Walter Benitez, starting in goal for Crystal Palace, kept the score level almost alone. Benitez denied Noni Madueke three times with strong saves, then got down well to stop Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal went to the break frustrated but still dominant.
The second half of this EFL Cup clash saw Crystal Palace pose a greater threat. Adam Wharton went close around the hour mark with a powerful strike from distance. The shot forced Kepa into action as Crystal Palace tried to shift the momentum. At the other end, Jesus missed two good chances for Arsenal, prolonging the tension.
Arsenal’s breakthrough in the EFL Cup tie came from persistence rather than clear-cut play. A crowded goalmouth scramble followed a low drive from Timber. The effort took a heavy deflection off Lacroix and spun over the line. Several Crystal Palace defenders, along with Benitez, tried to clear, but the assistant signalled a goal for Arsenal.
EFL Cup context, history and route to the final
The EFL Cup semi-final now pairs Arsenal with Chelsea over two legs. The winners will meet either Manchester City or holders Newcastle United in the final. Arsenal have already beaten Brighton 2-0 in the fourth round. The club last reached the EFL Cup final in 2010-11, losing then to Birmingham City after earlier victories over Tottenham, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic.
Numbers from this EFL Cup quarter-final underline Arsenal’s control, despite the late scare. Arsenal recorded 25 shots to Crystal Palace’s eight and led the expected goals tally 2.76 to 0.91. Their patience eventually paid off from open play, before the team held nerve in the shoot-out. Key attacking pressure and Kepa’s final save combined to secure the semi-final place.
| Team | Shots | xG |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 25 | 2.76 |
| Crystal Palace | 8 | 0.91 |
SEMI-FINAL SPOT SECURED pic.twitter.com/LtAv6DOkKuArsenal (@Arsenal) December 23, 2025
This EFL Cup victory highlighted Arsenal’s control, resilience and reliance on key individuals at both ends. Dominant attacking numbers, a slice of fortune for the first goal and Kepa’s decisive save combined to edge Crystal Palace. Arsenal now face Chelsea with renewed confidence and a clear path towards ending that five-year trophy drought.
