Arsenal Must Learn From Previous EFL Cup Semi-Finals, Saliba Urges Improvement

Arsenal are back in the EFL Cup semi-finals after edging Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties, and William Saliba has urged the team to respond better than in recent last-four defeats. The shoot-out win followed a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium and set up a two-legged tie with Chelsea, as Arsenal chase a first EFL Cup final under Mikel Arteta.

Saliba and Kepa Arrizabalaga both pointed to late-game lapses as a concern, even on a night of progress. Arsenal have reached the last four three times in five seasons, yet lost their previous two semi-final ties under Arteta against Liverpool and Newcastle United, both to eventual champions, and those experiences now shape the squad’s mindset.

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by Liverpool in the 2021-22

EFL Cup semi-finals, then went out 2-0 in both legs against Newcastle United last season. Those exits came against the eventual winners, something Arsenal now want to change. Saliba admitted the current group must show a higher level over two legs against Chelsea this season.

Reflecting on the latest semi-final return, Saliba accepted responsibility for Crystal Palace’s equaliser after losing track of the run in the area. "It was a tough game against a top team. We did well. Apart from my mistake, we played well," Saliba told Sky Sports. "At the end, Kepa saved us. We are so happy to be in the semi-finals. You have to learn the lessons from last season because we got to the semi-finals and lost both games. This time, we want to win both games and go to the final. "

The quarter-final tie swung Arsenal’s way on 80 minutes when Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Palace responded quickly, with Marc Guehi applying a poacher’s finish to level the score and force penalties. Both sides converted seven flawless spot-kicks before Kepa dived right to push away Lacroix’s attempt.

Kepa had almost nothing to do during normal time, not registering a single save, while Walter Benitez produced seven stops for Crystal Palace. However, the Spain international stayed alert for the decisive moment. "I think we played so well and then they changed things, they adapted a little bit," the Spaniard said. "It's something we have to improve onwe have been conceding goals in the last minutes. You have to keep your cool and not lose your focus. "

pic.twitter.com/ImZF1V5bcdCarabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 23, 2025

Arsenal EFL Cup form and Arsenal key statistics

This victory continued a strong EFL Cup pattern for Arsenal at the quarter-final stage, where Arsenal have now won three consecutive ties. Arsenal also beat Crystal Palace in the 2024-25 EFL Cup quarter-finals, and this latest progress confirms their consistency in reaching the closing rounds under Arteta, even if the final step has so far eluded them.

The current campaign also marks the first time since 2010-11 that Arsenal have won back-to-back EFL Cup ties against other Premier League teams, following a 2-0 fourth-round win over Brighton. Arsenal’s defensive numbers still raise questions, though, with recent goals conceded late in matches adding pressure ahead of the semi-finals against Chelsea.

Season	Stage	Opponent	Result
2021-22	EFL Cup semi-finals	Liverpool	Arsenal lost 2-0 on aggregate
2024-25	EFL Cup semi-finals	Newcastle United	Arsenal lost 2-0 home and away
2025-26	EFL Cup semi-finals	Chelsea	Two-legged tie to be played

Arsenal EFL Cup schedule and Arsenal upcoming fixtures

Beyond the EFL Cup programme, Arsenal now shift focus back to league duties, with a Premier League home match against Brighton on Saturday. Three days later, Aston Villa visit the Emirates Stadium in another key fixture between title contenders, giving Arteta limited time to rotate while planning for the semi-final meetings with Chelsea.

Arsenal’s narrow shoot-out win over Crystal Palace delivered progress and belief, but also underlined areas needing refinement before facing Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-finals. Saliba and Kepa both highlighted late defensive lapses, and Arsenal now try to turn recent semi-final disappointments into a stronger, more controlled two-legged performance.