Arsenal/ Carabao Cup: Hero Kepa sends Gunners to semifinals in dramatic shootout
Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero of Arsenal, saving a decisive penalty from Maxence Lacroix in a dramatic shootout to send the Gunners to the Carabao Cup semifinals after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
The match seemed settled in the 80th minute when Lacroix, under pressure from William Saliba, turned Bukayo Saka’s corner into his own net. However, Palace snatched a stunning stoppage-time equalizer, with Marc Guehi poking home from close range after a free-kick.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with 15 successful kicks before Lacroix stepped up for redemption.
His effort was saved by Arrizabalaga, who dove to his right to secure an 8-7 victory and book a two-legged semifinal clash with Chelsea.
Arsenal’s progression was hard-fought, having dominated much of the match but being repeatedly denied by excellent saves from Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez.
