Arsenal clinched their spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory over Crystal Palace, with Maxence Lacroix missing the decisive spot-kick after a 1-1 draw.
2025/2026 League Cup
9-8
Penalty Shootout
Match Report
Lacroix also put through his own net after 80 minutes, seemingly putting Arsenal on the brink of victory, but his fellow centre-back Marc Guehi forced a shoot-out with an instinctive stoppage-time finish.
The first 14 kicks were all successful, but Lacroix then saw his effort – directed towards the bottom-left corner – smothered by Kepa Arrizabalaga to send the Gunners through.
Arsenal were much the better team in the first half, with replacement goalkeeper Walter Benitez almost keeping Palace in the tie single-handedly. He made three good saves to keep out Noni Madueke, and another down to his left to deny Gabriel Jesus.
But Palace improved in the second half and went close through Adam Wharton's long-range drive just before the hour mark, while Jesus wasted two good chances for the hosts.
Arsenal finally got the breakthrough following a goalmouth scramble, with Jurrien Timber's drive deflecting in off Lacroix, despite multiple players attempting to hook it off the line.
But Mikel Arteta's side would require penalties to advance after Guehi ghosted onto Jefferson Lerma's header to sweep home from close range.
After seven wonderful spot-kicks from each side, Kepa guessed correctly to deny Lacroix and boost Arsenal's hopes of ending their five-year trophy drought.
SEMI-FINAL SPOT SECURED pic.twitter.com/LtAv6DOkKu
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 23, 2025
Data Debrief: Gunners' patience pays off
Arsenal had to stay patient to win this tie, being taken the distance despite out-shooting their opponents by 25 to eight and winning the expected goals (xG) battle by 2.76 to 0.91.
Having also defeated Brighton 2-0 in the fourth round, the Gunners have won successive EFL Cup matches against fellow Premier League teams for the first time since 2010-11 (versus Tottenham, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic).
They reached the final that season but were memorably beaten by Birmingham City. A two-legged tie against Chelsea now awaits Arteta's men, with the victors going on to face Manchester City or holders Newcastle United in the final.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
4' Madueke with Arsenal's first shot but it is straight at Benítez
7' Mitchell is allowed to run into so much space but blasts his shot over the goal
15' Good corner by Eze. Mad scramble in the box but Palace manage to clear
22' Benítez in fairness makes a brave save and Palace survive
25' What a save by Benítez. How did he get down to stop Jesus
28' Calafiori with a snap shot but it's too high
35' Good football again from Arsenal but Palace defend well
40' Ball falls to Madueke but his shot is saved by Benítez
43' Martinelli with another run and cross but this time Timber heads it over
47' Martinelli on the deck holding his knee
58' Eze shot blocked and it's a handball clearly
66' Eze, Madueke off, Odegaard, Saka on
69' Beautiful ball from Odegaard but Jesus plants his header wide
74' Richards receiving treatment so lull in play
75' Jesus put through but gets it all wrong and balloons it over
79' It's beautiful football but once again Benítez saves Palace
80' OG! Saka's corner causes carnage in box! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (Lacroix)
92' Timber should score it but Benítez saves. Arsenal corner
95' GOAL! Guéhi heads home to equalize in last moment! Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
101' Benítez denies Declan Rice at the death
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Christian Nørgaard, Kepa, Merino, Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Martinelli, Saliba, Madueke, Timber, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly
Subs: Trossard, David Raya, Ødegaard, Rice, Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Saka, Nwaneri, Marli Salmon
Crystal Palace XI: Walter Benítez, Lerma, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, Nketiah, Chris Richards, Yeremy, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Jaydee Canvot
Subs: Clyne, Hughes, Dean Henderson, Borna Sosa, Justin Devenny, Kaden Rodney, Romain Esse, Christantus Uche, Joél Drakes-Thomas