Arsenal advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals after a tense penalty shootout victory against a resilient Crystal Palace team, thereby extending their unbeaten head-to-head record to nine matches (W8, D1).

The festive atmosphere has been vibrant within the Gunners’ camp as they pursue silverware across four competitions. Although the EFL Cup may rank low on Mikel Arteta’s list of priorities, one would not have guessed this from their aggressive start in the match. Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez was called into action on two occasions, first denying Noni Madueke and then executing a remarkable save to thwart a Gabriel Jesus header that appeared destined for the bottom corner.

It seemed inevitable that Arsenal would eventually break the deadlock, yet Benítez was determined to maintain a goalless scoreline, making another excellent save to deny another attempt from Madueke. Gabriel Martinelli consistently posed a threat down the left flank and set up Jurriën Timber, who unfortunately headed over the bar from the Brazilian’s cross.

Nevertheless, Oliver Glasner’s team managed to preserve their clean sheet as they headed into halftime. After surviving the first-half pressure, Palace emerged from the break with renewed energy. Adam Wharton sent a long-range effort wide, and Glasner’s team began to pose a threat for the first time in the match. Arteta reacted by making tactical changes, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard from the bench, with Ødegaard’s cross being headed wide by Jesus.

However, there was no second-half barrage, and Palace appeared much more at ease. Their defensive strength was about to be tested following the forced substitution of the injured Chris Richards, but Arsenal finally broke through in the 81st minute from a set-piece. The goal came in the most unfortunate manner for Palace, as they failed to clear the ball, resulting in Maxence Lacroix inadvertently scoring the scrappiest of own goals.