Arsenal FC was the favorite against Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarterfinals. But in the end, the Gunners needed the double misfortune of Maxence Lacroix and a thrilling penalty shootout to advance to the next round.
Crystal Palace was challenged in the League Cup in December for the seventh time. In addition, due to their participation in the Conference League, this was their fourth match in just ten days. For Palace coach Oliver Glasner, this was reason enough to criticize the English Football League (EFL)’s scheduling, as it had already postponed the League Cup match from December 16 to December 23.
The fact that Arsenal, currently arguably the best team in the world, were waiting for the Eagles in the quarterfinals was perhaps the icing on the cake from Palace’s point of view. And the Gunners, who had recently enjoyed a 1-0 win at Everton in the league, wanted to live up to their status as favorites as Premier League leaders and Champions League frontrunners. Nevertheless, coach Mikel Arteta threw the rotation machine into action and changed his starting eleven in eight positions. Only the defense of Timber, Saliba, and Calafiori remained unchanged. Gabriel Jesus also made his comeback in the starting lineup after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in January.
Palace coach Oliver Glasner, on the other hand, made only three changes after the 1-4 defeat at Leeds United. Cup goalkeeper Benitez replaced Henderson in goal. Canyot and Lerma also started in place of Clyne and Hughes.
Madueke frustrated by Benitez
But despite the rotation, the Gunners exuded dominance from the start. Madueke had the first chance to take an early lead in the 4th minute, but failed to capitalize on it. The home side continued to pass the ball around their own ranks, while Palace sat deep at the back.
Although quick counterattacks by the Eagles gave rise to a glimmer of hope on one or two occasions, on the whole, an Arsenal lead was more than just in the air. However, neither Madueke (22nd minute) nor Gabriel Jesus (25th minute) were able to overcome Palace keeper Benitez, who was in fine form. The Gunners continued to squander excellent opportunities, with the extremely strong Gabriel Martinelli delivering more dangerous crosses into the penalty area. But Madueke failed to beat Benitez for a third time (40′) and Timber sent a header over the bar (42′).
Lacroix own goal not enough for Arsenal
After Arsenal’s profusion of chances in the first half, Glasner made two changes after the break, which provided a little more stability. The overwhelmed Canvot and Nketiah made way for Clyne and Devenny. Arsenal were unable to maintain the same level of pressure as in the first half, and Wharton had the first real chance for the visitors, but shot just wide of the goal (59′).
Arsenal then took control of the game again and the tempo increased once more with the substitutions of Trossard, Saka, and Ödegaard. The latter brought the Gunners very close to taking the lead again with a cross to Gabriel Jesus’ head (70′).
However, it took a while for the Gunners to break the deadlock. After Gabriel Jesus had initially failed to get past Benitez (80′), the resulting corner found its way into the goal via the toe of Eagles defender Lacroix (80′). But Palace did not give up, continued to push forward and actually came back. In the nine minutes of added time, captain Guehi poked the ball over the line from a free kick to equalize (90+5).
Lacroix becomes the unlucky one
And so it actually went to a thrilling penalty shootout. A total of 14 shooters remained extremely confident before Saliba Benitez also left no chance. In the end, it was Lacroix who, after his own goal, missed the decisive penalty – Kepa had guessed the right corner.
Arsenal FC thus advanced to the League Cup semi-finals, where Chelsea FC awaits. The Eagles, on the other hand, were once again bitterly eliminated from the tournament by the Gunners. Neither team will have much time to catch their breath, though. Arsenal face Brighton & Hove Albion in the league on Saturday (4 p.m.), while Palace host Tottenham Hotspur a day later (5:30 p.m.).
