Maxence Lacroix played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace's defeat. During regular time, the French defender scored an own goal, giving Arsenal the lead. Crystal Palace equalized in stoppage time, pushing the match to a penalty shootout. There, Lacroix was the only player to miss his spot-kick, allowing Arsenal to win 8-7 and advance to the semifinals.

The League Cup semifinals are now set, featuring Arsenal against Chelsea and Man City facing Newcastle. These ties will be played over two legs, with the winners progressing to the final at Wembley.

Arsenal players celebrate after defeating Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout during the League Cup quarterfinals on 23/12. *Photo: AFP*

Manager Mikel Arteta made eight changes to his starting lineup following their recent 1-0 Premier League win against Everton last weekend. Notably, Gabriel Jesus made his first start since 12/1 and his 100th appearance for Arsenal.

Playing at home, Arsenal asserted dominance from the start, pressing continuously, playing short passes, switching wings, and testing the Crystal Palace goal. In the first half, Arteta's side controlled 80% of possession, with 12 shots and four on target, compared to Crystal Palace's two shots and zero on target. The hosts also had 38 touches in the opponent's penalty area, while Crystal Palace managed only two.

Gabriel Martinelli was particularly outstanding, constantly troubling Jaydee Canvot on the left flank. The Brazilian forward created five chances and completed three dribbles, both game-high statistics for the first half. However, inside the penalty area, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, and Riccardo Calafiori all squandered scoring opportunities.

Maxence Lacroix's own goal gave Arsenal the lead. *Photo: Shutterstock*

In the second half, Arsenal surprisingly lost their rhythm, failing to create clear chances and even allowing Crystal Palace several dangerous attacks. With the score remaining 0-0, manager Mikel Arteta grew restless. He introduced attacking stars Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka, hoping to find a goal and decide the match in regular time.

These substitutions helped Arsenal regain some control, but it took a stroke of luck to break the deadlock. In the 80th minute, Bukayo Saka delivered a corner from the right wing, which Riccardo Calafiori headed towards goal. The ball then bounced around the penalty area before deflecting off Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and into the net, giving Arsenal the lead.

Marc Guehi's close-range shot equalized the score. *Photo: Shutterstock*

The equalizer came unexpectedly in the fifth minute of stoppage time, also from a set piece. From a free-kick on the left flank, Jefferson Lerma won an aerial duel against Riccardo Calafiori, heading the ball down for Marc Guehi to slot a one-touch finish between goalkeeper Kepa's legs.

With the match tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, the two teams proceeded directly to a penalty shootout without extra time. Both Arsenal and Crystal Palace converted their first seven spot-kicks. The decisive moment came in the eighth round, when William Saliba successfully converted his penalty, while Lacroix's shot to the bottom left corner was saved by Kepa.

Kepa saves Lacroix's penalty. *Photo: Reuters*

Several Crystal Palace players consoled Lacroix, while Arsenal celebrated their victory. The "Gunners" could have avoided the lottery of a penalty shootout had they capitalized on their chances during regular time.

Hong Duy