Arrizabalaga Hero: Arsenal Beat Palace in Penalty Drama

Published: 24 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

In a thrilling contest between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the unlikely hero, sending the Gunners through at the expense of Maxence Lacroix and Palace. The competition may not be Mikel Arteta or Oliver Glasner’s priority this season, yet both sides produced a spectacle brimming with intensity and drama. Arsenal dominated early proceedings, but Palace’s second-choice goalkeeper Walter Benítez proved a formidable barrier, keeping his team in contention with a series of crucial saves.

Arsenal looked poised for a semi-final against Chelsea after an own goal from Lacroix, following a nasty injury to Chris Richards. However, Marc Guéhi struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time, forcing the match into penalties. The first fifteen spot-kicks were converted successfully before Lacroix’s attempt was denied by Arrizabalaga, allowing Arsenal to advance by the narrowest of margins. “We conceded the goal, which was emotionally tough, but the margin should have been larger,” Arteta said, reflecting on his team’s performance.

Arsenal benefited from Palace’s rescheduling request due to European commitments, allowing Arteta to rotate eight players from the squad that had secured victory against Everton. The match still required the influence of stars Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka after halftime to break through Palace’s defence. Guéhi’s dramatic equaliser mirrored last year’s quarter-final encounter, setting the stage for a tense conclusion. Glasner acknowledged his side’s resilience, praising the second-half character shown despite a poor first-half display.

Palace were forced to field a near-identical squad to the one that suffered a heavy defeat to Leeds, with teenager Jaydee Canvot filling an unfamiliar right wingback position. He struggled under pressure from Gabriel Martinelli, highlighting the challenges Palace faced amid fixture congestion. Guéhi had already made 31 starts this season, demonstrating his importance to club and country. In contrast, Gabriel Jesus celebrated his return from a lengthy ACL injury, marking his 100th Arsenal appearance against the same opponents he had previously netted a hat-trick against in this competition.

Arsenal’s £64m signing Viktor Gyökeres was yet to make an impact, allowing Jesus the chance to impress. Yet Benítez’s sharp goalkeeping denied him a deserved goal. Benítez, signed from PSV Eindhoven, has had limited opportunities behind Dean Henderson but proved himself a reliable deputy. Arsenal immediately tested him in the third minute when Martinelli set up Noni Madueke, whose shot was comfortably saved. Tyrick Mitchell then fired wide after Mateta’s clever pass, but Arsenal maintained pressure throughout the first half.

Martinelli’s cross eventually found Jesus, but Benítez blocked his header, with Richards clearing the rebound off the line. Arsenal repeatedly threatened with long throws and set pieces, but Palace held firm thanks to committed defending and Arsenal’s inability to convert chances. Canvot was eventually replaced by veteran Nathaniel Clyne, after which Palace began to show greater composure and resilience.

A significant pause occurred when Richards was injured challenging Jesus, forcing him off on crutches and leaving Arsenal and Palace facing a tense finale. William Saliba intervened to prevent Mateta from scoring, and Arsenal continued to dominate. Ultimately, Lacroix’s deflection off Jesus forced Benítez into another save before the ball rebounded in for Arsenal’s goal. Palace showed remarkable spirit when Guéhi netted after Jefferson Lerma’s header found him, but Declan Rice was once again denied by Benítez, pushing the match to an unforgettable penalty shootout.

The shootout epitomised the match’s drama, with Lacroix’s missed penalty deciding Arsenal’s progression. Arrizabalaga’s decisive save ensured that Arteta’s side survived a stern test, demonstrating resilience under pressure. Both managers highlighted the emotional rollercoaster of the encounter, emphasising squad rotation, fitness, and tactical execution as crucial components in this tightly contested fixture. For Arsenal, it was a reminder of the value of composure and experience, with returning players like Jesus providing impetus and leadership in high-stakes moments.

This thrilling encounter underscores the unpredictability and excitement inherent in domestic cup competitions. Arsenal will now face Chelsea in the semi-final, carrying forward lessons from their narrow victory. Palace, despite the loss, can take pride in their fighting spirit and the performances of players like Guéhi and Benítez. The drama of late goals and penalty shootouts once again demonstrates football’s capacity to enthral, offering moments that will linger in fans’ memories for seasons to come.

The match highlighted tactical decisions, player resilience, and the impact of injuries on squad rotation, creating a storyline filled with tension and drama. Arsenal’s ability to adapt after conceding a late equaliser proved pivotal, while Palace’s determination kept the contest alive until the final spot-kick. Individual performances, particularly Arrizabalaga’s heroics, reminded observers of football’s fine margins, where a single moment can define progression or elimination.

For supporters, this match offered both agony and ecstasy, showcasing the highs and lows of knockout football. Arsenal demonstrated depth, perseverance, and mental fortitude, while Palace displayed courage and organisation against a technically superior opponent. As the competition continues, both clubs will reflect on performance, strategy, and player management, ensuring future fixtures are approached with lessons learned from this gripping encounter.

The excitement of this clash will linger, reflecting the unique drama of domestic football tournaments in England. Arsenal’s victory, earned through tenacity and precision in penalties, reinforces the unpredictable nature of the sport. Players’ individual contributions, combined with managerial tactics, created a compelling narrative that will be remembered in the context of both clubs’ seasonal campaigns.