Arsenal squeak by Crystal Palace to set up League Cup semifinal against Chelsea

It took a one-week delay, then over 100 minutes, and then a lengthy penalty shootout, but Arsenal have eventually progressed past Crystal Palace, to advance to the League Cup semifinals and set up a showdown against Chelsea.

The Gunners dominated possession throughout the game, but were unable to find the breakthrough against Oliver Glasner’s typically well organized side, and their excellent goalkeeper, Walter Benítez. In fact, it took an own goal from Palace to give Arsenal the lead, an especially cruel twist coming just minutes after Palace’s own Jean-Philippe Mateta blocked a goalbound shot on the line at the other end.

But Palace didn’t give up, and captain Marc Guéhi drew them level in added-on time. Unsurprisingly, both goals came from set pieces.

So, to the shootout we went, where fifteen (15!) spot kicks of the highest quality were scored in a row … before Kepa Arrizabalaga, who can be pretty good at these as we know, made the save from Maxence Lacroix, who was also credited with that own goal earlier. Unlucky for him, and Palace.

So, Chelsea against Arsenal, at Wembley. It might dramatic! The first leg will be played week of January 12, with the second leg to follow three weeks later, the week of February 2.