Maxence Lacroix was the villain for Crystal Palace as he scored an own-goal, then missed the crucial penalty to earn Arsenal a Carabao Cup semi-final spot after a dramatic tie that went to spot kicks.
An eventful conclusion to normal time saw Arsenal – frustrated for so long after Walter Benitez made seven stunning saves to keep them out – go ahead when Lacroix deflected in Jurrien Timber’s shot from a corner – but Palace were not done.
Marc Guehi struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to silence the Emirates and force penalties – which ended up being a masterclass from the spot.
There were 15 perfect penalties until Lacroix strolled up – only for Kepa Arrizabalaga to keep him out in only his fourth match for Arsenal.
The result means the Gunners will meet Chelsea in the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals, which begin on January 13.
WATCH: Drama in normal time at the Emirates!
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After multiple of Arsenal attempts to try and direct the ball goalwards, a touch off Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix diverted it into the net
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Marc Guehi equalises for Crystal Palace in injury time to send their Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal to penalties
Arsenal set for fixture pile-up in 2026!
With their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals confirmed, Arsenal are set for a busy start to 2026!
They are set to play every three to four days across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League…
Saturday January 3: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Thursday January 8: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Sunday January 11: Portsmouth (A) – FA Cup third round, kick-off 2pm
Wednesday January 14: Chelsea (A) – Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Saturday January 17: Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm
Tuesday January 20: Inter Milan (A) – Champions League, kick-off 8pm
Sunday January 25: Man Utd (H) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Wednesday January 28: Kairat (H) – Champions League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Saturday January 31: Leeds (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Tuesday February 3: Chelsea (H) – Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Saturday February 7: Sunderland (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Thursday February 12: Brentford (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm