"This competition may not be Mikel Arteta or Oliver Glasner's top priority this season but that didn't stop their sides from producing a spectacle full of blood and thunder. It was one-way traffic for Arsenal in the first half but they found Crystal Palace's second-string goalkeeper Walter Benitez in an inspired mood as he kept his side in the contest with some fine saves."
"An own goal from Maxence Lacroix looked to have booked a semi-final against Chelsea after Chris Richards had been carried off for Palace with a nasty gash to his ankle. But Marc Guehi had other ideas and his goal in the fifth minute of injury-time took this rematch of last year's quarter-final to penalties. The first 15 were all successful before the unfortunate Lacroix saw his spot-kick saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga to send Arsenal through in dramatic style."
"Of the two sides it was Arsenal who ultimately fared better from Palace's request to reschedule this game because of their European commitments, with Mikel Arteta able to make eight changes to the side who held their nerve in the win away at Everton on Saturday night. The only three to remain were in defence, where he was forced to field Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back after Pierro Hincapie picked up a knock on Merseyside."
Arsenal dominated the first half but Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez produced a series of fine saves to keep the score level. An own goal by Maxence Lacroix initially appeared to send Arsenal through, but Marc Guehi scored in the fifth minute of added time to force penalties. Both teams converted their first 15 spot-kicks before Lacroix saw his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, handing Arsenal victory. Mikel Arteta made eight changes to his side; Riccardo Calafiori filled in at centre-back after Pierro Hincapie's knock. Jaydee Canvot struggled at right wingback against Gabriel Martinelli, and Guehi made his 31st start.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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