Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Emi Martínez the Hero as Gunners Reach Semi-Finals




Story:


Emi Martínez was the hero as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 5-4 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.


The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time, with Martínez saving penalties from Luka Milivojević and Jordan Ayew.


Bukayo Saka scored the winning penalty for Arsenal, sending the Gunners into the last four of the competition for the first time since 2018.


Arsenal dominated the match in terms of possession and chances, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Crystal Palace defense.


The closest the Gunners came to scoring in regulation time was when Gabriel Martinelli hit the post in the first half.


Palace had their chances on the counter-attack, but they were unable to make the most of them.


The match went to penalties after extra time, and Martínez was the hero for Arsenal.


The Argentine goalkeeper saved two penalties, including one from Milivojević, to send Arsenal into the semi-finals.

Analysis:


Arsenal's victory was a hard-fought one, but they ultimately deserved to progress to the semi-finals.


The Gunners created the better chances throughout the match, and they were unlucky not to win in regulation time.


Martinez was the hero for Arsenal in the penalty shootout, but he was also excellent throughout the match.


The Argentine goalkeeper made several important saves, including one from Odsonne Édouard in the first half.


Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.


The Gunners will be confident of their chances of reaching the final, but they will need to be at their best to overcome either of those two teams.

Quotes:


Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager): "I'm delighted with the win. We knew it would be a tough game, but we showed great character to come through on penalties.


Patrick Vieira (Crystal Palace manager): "I'm disappointed with the result, but I'm proud of my players. We gave Arsenal a good game, and we were unlucky not to win."


Call to Action:


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