Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 10:00
Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived at Arsenal this summer as a substitute, although with the aim of fighting international David Raya for the starting position. For now he has not achieved it, but every time Mikel Arteta gives him the opportunity, the Ondarroa goalkeeper does not fail. The Basque coach trusts Kepa for the League Cup, commonly known in England as the Carabao Cup, and yesterday he agreed.
He saved a penalty in the decisive shoot-out and put Arsenal in the semi-finals. Now he will face Chelsea, his former team, which paid 80 million for him to Athletic and made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football. He never managed to fit in at Stamford Bridge, so the duel will have the flavor of revenge.
Arsenal suffered more than necessary last night… even though the tie was decided by a single match in their stadium. A Crystal Palace goal in the 95th minute sent the match into extra time. After 30 minutes where the visitors were locked in their area, the duel would be decided on penalties.
The run was especially long. Up to 15 penalties were taken and, in the end, Palace missed their eighth shot. Lacroix hit the left post tight and Kepa guessed its trajectory. With a great stretch he stopped the ball and decided the game. His companions joined him in a hug.
Everything indicates that Arteta will trust Kepa again for the semifinals against Chelsea. The London derby will be decided at the Emirates. On January 14, the Biscayan will return to Stamford Bridge and three weeks later, on February 3, the tie will be decided before the Gunners fans. The winner of the tie will face either Newcastle or Manchester City in the final.
