Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates on Wednesday night to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
A much-changed Arsenal side got off to the worst possible start when Jakub Kiwior’s mistake allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to surge through and slot past David Raya within four minutes.
The hosts dominated much of the rest of the half, though they couldn’t fashion any clear openings, and Mikel Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard for the second half – a decision that paid off almost straight away, as the Norwegian threaded a brilliant pass to Gabriel Jesus to chip past Henderson.
The hosts continued to dominate from there, with Bukayo Saka slipping his own through ball to Jesus, who duly rifled in for 2-1.
The Brazilian wasn’t finished there though, latching onto an Odegaard through ball to power in his third of the night and the eventual winner, as the Gunners completed a remarkable turnaround and held off a late fightback from Palace.
Follow all the Carabao Cup action with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE
- Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals
- Gabriel Jesus nabs a second-half hat-trick as the Gunners come from a goal down
- FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
- 84’ GOAL! Nketiah gives his side hope with superb header [ARS 3-2 CRY]
- 81’ GOAL! Jesus slots in late on for his hat-trick [ARS 3-1 CRY]
- 74’ GOAL! Jesus gets his second with composed finish [ARS 2-1 CRY]
- 54’ GOAL! Jesus chips over Henderson after brilliant Odegaard pass [ARS 1-1 CRY]
- 51’ MISS! Sterling misses from point-blank range after Henderson save [ARS 0-1 CRY]
- 4’ GOAL! Mateta puts Palace ahead after Kiwior mistake [ARS 0-1 CRY]
Arsenal FC 3 - 2 Crystal Palace FC
Gabriel Jesus offers timely solution to Arsenal’s goalscoring woes in Carabao Cup triumph
22:06 , Chris WilsonGabriel Jesus scored a second-half hat-trick as Arsenal staged an impressive fightback to book their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.
The home side were staring at an underwhelming exit from the competition at half-time after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener for Palace inside just four minutes.
But Jesus, who had scored just once this season heading into Wednesday’s fixture, fired a treble in the second period with substitutes Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both central to his haul.
Gabriel Jesus offers timely solution to Arsenal’s goalscoring woes in Carabao Cup win
Arteta: Jesus “can really deliver for us"
22:19 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta praises his side after the win, though he notes that they “started the game in a way that we didn’t want to, conceded that really poor goal to give them hope and energy.
“We lacked some fluidity, especially in wide areas. In the second half, we made some changes, and we looked much more of a threat.”
On Jesus, he says: “It’s about confidence, and when you haven’t scored a goal in almost a year it’s tough. You are thinking about it.
“Gabi is someone who wants to do more. He wants to work harder and help the team in any way. Today he got rewarded.
“The movement, the quality of his touches, the way he finished the actions, it’s a big thing for him and for the team.
“It’s a big message for the team, that we’ve got Gabi back at his best, and at that level he can really deliver for us.”
Jesus: “I can score goals"
22:14 , Chris WilsonHat-trick hero Jesus tells Sky that he “can score goals” as well as create, assist, run and help his side defensively.
“When I score I think everyone sees, but when I don’t, obviously they want their striker to scroe goals.
“That’s why im working a lot in training, finishing more, [to] put myself in a good position to finish the action, and that’s it.
“Today, my hard work paid off,” he adds.
Glasner reacts
22:03 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to the media, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said “it was the perfect start” to the game.
“But even in the first half we looked like we had too much respect, too cautious finding the moment to press.
“We lost the ball too easily, we were too slow, we didn’t demand the ball. We didn’t support each other in possession.”
More as it comes from both managers...
Carabao Cup results
21:54 , Chris WilsonIn the evening’s other two matches, Newcastle have beaten Brentford 3-1, while Liverpool have beaten Southampton 2-1.
Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in the final quarter-final tie tomorrow night.
Up next
21:44 , Chris WilsonAs seems to have happened fairly often recently, the next game for these two sides sees them play each other again!
This time, Arsenal travel across the capital to face Palace at Selhurst Park, with that match kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday, 21 December.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:32 , Chris WilsonWell, what a match that turned out to be in north London.
Arsenal started slowly but eventually their quality shone through, as Odegaard, Saka and Jesus all combined to give the Brazilian a great hat-trick.
Palace fought well at times but they were too disjointed in attack in the end, despite some decent performances across the board.
Arsenal book their place in the semi-finals, and they’ll find out their opponents tomorrow night.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:29 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:23 , Chris WilsonFULL-TIME! The referee brings the match to an end and Arsenal have booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals!
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:22 , Chris Wilson96 mins
Raya punches away the corner, Palace waste a long pass up to the box, and that could be that.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:22 , Chris Wilson95 mins
Nketiah does well to chase the ball down and he wins a corner off Saliba.
Palace are piling men into the box - even Henderson is up...
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:21 , Chris Wilson94 mins
It’s a scrappy ending to the game, with Arsenal just trying to make it difficult for Palace to put anything together in attack. It’s working at the moment - will there be time for another Palace chance?
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:19 , Chris Wilson92 mins
Some relief around the Emirates as Raya pounces on a loose ball, though there are still three minutes left.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:17 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Arsenal waste the free-kick, with Jesus choosing to go into the corner to waste time, but he loses it and Palace counter. It’s played to Nketiah in the box, but he’s dragged wide and his cutback is cleared.
There’ll be five minutes of added time here.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:16 , Chris Wilson89 mins
What a game this has turned out to be. Arteta’s subs have been good, though he might be irritated that it came to this.
Chalobah gives away a cheap free-kick near the Palace box, handling it as he went down under the challenge from Merino.
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:14 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Both sides make a late change as Gabriel comes on for Kiwior, while Mitchell comes off for Jeffrey Schlupp for the away side.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace
21:13 , Chris Wilson84 mins
GOAL! Well this could make it interesting.
Nketiah has a goal against his old club, as the cross comes in from the right and he rises highest, powering an inch-perfect header into the top corner!
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace
21:09 , Chris Wilson81 mins
GOAL! And Jesus has his hat-trick!
More clever play from the hosts, as Merino slips it through to Odegaard, who is in his own half but spots the run of an unmarked Jesus. The captain plays it into acres of space, with Jesus 1-v-1 having started his run in his own half.
The Brazilian drives into the box and makes no mistake, powering a finish into the far corner for his third of the night.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:07 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Will Hughes comes off for Palace, and he’s replaced by Justin Devenny.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:06 , Chris Wilson78 mins
The home fans want a free-kick as Henderson leaves the box while the ball is in his hands, but only his feet left the area, so the ref waves play on.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:03 , Chris Wilson75 mins
That goal could well have been offside, though without VAR at this stage of the competition, we’ll never know. It was a well-timed run from Jesus in the circumstances.
Palace have their first foray forward in a while, and they win a corner, but the delivery is poor.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
21:01 , Chris Wilson73 mins
GOAL! And Arsenal have completed the turnaround!
It’s a lovely move too, as Arsenal combine on the right wing before Saka receives the ball near the box. He turns and spots the run of Jesus, slipping a ball into the Brazilian’s path. He has plenty of time to pick his spot, eventually rifling it low past Henderson into the side-netting.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:59 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Merino has a pop from distance but it’s right at Henderson. The home side are applying all the pressure now.
Moments before, Odegaard was inches away from playing in Jesus with a great through ball.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:57 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Two more subs for Arsenal, as Bukayo Saka and Miles Lewis-Skelly replace Sterling and Tierney.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:56 , Chris Wilson67 mins
More dominant play from the hosts, with Palace really struggling to create anything at the moment. You do wonder what the reasoning was behind Glasner taking off Eze and Mateta, even with the winter fixtures coming up.
In the evening’s other matches, Liverpool are 2-0 up at Southampton, and Newcastle are winning 2-0 at home to Brentford.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:51 , Chris Wilson64 mins
CLOSE! Lovely play from Jesus, who receives the ball with back to goal and produces a lovely flick to take it outside the defender before poking an effort at Henderson.
From the corner, Trossard’s follow-up cross is once again straight to the ‘keeper.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:50 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Lerma wins the ball back in midfield and leads a Palace counter, with Raya backtracking having come off his line, but the Colombian opts not to try and lob the ‘keeper. Moments later, the attack does end as he tries his luck from distance with a tame effort.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:46 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Two subs for Palace, as Eddie Nketiah and Kamada coming on for Mateta and Eze.
The former Arsenal man gets a decent welcome from his old club.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:45 , Chris Wilson57 mins
There’s some very nice play on show from Arsenal at the moment, with some lovely combinations between Timber, Odegaard and Sterling on the right.
The latest attack does break down though, and Palace come forward before Lacroix fizzes a shot well over from distance.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
20:43 , Chris Wilson54 mins
GOAL! The hosts are level!
They’ve applied plenty of pressure since that Sterling chance, and it finally pays off.
Odegaard picks up the ball on the right and drifts inside, spotting the diagonal run of Jesus and releasing him with a brilliant diagonal pass.
The Brazilian takes a touch to take it round the defender, and clips an accomplished finish past the onrushing Henderson for 1-1.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:40 , Chris Wilson50 mins
CLOSE! How has that stayed out!?
It’s a great attack from Arsenal, who work it across the pitch to Tierney on the left. He plays in a great early cross that finds its way to Sterling, who is unmarked at the back post.
He’s in the six yard box and his first shot is a tame effort straight at Henderson. It rebounds right back to him, but he scuffs it, hitting it more with his heel, and it goes high and bounces off the underside of the crossbar!
Moments later, Merino lets fly from distance, but he drags it wide.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:36 , Chris Wilson48 mins
A slow start to the second half, with Arsenal keeping plenty of the ball but not venturing too far forward so far.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:32 , Chris WilsonThe home side get us underway in the second half. Arsenal have made one change, with Martin Odegaard replacing Ethan Nwaneri and William Saliba coming on for Thomas Partey.
Palace have also made a change, with Kporha coming off for Nathaniel Clyne.
HT: Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:28 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a fairly entertaining half for the neutral at the Emirates, with both sides threatening and Palace’s early goal adding plenty of intrigue.
Both sides have been disjointed in attack since the opener, with no real chances of note but plenty of openings appearing in each defence.
The hosts have it all to do though as the second half begins.
HT: Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:23 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:18 , Chris WilsonHALF-TIME!
The referee brings the first half to an end, and we enter the break with Palace ahead!
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:17 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A Crystal Palace free-kick ends up straight into the gloves of Raya, before a lovely touch from Mateta almost releases Eze.
We’ll have one minute of added time here.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:14 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Another Trossard corner is easily dealt with Henderson, before Trossard’s follow-up cross flies out of play, much to the irritation of the home fans.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:10 , Chris Wilson38 mins
A lull in activity at the Emirates as both team struggle to mount a meaningful attack. Plenty of possession in the middle of the pitch for both sides, but nothing in attack!
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:06 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Arsenal are still getting forwards a lot more than Palace, but they just can’t find the final pass. They’re winning the ball back very quickly when they do lose it though.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:02 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Great save! Sterling produces a great effort, curling it on target, and it’s heading just under the crossbar before Henderson gets across and knocks it over at full stretch.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
20:01 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Another dangerous free-kick won by Arsenal, as Jesus is dragged down by Lacroix just a yard or two outside of the box...
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:57 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Jesus beats the offside trap to latch onto a ball over the top, but his touch is poor and the chance eventually goes. It wasn’t an easy opportunity, to be fair to the Brazilian.
The hosts are dominating at the moment, though it isn’t clicking in attack.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:55 , Chris Wilson24 mins
It’s the first booking of the night and it comes for debutant Caleb Kporha, who clips Trossard on the wing near the Palace box.
From the set-piece, Trossard clips a dangerous ball in but Henderson punches clear. Good ‘keeping.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:52 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Henderson needs to be careful as he ventures outside of his box to head a long ball clear while under pressure from Sterling.
Partey delivers a long throw that is flicked on by Merino, but Trossard can’t get it under control to get the shot away.
All the pressure is coming from Arsenal at the moment though.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:50 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Partey is very lucky as he’s dispossessed by Eze, leaving the England man almost clean through near halfway, but the referee pulls it back for the foul.
From the free-kick, Nwaneri’s ball in a pretty poor one, and Palace clear.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:48 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Palace have been pretty impressive so far, even aside from the goal, and they’re playing with plenty of confidence.
Trossard leads the Arsenal attack but his cross is too tame and it’s easily headed away at the near post.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:46 , Chris Wilson15 mins
The game has settled more now since the goal, with Arsenal enjoying a lot of possession now. There are still a few lapses of concentration from the hosts though, as illustrated by Partey knocking a pass straight out of play.
Moments later, Jesus gives it away to Sarr, who drives towards the box before hitting a fairly tame effort that Raya parries away from danger.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:44 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Some good tracking back from Nwaneri prevents Eze potentially starting a very dangerous counter. Timber tries to go long towards Jesus, but there’s too much on it.
The hosts aren’t hesitating to go long so far this evening.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:42 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Sterling wins it back on the wing before squaring it to Trossard, who fires well over. The hosts do look dangerous when they get forward though.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:41 , Chris Wilson9 mins
The home fans want a penalty as Tierney’s cross comes off Chalobah’s hand, but the referee waves it away. Remember, no VAR tonight.
From the corner, the ball sneaks through a sea of bodies in the box but Lerma is there to head off the line!
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:38 , Chris Wilson6 mins
Arsenal’s two attempts to get forward since the goal have been disjointed, with the first flagged for offside before Guehi easily shepherds Trossard off the ball.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace
19:35 , Chris Wilson4 mins
GOAL! The away side are ahead out of nowhere!
It’s their first attempt at getting forward, and it’s a long ball from the ‘keeper. It should be easy to deal with but Kiwior makes a real hash of it, completely missing the header and allowing it to run into the path of Mateta, who surges towards goal before tucking in a nice finish across Raya into the far corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
19:33 , Chris Wilson2 mins
The home side have started on the front foot unsurprisingly, though their first spell of pressure ends with Jesus unable to control a pass.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
19:31 , Chris WilsonThe away side get us underway at the Emirates.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE
19:26 , Chris WilsonThe two sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates, and we’re just five minutes from kick-off.
Head-to-head
19:23 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met just 48 times in the past, with the first meeting dating back to 1934. Overall, Arsenal have won 29, Palace have won just five, and 14 have ended as draws.
The Gunners came away victorious in both meetings last season, winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park before a 5-0 demolition at the Emirates in January 2024.
Glasner insists a win is possible
19:20 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his own pre-match conference, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said that he thinks “it’s possible” that his side gets a win tonight, adding: “They [Arsenal] have been struggling a few weeks ago but now injured players are coming back and their form has got better and better.”
“They have a clear structure - wide wingers [who are] good in the one-v-ones and half spaces, going in behind, early crosses. They are very dominant in possession and have a very good balance. Mikel Arteta is a fantastic manager.”
Arteta; Playing Palace “is always really tough”
19:15 , Chris WilsonIn his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said that playing Crystal Palace “is always really tough” and “it is another layer of difficulty when you play a team twice in a row” – the Gunners travel to Selhurst Park at the weekend in the Premier League too.
He added that winning this competition would be “really helpful” in their bid to win the league.
“It brings belief, trust and positive energy. Touching a cup generates that energy and I think it creates the right path.,” he added.
On whether Arsenal will look to do business in the January transfer window, he added: “It will depend on who the player is, what the value of that player is and other movements in the squad. That is a difficult one to answer.”
When are there semi-finals and final?
19:10 , Chris WilsonWhichever side wins tonight will be put into the draw for the semi-finals, which takes place tomorrow after the match between Spurs and Manchester United.
The semi-final ties are across two legs, with one at home and one away for each side. These will take place in on 8 January (first leg) and 5 February (second leg).
The final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 16 March.
Is there extra-time and VAR in the Carabao Cup?
19:05 , Chris WilsonWith the knockout ties well underway in the League Cup, fans may be wondering if the week’s matches can go to extra-time.
The answer is no, not in the quarter-finals. Since 2018/19, there has been no extra-time in any round other than the semi-finals and final.
There is also no VAR in the competition until the semi-final stage.
If any of the matches finish level after 90 minutes this week, they will go straight to penalties.
Is Arsenal v Palace on TV?
19:00 , Chris WilsonJust 30 minutes until kick-off at the Emirates, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch the game.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is due to kick off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, 18 December at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Where can I watch the match?
The quarter-final match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, while subscribers will be able to live stream via the Sky Go app.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Kai Havertz urges Arsenal to ‘stick together’ following Everton setback
18:55 , Chris WilsonKai Havertz has called on Arsenal to “stick together” following another setback in their bid for Premier League glory.
The misfiring Gunners squandered a golden opportunity to edge closer to Liverpool in the race for the title after the Reds could manage only a 2-2 home draw against Fulham.
However, Arsenal could also only take a point, in an uninspiring goalless draw against Everton at the Emirates – a result that was greeted with a smattering of boos at the final whistle.
Kai Havertz urges Arsenal to ‘stick together’ following Everton setback
‘A lot of things need to change’: Thierry Henry highlights problem with Arsenal attack
18:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s fading domestic title challenge is as a result of too much of a risk-free mindset and losing parts of what they were good at, in the eyes of former striker and club legend Thierry Henry.
The Gunners have dropped out of immediate contention at the top of the Premier League after a run of three wins in their last nine, with Mikel Arteta’s side thriving at set-piece situations but otherwise looking short of creativity and goalscoring avenues at times.
Henry pointed out that in comparison to league leaders Liverpool, Arsenal’s style was less impactful in the final third and less capable of finding solutions to the defences in their way, suggesting Arteta had much work on to get the team back to a point where they’d be among the challengers.
Team news
18:45 , Chris WilsonCrystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made just one change to the side that beat Brighton last weekend, with Caleb Kporha coming in for the suspended Daniel Munoz at right wing-back.
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has made six changes to the side that drew 0-0 to Everton last week. In defence, only Jurrien Timber remains, and he moves to centre-back, with Thomas Partey replacing William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior coming in for Gabriel. At left-back, Kieran Tierney comes in for Miles Lewis-Skelly.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard drop out for Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri, while up top there are also three changes – Saka, Havertz and Martinelli make way for Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.
Line-ups
18:33 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.
Subs: Setford, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 18, 2024
🔙 Tierney in at left-back
©️ Jorginho skippers the side
⚡️ Sterling on the wing
Let's book our semi-final spot, Gunners 👊
Palace XI: Henderson; Kporha, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Subs: Turner, Ward, Nketiah, Schlupp; Clyne, Kamada, Richards, Doucoure, Devenny.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 18, 2024
🔙 Tierney in at left-back
©️ Jorginho skippers the side
⚡️ Sterling on the wing
Let's book our semi-final spot, Gunners 👊
Early team news
18:20 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released soon, so here’s a reminder of the early team news.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, long-term absentees Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori will also miss the game. Declan Rice is also being assessed after coming off against Everton last week, while back-up ‘keeper Neto is cup-tied.
In his pre-match conference, Arteta gave little away regarding rotation, though some second-string players could come in in key positions. In defence, Jakub Kiwior and Miles Lewis-Skelly could feature, with Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino all in contention to start.
Palace will be without Daniel Munoz due to suspension after he was booked in the win over Brighton, while Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca remain out injured. Eberechi Eze will be assessed after suffering a swollen foot against the Seagulls.
Eddie Nketiah and Matt Turner could both feature against their former club
Mikel Arteta bemoans a lack of an end product as Arsenal are held
18:10 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta admitted the magic was missing as Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to edge closer to Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League following a “very disappointing” goalless draw with Everton.
Arsenal dominated Saturday’s fixture against Sean Dyche’s resilient Toffees at the Emirates, but the sluggish championship contenders were guilty of failing to create enough clear-cut chances.
Arsenal have now gone three consecutive matches in the league without scoring from open play, leaving them six points behind Liverpool – who drew 2-2 against Fulham – having played a game more. The full-time whistle was greeted with a smattering of boos inside a frustrated Emirates.
Mikel Arteta bemoans a lack of an end product as Arsenal are held
When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Date, start time and TV channel
18:00 , Chris WilsonThe draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals is near with the quarter-finals taking place this week.
Arsenal take on Crystal Palace, Newcastle United host Brentford and Southampton, without a permanent manager after Russell Martin’s dismissal, welcome Liverpool in a packed Wednesday night of football.
The final quarter-final sees Tottenham battle a Manchester United side bouncing off a thrilling derby win over Manchester City on Thursday night.
Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup presenter Mark Chapman hosts the draw following coverage of the final last eight tie with former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp and former Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen assisting with the draw.
Which other ties are taking place in the quarter-finals?
17:50 , Chris WilsonThere are, of course, three more ties taking place in the quarter-finals of this competition, with two more tonight and the final one tomorrow. A full list of the fixtures and times is below.
Wed, 18 December – Arsenal v Crystal Palace, 7.30pm
Wed, 18 December – Brentford v Newcastle, 7.45pm
Wed, 18 December – Southampton v Liverpool, 8pm
Thurs, 19 December – Tottenham v Manchester United, 8pm
Is Arsenal v Palace on TV?
17:40 , Chris WilsonWhen is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is due to kick off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, 18 December at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Where can I watch the match?
The quarter-final match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, while subscribers will be able to live stream via the Sky Go app.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Predicted line-ups & prediction
17:30 , Chris WilsonArsenalXI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Sterling.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Prediction
Arsenal might have struggled for goals in recent weeks, but with both sides likely to rotate it could be a game where the overall squad quality shines through. The Gunners should have enough to get past Palace despite their recent good form.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace.
Team news
17:20 , Chris WilsonFor Mikel Arteta’s side, long-term absentees Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori will also miss the game. Declan Rice is also being assessed after coming off against Everton last week, while back-up ‘keeper Neto is cup-tied.
In his pre-match conference, Arteta gave little away regarding rotation, though some second-string players could come in in key positions. In defence, Jakub Kiwior and Miles Lewis-Skelly could feature, with Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino all in contention to start.
Palace will be without Daniel Munoz due to suspension after he was booked in the win over Brighton, while Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca remain out injured. Eberechi Eze will be assessed after suffering a swollen foot against the Seagulls.
Eddie Nketiah and Matt Turner could both feature against their former club.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE
17:10 , Chris WilsonArsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals tonight, with Mikel Arteta’s side still well in the hunt for what would be just the second major trophy of the Spniard’s tenure.
The Gunners have struggled for goals in recent weeks against Fulham and most recently Everton, though they sit third in the Premier League just six points behind Liverpool.
And though the gap at the top will undoubtedly be on Arteta’s mind, so will the lack of major trophies during his time at the club, with the Spaniard unlikely to underestimate Palace.
The Eagles secured a brilliant away win over Brighton last weekend and though they sit 15th in the league, they haven’t lost any of their last five matches, with Oliver Glazer’sside steadily improving in recent weeks.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE
17:00 , Chris WilsonGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Carabao Cup match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
The hosts remain third in the league and on the hunt for a major trophy on all four fronts, though Mikel Arteta could be tempted into a slew of changes to the starting XI here with the Gunners languishing six points adrift of Liverpool.
And Palace visit the Emirates to face an Arsenal side that is struggling to score goals, and while the Eagles themselves have shown mixed results so far this season, they are unbeaten in their last five.
We’ll have all the latest updates, news and build-up here.
