Mikel Arteta will be pleased that his side managed to get through penalties to reach the semi-finals, but the way that his players managed the tie will have disappointed the Arsenal manager. The Gunners were again far from their best and missed a host of chances before Maxence Lacroix's late own goal.

Maxence Lacroix’s unfortunate own goal looked to have given Arsenal a late lead, but they were pegged back in stoppage time by Marc Guehi, whose goal forced penalties and thrust Kepa Arrizabalaga into the limelight.

Man City haven't been their typical best this season -- at least not yet, though the festive period is when their title wins have been built. Should Arsenal be worried?

Arsenal's League Cup quarterfinal with Crystal Palace went the distance - as so many of their recent matches have done

A swollen tally of 97 goals in 102 appearances with Sporting CP saw Gyökeres earn a reputation as one of the most-feared strikers in the world, with Arsenal battling to secure a deal worth £63.5 million ($85.4 million) to bring him in during the summer window.

Arsenal are without a trophy since winning the FA Cup in Arteta's first season in 2020, but will see the Carabao Cup as a potential stepping stone as they look to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League this season. "It's really good practice isn't it," added former England goalkeeper Rob Green.

Arsenal raced down the other end with a free-flowing counter-attack only for Martinez to tip Jesus' shot over. Riccardo Calafiori's header from Saka's ensuing corner was blocked, and so was Jurrien Timber's effort, but a toe-poke from Lacroix ended up in the Palace net.

Kai Havertz has returned to first-team training for the first time since suffering a knee injury in August. The German has not played since the opening day of the Premier League season, and went under the knife shortly afterwards, but the 26-year-old is now closing in on a return to action.

Arsenal have offered Gabriel Jesus to La Liga giants Real Madrid to replace Endrick ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports. The Gunners have been top of the Premier League since October with Liverpool sliding down the table after winning their first five matches of the season.