Mikel Arteta said it was “emotionally tough” to accept Crystal Palace’s stoppage-time equaliser before his team went on to win 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their Carabao Cup quarter-final. The game at the Emirates could have been over by half-time as the hosts spurned a number of chances with Palace’s number two goalkeeper Walter Benitez in excellent form to keep the score goalless at the break. The breakthrough for the Gunners came 10 minutes from the end of the match. That was emotionally tough to accept, but we stayed calm, showed great composure and quality in the shoot-out. “You have to win in different situations and contexts,” said Arteta.

Source: Irish Examiner December 24, 2025 10:40 UTC