Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted Gabriel Martinelli was “unable to continue” as he picked up fresh injury concerns during the Gunners’ Carabao Cup quarter-final win. Martinelli was replaced by Leandro Trossard just before time expired in Tuesday’s encounter, which the north London side won on penalties. Kepa Arrizabalaga proved a hero, getting Maxence Lacroix sent off from the spot and sealing Arsenal’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea.
In normal times it looked like Lacroix’s own goal would lead to a draw in Arsenal’s favor, but a late shot from Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehy forced a penalty. “He couldn’t continue so we had to make a sub,” Arteta explained after the win. Despite the fitness setback, the Spanish tactician was delighted to see his team inch closer to qualifying for Wembley.
“I’m very happy to have made it to the semi-finals,” he said. “We played against a team that was very difficult to create chances. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored more goals.
“If we don’t finish the game, it (a late equalizer) can happen at any time. The players were very calm about the penalty. We were more aggressive in the second half, but overall it’s another win. I’m very happy.”
Stopper Kepa has had a rare chance to shine after spending the league season as a substitute for David Raya. The Spanish shot-stopper was twice runner-up in the competition during his time with Chelsea and is now determined to lift the trophy.
“I think we’re playing very well, but they’ve changed since then and adapted a little bit,” he told Sky Sports after the win. “That’s something we have to improve on. We conceded goals at the last minute.”
His decisive stop from Lacroix came after an extraordinary sequence in which both teams converted the first seven spot-kicks in the penalty shootout. “We have to stay calm and stay focused.”
William Saliba stepped forward to score the game-deciding penalty. The 24-year-old was playing just his third game after being sidelined with injury recently, but he expressed satisfaction with coming through such a tough match.
“It was a tough game against a top team. We did well. Apart from my mistakes, we played well,” said the France international.
“I’m very happy to have reached the semi-finals. We have to learn lessons from last season (Arsenal lost to Newcastle in the semi-finals). Kepa saved us in the end. We want to win both games and reach the final.”
