Mikel Arteta admitted it was "emotionally tough" to process Crystal Palace’s stoppage-time equaliser, before Arsenal steadied themselves to edge through on penalties in a breathless Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. After 90 minutes the game finished level at 1-1, but the Gunners held their nerve to win the shootout 8-7, with Kepa Arrizabalaga emerging as the decisive figure.
As we reach Christmas and approach the midway point in the Premier League season, the time has come to reflect on the first half of a campaign that has delivered drama and unexpected twists in abundance. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed a transfer to, or within, the English top-flight back in the summer, with a decent sample size of games now under their belts.
Arsenal shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has revealed the secret behind his shootout heroics following the Gunners' Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. The Spaniard was the star man as the north London side secured their spot in the semi-finals of the competition, setting up a final-four showdown with former side Chelsea.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner sought to ease concerns over Chris Richards after the U.S. international was stretchered off in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal loss to Arsenal, saying the ankle injury isn't too concerning and expressing optimism the defender could return in the new year. The 25-year-old is in the midst of a breakout campaign for the Eagles.
Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was the unlikely hero on Tuesday night as the Gunners sneaked past Crystal Palace and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shoot-out. The Gunners went ahead late on thanks to a Maxence Lacroix own goal but were pegged back in stoppage time by Marc Guehi's equaliser. The game finished 1-1 then went to penalties with Kepa saving from Lacroix as Arsenal won 8-7 on spot kicks.
Pure excitement has been the theme of this Premier League season. Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are locked in a three-way title race while practically the rest of the division is competing for a European place. Indeed, the table is so crowded it feels more like the Championship than the top-flight, with back-to-back wins being all it takes to propel teams from 15th to the top five.
Arne Slot has offered a revealing update on Liverpool's January transfer window plans amid links with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo. The Reds spent nearly £450 million ($602m) on players over the summer but missed out on England centre-back Guehi and seemingly have desires over bringing Ghana winger Semenyo to Anfield as well. But Slot has given little away over a potential double deal.
GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Richards taking on Aaronson and what the French Cup could mean for Ligue 1's USMNT quartet.
Aston Villa are keeping a close watch on Brennan Johnson’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Midlands club expected to weigh up a potential move should the Wales international become available in 2026. While no formal approach has been made, TEAMtalk reports that Villa would be prepared to assess a deal if Spurs show a genuine willingness to part ways with a player who has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Frank.
The competition is approaching the final stages, with teams soon narrowed down to the last four - here is how to watch the draw, plus everything else you need to know.
The Africa Cup of Nations is back this December and January, with the continent's very best set to battle it out in Morocco as they aim to take Cote d'Ivoire's crown after their unlikely victory at the start of 2024. AFCON's prestige, drama and quality remains up there with the Euros and Copa America, but the downside for European clubs is it's another tournament which falls slap bang in the middle of their seasonal calendar, meaning most teams will be losing players for up to a month.
Phil Foden helped fire Manchester City past Crystal Palace but that did not prevent Pep Guardiola from speaking his mind and berating his player for his overall disappointing performance in the 3-0 win. Foden buried the ball in the net in the second half to score his sixth goal in four Premier League matches but his coach was not happy with how he played.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden raised their game as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 despite producing an underwhelming performance in south London. The Eagles hit the woodwork in either half, but Haaland gave Pep Guardiola's side the lead late in the first with a towering header before Foden slammed the ball into the net with his favoured left foot to put the game out of Palace's sight.
Crystal Palace are reportedly exploring an ambitious January move for Bayern Munich right-back Sacha Boey, with the £30 million-rated French defender emerging as a serious target amid Daniel Munoz’s injury and the club’s packed winter schedule. With Oliver Glasner pushing for reinforcements, Palace believe a cut-price deal could strengthen their Champions League push.
Crystal Palace are reportedly exploring an ambitious January move for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson, with Oliver Glasner keen to strengthen his attack for a Champions League push. The Wales international, who wrote his name into Spurs folklore with a Europa League final winner, is admired at Selhurst Park. However, the move hinges entirely on Spurs’ stance and their own plans for the winter.
Marc Guehi is reportedly set for a fresh round of talks with Bayern Munich after his agent met with club chief Max Eberl. The Crystal Palace centre-back will run down his contract until the summer of 2026. Guehi has already informed Palace that he will not sign an extension, effectively guaranteeing a summer exit and triggering a battle among Europe's elite.
Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz has been encouraged to reject interest from Barcelona and instead pursue a move to Liverpool, with Colombian icon Camilo Zuniga insisting the Premier League is the ideal environment for the wing-back’s high-energy style. As elite sides circle ahead of his next career step, debate continues to mount over where the in-form Munoz should go next.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will travel to Championship side Portsmouth in round three of the FA Cup, while holders Crystal Palace head to non-league outfit Macclesfield. English giants Manchester City and Liverpool host League One teams Exeter and Barnsley respectively and Manchester United take on Brighton in an all-Premier League affair.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed the reason Daniel Munoz sat out Sunday's trip to Fulham. Munoz missed out on the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage as the Eagles look to follow up their 1-0 win Burnley in midweek. The Colombian scored the winning goal at Turf Moor on Wednesday night but wasn't part of the matchday squad in west London at the weekend.
Crystal Palace
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