Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on penalties at the EmiratesArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Gabriel Martinelli "could not carry on" as the Gunners were handed a fresh injury concern during their Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph. "He could not carry on so what we had to make the sub," Arteta explained following the victory. Despite the fitness setback, the Spanish tactician was delighted to see his squad edge closer to a Wembley appearance. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Stopper Kepa seized a rare opportunity to shine after spending the league campaign as understudy to David Raya. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "I think we play so well and then they changed, they adapt a little bit," he told Sky Sports after the win.

Source: Express December 24, 2025 13:14 UTC