Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga says he is ready for another big night in the League Cup as he prepares to face former club Chelsea in the semi finals. The Spaniard was Arsenal’s hero in the quarter finals, saving Maxence Lacroix’s penalty in an 8–7 shoot out win over Crystal Palace after a 1–1 draw at the Emirates.
Kepa, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer, has played all his games for the Gunners this season in the League Cup. He believes the competition now offers the club a realistic chance to end their trophy drought stretching back to 2020.
“Right now, if you want a trophy, and that’s something that we want, we have to fight against good teams,” he said, looking ahead to the two legged semi final. “Both semi finals are big games, but we’ll prepare well, we’ll be ready and we’ll go for it.”
Arsenal will visit Stamford Bridge for the first leg against Chelsea on January 14 before hosting the return at the Emirates on February 3. The tie gives Kepa a high profile reunion with the club where he spent seven years and became known for his penalty shoot out drama in domestic cups.
Reflecting on the Palace win, Kepa admitted that conceding a last minute equaliser before penalties tested the team’s mentality. He praised his teammates for their “amazing penalties” and said staying emotionally focused was key to producing the decisive save.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Kepa’s “incredible” commitment and leadership after the match. He said the team must improve at closing games out after late goals have cost them in several recent fixtures, but praised the resilience they showed to still reach the last four.
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