The Independent
·18. Dezember 2024
The Independent
·18. Dezember 2024
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'That is always the narrative' - Mikel Arteta dismisses media's view of Arsenal's recent draws
Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals this evening as they search for a second major trophy under boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard led the Gunners to the FA Cup trophy in 2020 at the end of his debut season as manager and has since improved the team to become title contenders in the Premier League. More silverware will be the perfect reward for their development but Arsenal come into the match with staggered momentum.
Their last two Premier League outings have ended in draws with Fulham and Everton so are unlikely to underestimate Crystal Palace especially as Oliver Glasner’s side are on an upwards trajectory.
Palace sit 15th in the league following a poor start to the season but they pulled off a great win away to Brighton at the weekend and are unbeaten in five league games including a 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Is their form good enough to beat Arsenal this evening though?
4 mins
GOAL! The away side are ahead out of nowhere!
It’s their first attempt at getting forward, and it’s a long ball from the ‘keeper. It should be easy to deal with but Kiwior makes a real hash of it, completely missing the header and allowing it to run into the path of Mateta, who surges towards goal before tucking in a nice finish across Raya into the far corner.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:35
2 mins
The home side have started on the front foot unsurprisingly, though their first spell of pressure ends with Jesus unable to control a pass.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:33
The away side get us underway at the Emirates.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:31
The two sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates, and we’re just five minutes from kick-off.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:26
These two sides have met just 48 times in the past, with the first meeting dating back to 1934. Overall, Arsenal have won 29, Palace have won just five, and 14 have ended as draws.
The Gunners came away victorious in both meetings last season, winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park before a 5-0 demolition at the Emirates in January 2024.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:23
Speaking in his own pre-match conference, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said that he thinks “it’s possible” that his side gets a win tonight, adding: “They [Arsenal] have been struggling a few weeks ago but now injured players are coming back and their form has got better and better.”
“They have a clear structure - wide wingers [who are] good in the one-v-ones and half spaces, going in behind, early crosses. They are very dominant in possession and have a very good balance. Mikel Arteta is a fantastic manager.”
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:20
In his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said that playing Crystal Palace “is always really tough” and “it is another layer of difficulty when you play a team twice in a row” – the Gunners travel to Selhurst Park at the weekend in the Premier League too.
He added that winning this competition would be “really helpful” in their bid to win the league.
“It brings belief, trust and positive energy. Touching a cup generates that energy and I think it creates the right path.,” he added.
On whether Arsenal will look to do business in the January transfer window, he added: “It will depend on who the player is, what the value of that player is and other movements in the squad. That is a difficult one to answer.”
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:15
Whichever side wins tonight will be put into the draw for the semi-finals, which takes place tomorrow after the match between Spurs and Manchester United.
The semi-final ties are across two legs, with one at home and one away for each side. These will take place in on 8 January (first leg) and 5 February (second leg).
The final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 16 March.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:10
With the knockout ties well underway in the League Cup, fans may be wondering if the week’s matches can go to extra-time.
The answer is no, not in the quarter-finals. Since 2018/19, there has been no extra-time in any round other than the semi-finals and final.
There is also no VAR in the competition until the semi-final stage.
If any of the matches finish level after 90 minutes this week, they will go straight to penalties.
Chris Wilson18 December 2024 19:05