Arsenal 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. Martinelli was substituted for Leandro Trossard shortly before the hour mark in Tuesday's encounter, which the north London outfit won via a penalty shootout. Kepa Arrizabalaga proved the hero, denying Maxence Lacroix from the spot to confirm Arsenal's progression to the semi-finals, where they will meet Chelsea.
A late strike from Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi had forced penalties after Lacroix's own goal appeared to have settled the tie in Arsenal's favour in normal time. "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.
"Very happy to be in the semi-final," he said. "We played against a team that is very hard to generate chances. We generated a lot and should have had more goals.
"When you don't close the game, it [(a late equaliser) can always happen. The players were so composed with the penalties. In the second half they were more aggressive but overall, it's another victory and I'm very happy."
Stopper Kepa seized a rare opportunity to shine after spending the league campaign as understudy to David Raya. The Spanish shot-stopper has twice finished as runner-up in this competition whilst at Chelsea and is now determined to claim the trophy.
"I think we play so well and then they changed, they adapt a little bit," he told Sky Sports after the win. "It's something we have to improve, we have been conceding in the last minute."
His crucial stop from Lacroix followed an extraordinary sequence where both sides successfully converted their opening seven spot-kicks in the shoot-out. "You have to keep your cool, be focused and don't lose your focus."
William Saliba stepped up to convert the match-winning penalty. The 24 year old was featuring in only his third match following a recent spell on the sidelines through injury and expressed satisfaction at navigating such a demanding encounter.
"It was a tough game against a top team. We did well. Apart from my mistake, we played well," the French international said.
"We are so happy to be in the semi-final. We have to learn the lesson from last season (when Arsenal lost their semi against Newcastle). At the end, Kepa saved us. We want to win both games and go into the final."