Kepa Arrizabalaga is set for a reunion with former club Chelsea in the new year following Arsenal’s win against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they will play Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side secured their place in the semis after beating Cardiff City 3-1 last week.
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Alejandro Garnacho made a huge impact that night, coming off the bench to score two goals. Chelsea fans will be hoping to see more of the same if he plays against Arsenal.
Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal makes a save during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Kepa warns Chelsea that Arsenal will fight to reach Carabao Cup final
Kepa was the hero at the Emirates on Tuesday night after saving Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick.
He has now warned Chelsea that Arsenal will do everything they can to beat them and book their place in the final at Wembley.
Speaking about the tie against his former side, the goalkeeper told Arsenal’s official club website: “Right now, if you want a trophy, that’s something that we want. We have to fight against good teams.
“I think both semi-finals, are big games, it’s going to be tough, but we’ll prepare well the game. We’ll be ready and we’ll go for it.”
Chelsea fans would not have been surprised to see Kepa save Lacroix’s penalty. During his time at Stamford Bridge, saving spot-kicks was one of his strengths.
In the 2021 UEFA Super Cup final, Kepa made two big saves in a penalty shoot-out against Villarreal to help the Blues win the trophy.
Robert Sanchez has since replaced Kepa at Stamford Bridge and is doing an excellent job between the sticks. John Terry recently praised Sanchez for his display against Everton.
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Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga celebrates victory
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
When will Chelsea and Arsenal face each other?
Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal will be a two-legged affair, with the two London giants competing for a place in the final at Wembley.
The first leg is at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 14 January 2026, while the second leg will take place at the Emirates on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
The winner will face either Manchester City or holders Newcastle United in the final on Sunday 22 March 2026.
Having not won the competition since 2015, Chelsea will be desperate to beat Arsenal and Kepa before going all the way.
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