"So happy for him": Mikel Merino sends message to 39-touch Arsenal star after win vs Crystal Palace

Arsenal progressed to the last four of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Gunners had a brilliant opening half against the Eagles yesterday and could have had an unassailable lead if not for Walter Benitez’s heroics in goal.

Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock with the help of Maxence Lacroix’s own goal, but Marc Guehi ensured that the game went into a penalty shoot-out (1-1).

Kepa Arrizabalaga rose to the occasion by saving Palace’s eighth penalty from Lacroix. Speaking after the game, Merino praised Arrizabalaga for securing the victory.

The Spaniard said that he is ‘so happy’ for his compatriot.

He told ITV (via BBC Sport): “So pleased for him. He deserves it. He’s a very good guy, a hard worker and giving his best every training session.

“So happy for him. Many penalties and the decisive one he saves it. It shows everyone in this team has their time and he saved us.”

Arrizabalaga had 39 touches against the Eagles last night. He completed 24 passes with five successful long balls. He looked assured in goal with eight recoveries.

The former Chelsea man could not do much to prevent Guehi’s equaliser from point-blank range, but made amends by saving a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.

The 31-year-old had fared well in the Carabao Cup with two clean sheets and just one goal conceded.

Arsenal take on Chelsea in a double-legged Carabao Cup semi-final tie in January/February. They will be away to the Blues on January 14 before hosting them on February 3.

Manager Mikel Arteta could go with a stronger line-up in both legs, but Arrizabalaga should fancy his chances of keeping his place in goal ahead of David Raya.

The club’s immediate focus will turn to the Premier League. They have two crucial home games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa before the New Year.

Manchester City and Villa are just two and three points behind the Gunners for the top position. Arteta’s side have no room for errors and must secure maximum points.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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