Arsenal have booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals after a solid 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The win came through fine finishes from young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka, who both played key roles in ensuring the Gunners’ progress to the next stage of the competition.
The victory gives Mikel Arteta’s side another opportunity to push for silverware this season. Arsenal have shown strong performances across all competitions and will now aim to keep that momentum going in the domestic cup.
With the quarter-final set to be played at the Emirates Stadium, they will have home support as an added advantage in their quest to advance further.
The draw has placed them against Crystal Palace, a side they are already familiar with, having faced them recently in the Premier League.
Arsenal will take confidence from that meeting as they came out 1-0 winners on 26 October, with Eberechi Eze scoring the decisive goal against his former club.
Arteta’s side aims to end trophy drought
The Gunners have not lifted the EFL Cup in recent years and will view this as a strong chance to end their run without a domestic trophy.
Their semi-final exit to Newcastle United last season still lingers, and this year’s campaign offers the perfect chance to make amends.
Facing Oliver Glasner’s Palace will not be easy, as the Eagles have shown solid organisation under their manager.
However, Arsenal’s home record and current form could make the difference in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.
Arteta’s men will look to rotate the squad carefully while maintaining the balance needed to compete on all fronts.
Young players such as Nwaneri are expected to continue playing a role, alongside experienced figures like Saka, who has been consistent throughout the season.
The EFL Cup quarter-final matches will take place during the week commencing 15 December. The exact fixture dates will be confirmed by the organisers soon.
Arsenal fans will hope this competition marks the start of another memorable cup run.
EFL Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City at Chelsea
Manchester City v Brentford
Newcastle United v Fulham
