Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, appeared in a press statement after qualifying for the League Cup semi-finals by winning against Crystal Palace on penalties, following a 1-1 draw.

The coach said, "I am very happy to have qualified for the semifinals. We played against a team that is difficult to create chances against. We created many opportunities and could have scored far more goals than the one we did. When matches aren't decided early, conceding goals is always a possibility. Whether it's a set piece, a long throw-in, or an inaccurate free kick, anything can happen."

He added, "I think the players were very calm during the penalty kicks, and in the end, Kepa was able to save one of them. We have achieved what we aimed for."

When asked about Gabriel Martinelli's injury, he said: "He couldn't finish the match, so we had to substitute him. But we were really good and created many chances."

He continued: "In the second half, they were more aggressive, and we created chances, but we didn't find the right opportunity at the right moment to score goals. But overall, another win, and I am very happy."

He continued, "Are you satisfied with the performance after making eight substitutions? It's always difficult. The harmony between them is not always perfect, there are many changes, and some of them have never played together before, but their morale is excellent."

He added, "We witnessed an outstanding individual performance tonight – it's great to see Gabriel Jesus starting in the lineup for the first time in nearly a year, and for this to be his 100th match with the club. As for Kepa, his level of commitment to the team is truly remarkable."

He concluded: "How important is it to get close to the titles? This is the second consecutive season that we have reached the semifinals of this tournament, so yes, we are playing a match every three days. Now we have the Christmas holidays. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we will be back here again in a few days."