Five Key Takeaways after Arsenal reach Carabao Cup semi-final 

Here's the Gooner Fanzine's brilliant print columnist Charlie Ashmore on Arsenal reaching the last four of the Carabao Cup 

1 - We look good when we attack at pace 

Some of our attacking play especially in the first half was scintillating – direct, pacey, quick passing.

Movement – it had it all bar the finishing though credit must be given to Walter Benitez in the palace goal who had a cracking game. 

I love watching Noni Madueke run at people – but along with a number of our players at the moment he really needs to find his shooting boots. 

The game should have been done and dusted at half time and we could all have had a more relaxed second half.

2 - A one goal lead  is no longer a certainty, so let’s double up

Nobody likes to see a negative view proved right and I am no exception.  In fairness, despite the Declan Rice for Jesus substitution, this game never felt like we played to hang on to the lead (delivered late by yet another own goal – is Mikel Arteta finally becoming a lucky leader?) but the point remains – a one goal lead is fragile and all it took was a poor piece of defending to give away a cheap free kick and then the bounce of the ball falling for the opposition. 

Thankfully this wasn’t a League game so we didn’t drop two points but the lesson is there. 

We have to find a way of turning our pressure into comfortable leads.

3  - We won the shoot out but……

Where was Viktor Gyokeres? 

We had only made four substitutions when Palace equalised with very little time to go.  The game was seemingly inevitably heading for penalties. 

Why wasn’t one of the best penalty takers at the club brought on at that point? 

To me, and others around me this was inexplicable. 

As it turned out the penalties were all well taken but the point remains valid.  Surely you want your best exponents of the skill on the pitch if you have the opportunity.

4 - Where Nwaneri?

It’s a valid question for me. 

Ethan Nwaneri cannot seem to buy minutes at the moment and the question for me is whether Arteta for some reason doesn’t fancy him or whether it’s a case of him not being fully fit. 

If the former that’s a worry for me and more importantly for Nwaneri.  I would not be surprised to see him contemplating a loan move in January if he is not confident he will get minutes here – he is too good a talent not to be playing reasonably regular football.

5 - That bloody drum…….no place for it

First let me accept that I am a grumpy old man. 

That can be taken as read. 

But still….I have hated that drum ever since it appeared at the stadium. 

I hated it even more last night when it was right underneath my seat.  I think it’s embarrassing and unnecessary. 

Any football fan that needs a drum to get them singing needs to rethink their sporting hobbies. And in fact  think it’s counter-productive. I thought the atmosphere in the North Bank was worse with it than without it.

Football chanting is organic, in part a reaction to what is happening on the pitch (positive or negative) and having some attention seeking fella banging a drum whenever he feels like it doesn’t help, it hinders that organic flow. 

English football managed perfectly well without drums for well over 100 years and no other club sees the need for it. Get rid please.

6 - Ok…I know it’s 5 takeaways not 6 but hey, it’s Christmas so….

I wish each and every one of you (yes, even you, little drummer boy) a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and (pray God) title-winning 2026.

COYG

Getcha Gooner: Our Steve Ashford tribute issue is out for Arsenal vs Palace? By Lumi pic.twitter.com/gHgOl9tBVn

— The Gooner (@GoonerFanzine) December 22, 2025