Arsenal goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has reportedly disclosed the key to his shootout heroics following the Gunners’ Carabao Cup quarterfinal victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
The Spaniard was the top player as the north London team advanced to the competition’s semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea in the final four.
The Carabao Cup quarterfinal match at the Emirates ended all-square on Wednesday night. Maxence Lacroix’s own goal gave the Gunners the lead late in the game.
The Frenchman’s unintentional goal appeared to be sufficient for Arsenal to go to the competition’s semifinals before Marc Guehi scored in injury time of the second half.
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The London derby, instead of extra time, proceeded straight to penalties as is the case in the domestic cup competition. In the shootout, 16 spot kicks were taken, and Kepa proved to be Arsenal’s man of the hour as he stopped Lacroix’s 12-yard effort, sparking celebrations in north London.
You Have To Keep Cold – Kepa
After an outstanding season-long loan at Bournemouth, Kepa, who joined from Chelsea for under £5 million during the summer, has disclosed the key to his heroics, stating that ‘you have to keep cold’ while facing down an opponent in a penalty shootout.
Speaking to Sky Sports following the shootout success, Kepa said: “You have to keep cold and think of the next one. Don’t lose your focus because as soon as you save one, maybe it’s decisive.
“We should take some of the opportunities we had in the first half. We played so well,” the summer signing added. “Then they changed and adapted a little bit and the second half was more 50-50.”
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