Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals — but it didn’t come easily.

In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, we react immediately to Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates. A dominant first half, 25 shots, and complete territorial control somehow gave way to a familiar story: missed chances, second-half drop-off, and another late twist that forced penalties.

We break down why Arsenal failed to put the game to bed, the ongoing concern around underperforming xG, and how control slipped after the break. There’s discussion on Arteta’s substitutions, trust in squad players, set-piece vulnerability without Gabriel, and what this result says about standards — even in victory.

We also look ahead to a crucial Premier League clash with Brighton, assess where Arsenal are right now in terms of performance vs outcome, and ask whether these fine margins will finally turn — or keep biting.

Plus:

• Immediate reaction to the Palace game

• Penalties, goalkeeping, and late-game management

• Squad depth, injuries, and selection debates

• Brighton preview and weekend predictions

• The return of the Who Am I? quiz

Arsenal progress — but the questions remain.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro

(01:18) - Pre Match Emotions: Wanting Everything Without the Cost

(03:11) - Line-Up Calls, Midfield Balance & Selection Debate

(06:34) - First-Half Control and Missed Chances

(08:20) - xG Concerns and Failure to Kill the Game

(09:38) - Martinelli Knock and Second-Half Shift

(11:51) - Substitutions, Trust, and the Nwaneri Question

(17:44) - Second-Half Drop-Off and Arteta’s Frustration

(21:32) - Late Corner, Own Goal, and Game State Tension

(25:19) - Set-Piece Fragility Without Gabriel

(27:34) - Penalties: Kepa, Nerves, and Going Through

(32:40) - Match Stats: Dominance Without Ruthlessness

(36:41) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)

(38:44) - GW18 Prediction Game: West Ham vs Fulham

(41:15) - GW18 Watch: Chelsea vs Aston Villa

(45:39) - Brighton Preview: Stakes, Injuries, and Selection

(55:05) - Who Am I? (Game) Answer & Closing Thoughts