Arsenal's next five fixtures compared to rivals after Carabao Cup penalty drama

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Arsenal booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening

Arsenal have lined up a Carabao Cup semi-final tie with London rivals Chelsea following their penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals on Tuesday evening.

It took until the 80th minute at the Emirates Stadium for the deadlock to be broken, eventually coming courtesy of an own goal from Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. Mikel Arteta's side were unable to hang onto their slender lead, however, as Marc Guehi clinched a last-gasp equaliser in added time to take the game to penalties.

An intense shootout eventually ended 8-7 with Lacroix at the scene of the crime once again for Palace as his spot-kick was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal now face a two-legged tie against Chelsea next month, with a place in the final at Wembley Stadium in March at stake.

The first leg will be played at Stamford Bridge on January 14, followed by the return leg at the Emirates Stadium in early February.

In the meantime, focus will return to the Premier League and maintaining their position at the top of the table. Arsenal are currently two points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City, and three clear of surprise contenders Aston Villa.

Here, football.london takes a look at the upcoming fixtures for all three sides as the title race heats up...

Arsenal's next five fixtures (all competitions)

Brighton (H) - Dec 27 - Premier League

Aston Villa (H) - Dec 30 - Premier League

Bournemouth (A) - Jan 3 - Premier League

Liverpool (H) - Jan 8 - Premier League

Portsmouth (A) - Jan 11 - FA Cup third round

Arsenal have two fixtures remaining before the end of 2025, starting with the visit of Brighton shortly after Christmas. Then, it's a home clash against potential title rivals Aston Villa before the New Year.

At the start of January, the Gunners will travel away to Bournemouth, who they are yet to face in the Premier League this term. A few days later, they will host Liverpool in hope of enacting revenge for the narrow defeat at Anfield earlier in the campaign.

In mid-January, Arteta's side will then kick-off their FA Cup campaign with a third round tie. They will travel to face Championship side Portsmouth at Fratton Park.