I was watching from home, we got through, just. It went all the way to penalties on a cold Wednesday. Our goalkeeper Kepa won it for us in the end, he pushed away one spot-kick, I think it was Lacroix who took it. We was leading late, then they scored, so it finished 1-1.
Mikel changed a lot of the team, eight new faces, and it showed for a bit. We started brighter. Martinelli, he was so quick, he made their defender fall over just by running. Madueke had a chance too. But then we sort of faded, the game changed. They begun to come at us more in the second half, so Mikel had to bring the regulars on.
Saka and Odegaard and Rice, they came off the bench. It was Saka’s corner that made their defender score on himself, an own goal, with only about ten minutes left. I thought that was it. Felt sure. But they equalized right at the very end, a real shock. So then it was penalties.
Our takers were all cool, they scored every one. Odegaard, Trossard, Rice, Saka. Then it was down to Kepa. He hasn’t played much this season, but his mentality is strong, Mikel always says that. He dived and saved it. We’re in the semi-finals now, we play Chelsea next. That’s a big London derby for a final place.
Saliba played again, which is good since he’s just back from being hurt. He even took a penalty and scored it. We need him fit because we have so many games now. Brighton, Villa, Liverpool coming up soon. Last year when we played them, we missed him. It’s important we have him now.
We’re kind of limping along but still winning games, which is a good sign I think. It wasn’t pretty, but we’re through. Kepa was the hero this time. Now we rest a little, then it gets really busy. A semi-final against Chelsea is something to look forward to, another chance for a trophy.
It’s funny how a game can turn. For long parts I was thinking our rotated lot played the nicer football, but football isn’t about that is it. It’s about scoring. And we just couldn’t do it enough in normal time. Maybe that’s a worry, or maybe it’s just what happens when you make so many changes.
Speaking of Kepa, what a moment for him. Being second choice is tough for any player, your rhythm is off. But he stayed ready. You could see what it meant to him and the others after that save. That’s the sort of spirit that gets you through a long season, when everyone is pushing each other.
The schedule now looks really busy. A semi-final is two more games, and Chelsea won’t be easy. Then all those league games in a row. We dropped points in those matches last year, so we have to be better this time. Having Saliba back feels huge for that, he just makes everything calmer at the back.
People will say winning on penalties is lucky. And maybe we was a bit lucky. But you make your own luck by being brave and taking your chances when they come. The manager’s changes, bringing on the big players, that was brave too. It could have backfired if they got tired or got hurt.
I wonder what the fans at the stadium felt when they equalized so late. The air must have gone right out the place. But to then win the shootout, that’s a rollercoaster. Those nights are what cup football is all about, even if it’s hard on your nerves.
Looking at Chelsea next, it’s a proper derby. No one needs motivating for that. It’ll be two legs, so you have to be smart. We’ll need everyone fit and focused. But after a night like this, the belief will be a little stronger. We’re still in the fight, and that’s what matters.
