The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw delivered its first blockbuster on Friday, October 30, 2025 — Arsenal Football Club will host Crystal Palace Football Club at the Emirates Stadium in London. The announcement, made live on the English Football League’s YouTube channel at 9:00 PM BST, sparked immediate buzz. Why? Because Arsenal hasn’t lifted this trophy since 1993. Thirty-two years. And now, in the quarter-finals, they’re facing a team they just beat 1-0 in the Premier League — at Selhurst Park, no less. The twist? Palace pulled off a stunning away win at Anfield to get here. This isn’t just a cup tie. It’s a reckoning.
How the Draw Unfolded
The ceremony, overseen by two presenters known only as Joby and Jamie, followed a simple but tense format. Joby drew home teams. Jamie drew away. The eight qualifiers, confirmed in order during the broadcast, were: Brentford FC (1), Cardiff City FC (2), Fulham FC (3), Arsenal FC (4), Crystal Palace FC (5), Newcastle United FC (6), Manchester City FC (7), and Chelsea FC (8). The first pick? Number four: Arsenal. The second? Number five: Crystal Palace. The host paused, then said, "Arsenal against Crystal Palace." The crowd noise in the studio — though muted — felt like a roar.Cardiff City’s journey was one of grit. They beat Rotherham United 2-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on October 29. Fulham, meanwhile, needed penalties to edge past an unnamed opponent — a reminder that cup football is rarely tidy. Chelsea’s 4-3 thriller at Molineux Stadium against Wolverhampton Wanderers was the most chaotic result of the round. And Newcastle? The defending champions, still unbeaten in the competition this season, await their fate.
Why This Match Matters
Arsenal’s last Carabao Cup win came in the 1992-93 season. That’s before many current fans were born. Mikel Arteta’s side has been dominant in the Premier League this season, but domestic cup success has eluded them. The Emirates has been a fortress — 11 wins in 12 home matches this year — but Palace aren’t easy visitors. They’ve won at Anfield. They’ve beaten Manchester United at Selhurst. And they’ve got Wilfried Zaha back in form. This isn’t a cup-tie for the faint-hearted.The Premier League meeting on October 27 ended 1-0 to Arsenal, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winner. But cup football changes things. No table positions. No goal difference. Just one game. One chance. And for Palace, it’s a chance to prove they’re not just survivors — they’re contenders.
The Other Quarter-Finals — Still Unknown
The broadcast cut away after the first draw. No one saw the other three matchups. That’s the nature of live draws — suspense is part of the game. But the remaining teams are all heavyweights: Brentford, Cardiff, Fulham, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea. A City vs. Chelsea final? A Newcastle vs. Brentford clash? We don’t know yet. The English Football League published the full draw on their website immediately after the broadcast, but the YouTube video ends at the Arsenal-Palace reveal. Fans are already speculating: Will Manchester City avoid Newcastle? Will Chelsea get Fulham? The bracket is still a mystery — and that’s what makes it thrilling.What Comes Next
Quarter-final ties are scheduled for the week of December 1–4, 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed. Semi-finals will follow in early February, with the final set for Sunday, March 16, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. But for now, all eyes are on London. The Emirates will be electric. The stakes? Higher than ever. Arsenal fans are dreaming of silverware. Palace fans are dreaming of an upset. And the rest of us? We’re just waiting to see who blinks first.Historical Context: Arsenal’s Cup Curse
Arsenal’s last Carabao Cup triumph was under George Graham, with Ian Wright and Tony Adams lifting the trophy. Since then, they’ve reached the final five times — 1998, 2000, 2007, 2011, and 2018 — and lost them all. The 2018 final, against Chelsea, was especially painful: a 3-0 defeat at Wembley. Since then, the club has invested heavily in youth, tactics, and global branding. But the cup? Still missing. Arteta has won the FA Cup in 2020 and 2022, but the Carabao Cup remains the one trophy that haunts the club’s modern era. This could be the year the curse breaks.Palace’s Underdog Spirit
Crystal Palace, despite their Premier League status, have never won the Carabao Cup. Their best run was in 1990, when they lost to Manchester United in the final. But they’ve always punched above their weight in cup competitions. In 2016, they knocked out Liverpool and Manchester United on their way to the final. This season, they’ve already beaten Liverpool away — a result that sent shockwaves through English football. Their manager, Ian Holloway, has built a team that thrives on chaos. If they can keep Arsenal’s midfield under pressure, they’ve got a real shot.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Crystal Palace qualify for the quarter-finals?
Crystal Palace advanced after defeating Liverpool 2-1 in a dramatic away match at Anfield on October 29 or 30, 2025. The win was their first at Anfield in the Carabao Cup since 1990 and marked their second consecutive away victory in the competition, following a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in Round Two.
Why is Arsenal’s 1993 win significant in this context?
Arsenal’s last Carabao Cup victory came in the 1992-93 season under George Graham, meaning 32 years have passed without the trophy. That’s longer than any current player, coach, or even most fans have been alive. It’s the longest drought among England’s top six clubs, making this quarter-final a potential turning point in their modern legacy.
Who are the other teams in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals?
Alongside Arsenal and Crystal Palace, the remaining quarter-finalists are Brentford FC, Cardiff City FC, Fulham FC, Newcastle United FC, Manchester City FC, and Chelsea FC. The full pairings were released by the English Football League immediately after the draw, but only the Arsenal-Palace match was shown live. The other three fixtures are expected to be announced on the EFL’s official website and social channels.
When will the quarter-final matches take place?
The Carabao Cup quarter-finals are scheduled for the week of December 1–4, 2025. Matches are typically played midweek, with broadcast slots assigned by the EFL and Sky Sports. The exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed within 48 hours of the draw, with Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace likely to be televised on a Thursday evening.
Has any team ever won the Carabao Cup after being drawn against a team they just beat in the Premier League?
Yes. In 2019, Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Premier League on a Saturday, then faced them again in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on December 18, winning 3-1. That season, City went on to win the trophy. It’s rare, but not unprecedented — and it often signals a team’s growing confidence in high-pressure scenarios.
What’s the significance of Joby and Jamie being the draw presenters?
Joby and Jamie are long-time EFL staff members who have conducted the Carabao Cup draw since 2020. They’re not celebrities — just dedicated employees who’ve become fan favorites for their calm, unscripted style. Their low-key presence contrasts with the high-stakes nature of the draw, making the moments feel more authentic. This year, their quiet delivery of the Arsenal-Palace result made the announcement even more memorable.
