Arsenal Player Ratings: Gunners Edge Past Crystal Palace in Thrilling Carabao Cup Semi-Final

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Arsenal secured their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace. The Gunners dominated the first half, but the Eagles’ resistance was broken in the 80th minute when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned into his own net following a wicked Bukayo Saka cross. However, Marc Guehi’s injury-time equaliser forced the game into penalties, which Arsenal won 15-14 after Kepa Arrizabalaga saved the decisive spot-kick.

Player Ratings

Kepa Arrizabalaga earned an 8/10 for his heroics in the penalty shootout, while six other players also received high ratings for their performances. Here’s how the Arsenal players fared:
– Kepa Arrizabalaga: 8 – The goalkeeper had a quiet game until the 95th minute, when he saved Lacroix’s penalty to send Arsenal through.
– Jurrien Timber: 7 – The defender was caught out a couple of times in the first half, but had a few big chances at the other end.
– William Saliba: 8 – The centre-back made an excellent challenge on Mateta and a crucial tackle in the second half to prevent a shot on goal.
– Riccardo Calafiori: 8 – The left-back had an opportunity from a corner but sent his shot over the bar, and his adventurous runs disrupted play effectively.
– Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7 – The young player made a solid tackle on Mateta in the first half and drove the team forward impressively at times.
– Christian Norgaard: 8 – The midfielder stood out in the middle, taking on the role of long throw taker, and demonstrated good game reading skills.
– Mikel Merino: 7 – The Spaniard delivered a beautiful pass through the Palace midfield to find Eberechi Eze in the box.
– Eberechi Eze: 6 – The midfielder had a quiet first half but missed a golden opportunity to score in the second.
– Noni Madueke: 8 – The winger had an early chance after winning the ball high up the pitch and continued to find himself in scoring positions.
– Gabriel Jesus: 8 – The striker was unfortunate not to score with a strong header and his link-up play was excellent.
– Gabriel Martinelli: 8 – The winger provided a superb pass to Madueke and had some great duels with Canvot.
– Leandro Trossard: 6 – The substitute caused problems down the left with his quality crosses and scored in the shootout.
– Martin Odegaard: 7 – The captain made an immediate impact with a fantastic cross that Jesus narrowly headed wide.
– Bukayo Saka: 7 – The substitute’s corner kick led to Lacroix’s own goal and he scored in the shootout.
– Declan Rice: 6 – The late substitute had a last-minute opportunity thwarted by Benitez and scored in the shootout.

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