Match Performance Review: Player Ratings and Insights

**Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):**
A rare start for the goalkeeper, who had minimal involvement in the first half. He experienced a shaky moment after the break and received a booking late in the game for time-wasting. Although he could do little to prevent the goal, he emerged as the hero by saving Lacroix’s penalty, ultimately securing the win for his team.

**Jurrien Timber (6/10):**
Timber consistently pushed forward and created scoring opportunities. He notably missed a great chance, heading over from a Martinelli cross in the first half, but contributed by scoring in the shoot-out.

**William Saliba (8/10):**
Saliba delivered another outstanding performance, demonstrating his composure on the ball and executing several crucial tackles, especially to thwart Jean-Philippe Mateta late in the match. He confidently converted his penalty during the shoot-out.

**Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):**
Teaming up effectively with Saliba, Calafiori managed to neutralize Mateta’s threat. Despite being outjumped by Jefferson Lerma for the equalizer, he redeemed himself by scoring in the shoot-out.

**Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):**
Lewis-Skelly appeared somewhat lacking in confidence and occasionally hesitated on the ball.

**Christian Norgaard (8/10):**
Norgaard exhibited a solid performance in midfield, showcasing his skills and making a compelling case for increased playing time.

**Mikel Merino (6/10):**
As team captain against Palace, Merino’s performance did not meet expectations, although he did manage to score his penalty in the shoot-out.

**Eberechi Eze (5/10):**
Eze struggled against his former club, leading to his substitution in the second half due to an unremarkable display.

**Noni Madueke (5/10):**
Madueke squandered two excellent opportunities in the first half, directing both attempts straight at the goalkeeper.

**Gabriel Jesus (6/10):**
Despite several chances on his 100th appearance for Arsenal, Jesus was unable to find the net against Benitez in the Palace goal.

**Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):**
Martinelli was dynamic on the left flank, standing out as Arsenal’s most effective attacker in the first half. He formed a good partnership with Jesus but suffered a heavy knock just before halftime and was substituted after the break.

**Leandro Trossard (7/10):**
Introduced just before the hour mark with the team in need of a goal, Trossard brought energy and also scored his penalty in the shoot-out.

**Martin Odegaard (7/10):**
Odegaard’s presence significantly improved Arsenal’s attacking efforts. He successfully converted a penalty.

**Bukayo Saka (7/10):**
Saka delivered the corner that led to Lacroix’s own goal, the only goal of the match, and he also scored his penalty in the shoot-out.

**Declan Rice (7/10):**
Although he was a late substitute, Rice made an impact by successfully converting his penalty in the shoot-out.

**Mikel Arteta (6/10):**
Arteta made eight changes to the lineup but witnessed a continued lack of decisiveness from his side. His frustration was evident as his team struggled through another unimpressive victory.