Lee Dixon hailed William Saliba for a match-saving tackle just moments before Arsenal’s winner in the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace.
Premier League leaders Arsenal dominated the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates Stadium but were unable to break down FA Cup holders Palace, with Walter Benitez making a number of impressive saves.
The second-half was more even, with Palace threatening to break the deadlock as they eyed more cup success following last season’s FA Cup win.
With around ten minutes remaining Jean-Philippe Mateta drove towards goal following Justin Devenny’s through ball and only a last-ditch sliding tackle from Saliba prevented a goalscoring opportunity.
Arsenal broke with pace following the resulting corner and ended up scoring from a corner of their own, Maxence Lacroix inadvertently poking into his own net following a goalmouth scramble.
Palace showed the resolve that has made them a genuine threat under Oliver Glasner to equalise deep into injury-time, Marc Guehi’s goal from a free-kick won from a Saliba foul sending the tie straight to penalties.
Fifteen penalties were converted in a row before Palace finally blinked, Kepa Arrizabalaga saving Lacroix’s spot-kick to send Arsenal through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Discussing a frenetic couple of minutes which saw Saliba potentially prevent a goal and the Gunners take the lead, Dixon said on ITV: ‘That’s why he is one of the best in the world.
‘He was second-best there when Mateta ran through on goal, his off the mark pace to make that tackle is absolutely brilliant.
‘They are the set-piece specialists, Arsenal. They have scored better ones than this but have they scored more important ones at this stage of the season?’
Saliba has regularly been hailed as one of the best defenders in the world over the past two years but has somewhat been overshadowed by Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes recently.
Arsenal, hoping to win their first Premier League title since 2004, face London rivals Chelsea in a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.
Manchester City take on Newcastle United in the other semi-final tie, with the final taking place at Wembley on March 16.
Speaking after Arsenal beat his former club Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, former striker Glenn Murry said: ‘It only took Kepa one time to go the right way and it was the defining moment.
‘The save that puts Crystal Palace out and Arsenal through to the semi-finals. Right now the Emirates is absolutely rocking.
‘Crystal Palace will be left licking their wounds. They have given everything here tonight, but they have just come up short.’
Arsenal return to Premier League action on December 27 against Brighton, while Crystal Palace play host to Tottenham the following day.