Lee Dixon Hails William Saliba as ‘One of the Best in the World’ After Arsenal Cup Drama

William Saliba world-class display earns glowing praise as Arsenal edge Crystal Palace to reach Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Arsenal legend Lee Dixon has hailed William Saliba as one of the word class defenders in the world after the French centre-back produced a decisive moment during the Gunners’ dramatic Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace.

Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place in the semi-finals after an absorbing 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025, before sealing an 8-7 victory on penalties. While the shootout grabbed the headlines, Saliba’s perfectly timed last-ditch tackle proved just as important.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Arsenal controlled much of the first half and created several clear openings, only to be denied repeatedly by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez. The contest shifted in the second period as Crystal Palace grew in confidence and threatened on the break.

With ten minutes remaining, Jean-Philippe Mateta broke through on goal after a precise through ball from Justin Devenny. The Palace striker looked certain to score until Saliba exploded across the turf with blistering recovery pace, sliding in to dispossess him cleanly at the last possible second.

Commentating on the match via ITV, Lee Dixon immediately singled out the intervention.

“That’s why he is one of the best in the world,” Dixon said. “He was second best initially, but his pace off the mark to make that tackle is absolutely brilliant.”

Arsenal Strike — Then Hang On

Moments after Saliba’s intervention, Arsenal struck at the other end. A corner caused chaos inside the Palace box, and Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to give the Gunners a late lead.

Dixon also praised Arsenal’s growing authority from set-pieces.

“They are the set-piece specialists, Arsenal. They’ve scored better ones than this, but have they scored more important ones at this stage of the season?”

Palace refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time, captain Marc Guéhi headed home from a set-piece to force penalties and silence the Emirates.

Penalty Drama Sends Arsenal Through

Fourteen penalties were converted before goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga finally made the breakthrough, saving Lacroix’s effort to seal an 8-7 shootout win and spark wild celebrations.

Saliba’s influence throughout the night stood out. Although Gabriel Magalhães has often grabbed the spotlight this season, this performance reminded everyone why Saliba remains central to Arsenal’s defensive identity.

At 24, Saliba continues to combine composure, pace, and elite reading of the game. Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League and remain alive in multiple competitions, with defensive solidity playing a major role in that success.

The Gunners will now face Chelsea in a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final, while Manchester City take on Newcastle United in the other tie. The final takes place at Wembley on March 16, 2026.

If Arsenal are to turn momentum into silverware, Saliba’s ability to deliver in decisive moments could prove invaluable.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.