Crystal Palace survived an early goal scare against Nottingham to win 3-1. The biggest moment of the game was however, away from the scoring end.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez was at the end of a sensational sequence of saves that kept Palace in the game. Many may argue Forest’s missed chances but clearly Walter Benitez was the difference.
Walter Benitez has since then earned praise from former England international Rob Green after helping the Eagles beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Benitez has stepped in between the posts following Dean Henderson’s ankle injury, which has kept the usual first choice out of Palace’s last three matches. The Argentine made sure he embraced the opportunity fully as Palace climbed to 12th in the Premier League table.
Green impressed by Benitez’s positioning
Speaking on The Athletic Podcast, Green highlighted Benitez’s performance and the way he handled his duties in goal despite being the club’s second-choice keeper.
“Benitez at Crystal Palace was fantastic,” Green said. “He is obviously not first choice – Dean Henderson is injured at the minute.”
Green was particularly impressed by the goalkeeper’s work when dealing with crosses, pointing to his judgement where he needed to be rather than make unnecessary movements.
“It is a lesson in positioning, and he is just managing to get himself in the right spot at the right time,” he added.
Benitez joined Palace in 2025, initially arriving as a backup to Henderson. He has since made 13 appearances for the Eagles and kept six clean sheets.
The 33-year-old remains under contract at Selhurst Park until 2028.
Sunday’s result was an important one for Palace, and Benitez’s heroics have drawn recognition from all around including Green.
With Dean Henderson unavailable, the Argentine has had to take his chance, and his recent performances have given Pierre Sage a solid option in between the sticks.
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