Crystal Palace Women continued their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon, putting in a spirited display against Arsenal at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
The Eagles started brightly and held their defensive discipline under early pressure from the hosts.
New addition Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was called into action early on, comfortably gathering an effort from Abi Conway after Alessia Russo had set up the chance.
Peyraud-Magnin was tested again shortly after, keeping out an effort from Olivia Smith from just outside the penalty area as the Palace backline stood firm.
Palace took the lead on 25 minutes courtesy of a moment of magic from Shanade Hopcroft, who is currently training with the club.
Seizing on a loose ball in midfield, Hopcroft unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew past Misa Rodriguez and into the back of the net to put the Eagles ahead.
Arsenal searched for a response before the break, but Peyraud-Magnin was equal to Russo's curling effort, diving low to preserve Palace’s lead heading into half-time.
Both sides made changes for the second-half, with Shae Yañez taking over in goal for the Eagles.
Yañez was tested early in the second period, making a sharp save to deny Lisa Baum as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser.
Palace defended resiliently, but the hosts found a way back into the game with 15 minutes remaining.
Baum received the ball on the edge of the area before turning inside and striking high into the net to bring Arsenal level.
The Gunners completed the comeback late in the contest when Chloe Kelly controlled a high ball in the box and directed a half-volley beyond Yañez into the far corner.
Despite the late defeat, it was another valuable workout for the Eagles as pre-season preparations continue ahead of the new campaign.