Crystal Palace v Arsenal matchday programme 2425

cover story

cover story#9 Welcome back to Selhurst Park – and welcome back to the matchday programme, where we are celebrating 100 years of football at this very stadium, from 1924 to the present day. Every edition of the programme this season will feature a special handillustrated cover, marking one of the many landmark dates that has made this such a unique place over the last century.

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his week, we look back to the Big Freeze of 1963, one of the harshest winters on record as temperatures plummeted and snow blanketed much of the country, while lakes and rivers froze over. To this day, it remains the coldest winter on record since at least 1895, and January’s average temperature of -2.1°C makes it the coldest month since 1814 for some regions.

It was no surprise that the football calendar was decimated by the weather, as volunteers struggled to clear huge mounds of snow from roads and houses, let alone being able to turn their attention to football grounds. Some FA Cup matches had to be rescheduled 10 times before they were eventually played.

For Palace, there was no respite. Four home games were postponed as snow and ice covered Selhurst Park. Our cover star this week, Maxence Lacroix, can be seen reading the genuine headlines from 1963’s front pages.

Although the Glaziers were frustrated by the delay, they were able to make some progress on the training ground under new manager Dick Graham, who was able to turn them from relegation candidates into mid-table finishers by the end of the season.

Remember, you can keep collecting each original illustration throughout the campaign as we journey through our timeline from 1924 to the current day – make sure you get the matchday programme each week.

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@daveflanagan77

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contents

Crystal Palace √ arsenal sat 21 dec 2024 | 5:30pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber Chief Marketing Officer Aaron Duckmanton General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough Front cover David Flanagan

06 08 12

25 10 CHAIRMAN 36 HALL OF FAME 38 EAGLE EYE

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41 STATS 44 DOC BROWN 46 MACCA 50 ACADEMY

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Doc Brown, James

56 PALACE FOR LIFE

McArthur, Ed Dowling, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur, James McNicholas Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

60 100 years of selhurst park

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64 selhurst stories 70 eagle arcade 72 WHAT’S ON?

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Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players and staff for this afternoon’s game.

W

ednesday night was overall disappointing, because we wanted to reach the semifinals of the League Cup and we knew that we needed a top performance at the Emirates, but we couldn’t show that and that’s why we lost in the end.

Arsenal are a very good team in the Premier League, and we had the lead and scored two goals, but it wasn’t the very best we can produce so we couldn’t go through.

The game was everything we expected in terms of the structure, and while there will be some new players this afternoon we can still learn from this game. We could see their qualities, how quickly they move the ball, their finishing, and so today is a chance to do a little bit better in some parts. We have to improve, but learning doesn’t just come from wins, it also comes from defeats.

You sometimes fail, but that is part of development. If we can draw the right conclusions, it will help us to reach the next step.

It was the same against Manchester City, which was an important point but again a game we could have won. It’s important

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We have to improve, but learning doesn’t just come from wins, it also comes from defeats. You sometimes fail, but that is part of development

Manager

Your support in both games was fantastic, and I have come to know that we can count on our fans anywhere we play in the UK. I hope that today we can hear a really big atmosphere at Selhurst Park to give us the best chance. We are on the right pathway, but now is not the time to relax

that we respect the top teams, but not so much that we don’t believe in ourselves. If we always have the mindset that ‘it’s Arsenal, it’s Manchester City’ then we will never win! So when I think about Manchester City, it’s similar to the Arsenal game: if we performed at our best level, we would have won. I think if we keep improving and trying to adjust our game, we can begin taking more wins.

It’s important that we respect the top teams, but not so much that we don’t believe in ourselves. If we always have the mindset that ‘it’s Arsenal, it’s Manchester City’ then we will never win!

The Brighton result was a big win, and our first-half in particular was excellent. We played forwards, we had confidence in possession and we scored two goals to put ourselves in a great position. In the secondhalf we were a little bit too passive, and we gave them far too much possession – if the opposition has as much as 80% possession, then it’s a question of time when they might score. We need to be confident, move the ball and support one another.

We created very good chances and

we scored the goals in the right moments, while at the back we were compact in defending. It was a great result winning there, so we can be very positive – but I’m always looking at the performance and how to improve.

Your support in both games was fantastic, and I have come to know that we can count on our fans anywhere we play in the UK. I hope that today we can hear a really big atmosphere at Selhurst Park to give us the best chance. We are on the right pathway, but now is not the time to relax – even as Christmas is here there are things to do, things to improve and that is what we will be doing daily in training!

Have a very Merry Christmas, and thank you again for your support

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Captain

marc Guéhi We head into this one on the back of a busy December, but we’ve had some really positive results this month and we hope we can add another one this afternoon.

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e’ve had three games since I last wrote my programme notes, and they have been some of the biggest of the season. We welcomed Manchester City to Selhurst Park and played with real belief and conviction, and more than earned our point – having led twice in the game we hoped we could see it through for all three, but it wasn’t to be.

Then, we headed down to Brighton and every player – both starters and substitutes – gave absolutely everything to make it an afternoon to remember.

We know how much the match means to the fans, and so we were determined to get that away end bouncing, but we were still blown away by your support from the first minute to the last. The whole team were phenomenal not just in getting ahead and then building on our lead, but also in defending as a unit and restricting Brighton to few chances on goal.

Wednesday night was ultimately a disappointing one, because we had all wanted to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup and we felt as though we gave ourselves a real opportunity with that early goal. Arsenal are one

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We know how much the match means to the fans, and so we were determined to get that away end bouncing, but we were still blown away by your support from the first minute to the last

Captain

To beat Arsenal today we will need to be at our best from the off, and I know how hard every member of the team will work to win us the three points. I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere you create at Selhurst Park

of the best sides in the country and the Emirates is always a difficult place to go, but having scored twice we were hopeful we could have at the very least taken the game to penalties. To hear thousands of you spread across that giant away end behind the goal was fantastic.

All of us made the same journey at some point in our careers, and the message to young players is always the same when they join us in firstteam training for the first time: be yourselves, try to play your natural game and work as hard as you possibly can

Well done to Caleb on making his first start – he has been working really hard in training and has earned his opportunity. All of us made the same journey at some point in our careers, and the message to young players is always the same when they join us in first-team training for the first time: be yourselves, try to play your natural game and work as hard as you possibly can.

There is plenty of exciting young talent at the club and it’s great to see.

Today we have a rematch of Wednesday evening’s game, and I hope this time we can come out on top. I remember last season when we travelled to Old Trafford twice in four days, losing to Manchester United in the League Cup but winning in the Premier League at the weekend. To beat Arsenal today we will need to be at our best from the off, and I know how hard every member of the team will work to win us the three points. I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere you create at Selhurst Park

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chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this afternoon’s match, and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Arsenal this afternoon.

I

t’s always strange to play the same opponent twice in the space of a few days, but despite the result on Wednesday there was plenty to be encouraged by at the Emirates Stadium.

We scored two fantastic goals through Jean-Philippe and Eddie, nearly took the tie to penalties, and whilst Arsenal played some excellent football, they were the beneficiaries of a crystal clear offside for their second goal. While the result is of course disappointing – we would have loved nothing more than to reach a cup semi-final – I know the players and staff will have been buckling down over the last few days to prepare for today’s match in the best way possible.

It’s been a positive few weeks in the Premier League. Our draw against Manchester City was richly deserved, with us pushing for a winner at the end.

Then, what a glorious trip down to the south coast it was for the win against Brighton. Well done to Trevoh and Ismaila for getting on the scoresheet, and to the squad as a whole for such a great performance.

Massive congratulations go to Caleb for making his first start for the club against Arsenal. We’re always

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what a glorious trip down to the south coast it was for the win against Brighton. Well done to Trevoh and Ismaila for getting on the scoresheet, and to the squad as a whole for such a great performance

Chairman

Today is one of those days when we need Selhurst Park to be at its very best, as we look for a result against one of the best sides in the country. Make sure you throw everything you have behind Oliver and the players this afternoon

so pleased to see a player from our Academy making his way into the firstteam – it’s vindication of all the hard work that went into the new facility, and the continued efforts of all the coaches and staff that work there day to day.

Caleb knows that this is just the start of the hard work, but I hope his progress – as well as the debuts made by Justin and Asher this season – can be an inspiration to every player over the road in the Academy.

We’re always so pleased to see a player from our Academy making his way into the first-team – it’s vindication of all the hard work that went into the new facility, and the continued efforts of all the coaches and staff that work there day to day It was great to see that Palace fighting spirit on display from our Academy sides this week, with the Under-21s following up an impressive European victory over Anderlecht by earning a draw with Liverpool, and our Under-18s recovering from two goals down to beat Chelsea 4-2. Our Academy and Women’s sides are now in their winter breaks before returning in 2025, when I hope you will continue giving them your full support.

The support on the road in the last week has been phenomenal. The noise coming from the away end on Wednesday night, when more than 6,000 travelled – although it often sounded like a lot more – was a huge boost for the team. Today is one of those days when we need Selhurst Park to be at its very best, as we look for a result against one of the best sides in the country. Make sure you throw everything you have behind Oliver and the players this afternoon.

All that remains for me to say is to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah or a restful holiday period wherever you are reading this, and to thank you for your backing so far this season.

Up the Palace

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As he prepares for his first Christmas in South London, Maxence Lacroix sits down with Will Robinson to discuss the chaotic festive schedule, the journey to the top and a deep new connection with his teammates – and the wider Crystal Palace family…

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Maxence Lacroix

‘i

t’s Christmas time – there’s no need to be afraid…’

Certainly not when Maxence Lacroix is playing, anyway.

All Oliver Glasner wanted for Christmas was some defensive solidity, and that’s exactly what Lacroix has delivered – not to mention an emphatic first Crystal Palace goal against Manchester City.

Until this year, Lacroix would be spending Christmas in a way the rest of us might think of as more traditional. Let’s be honest, how many reading this have spent Christmas Day like a Premier League footballer? The idea of slipping on shin-pads, trudging onto a frosty training pitch and trying to keep some of the world’s best attackers away from goal after eight roast potatoes and a Wallace & Gromit is a sobering thought.

Back in Germany, there was a chance for a break over the festive period. Back home, that’s not the way things are done. Once the December action begins, it barely stops for breath until February, with relentless Premier League action, League Cup encounters, new FA Cup beginnings and more.

“It’s different,” Lacroix admits, having moved from Wolfsburg to South London this summer. “But I feel better, because when you stop for too long, it’s not good. You stop, and after you come back and you were on holiday, you’re working, so I don’t really like to stop.

“This is why, even when we have an international break, I like to work: because otherwise when we come back I feel like I’ve forgotten everything.” Those of us who have

when you stop for too long, it’s not good. You stop, and after you come back and you were on holiday, you’re working, so I don’t really like to stop.

This is why, even when we have an international break, I like to work: because otherwise when we come back I feel like I’ve forgotten everything

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trudged back towards the London Underground for that first day back, having inhaled numerous boxes of Quality Streets in the days before, know the feeling.

“I love football, so [the busy schedule] is really good. That’s the main thing. I love football, I love playing football – and to play against such good teams, to play for such a good team, it’s a dream. When you play against Arsenal, like when we played against Manchester City at home, these are the games that people are waiting for. We’re ready for that.”

Lacroix likes to spend this time of year with his family, and will do so again, but this Christmas he has a new family that he looks to both on the pitch and off it. Since arriving, a bond had been created with his fellow central defenders, and the

Maxence Lacroix

I love football, I love playing football – and to play against such good teams, to play for such a good team, it’s a dream.

When you play against Arsenal, like when we played against Manchester City at home, these are the games that people are waiting for

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Maxence Lacroix

It’s not only training, but it’s also just getting to know the guys. In this team we have a lot of Christians and we speak a lot about our faith. That’s really powerful because we can help each other in this way

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Maxence Lacroix group – having chipped in with their fair share of goals – have celebrated together again and again.

“It’s not only training, but it’s also just getting to know the guys,” he explains of their newfound connection. “In this team we have a lot of Christians and we speak a lot about our faith. That’s really powerful because we can help each other in this way. With Trevoh [Chalobah], with Marc [Guéhi], with Chris [Richards] and with Chadi [Riad], I like to speak to them and I like to know them.

“When you have a good relationship, it’s the same on the pitch and that is why we are strong together. Also the goalkeeper – but the goalkeeper is stronger than us!”

Some praise for Dean Henderson.

Lacroix knows all about the need to protect the goalkeeper, because it was once him standing between the posts. “I went to a lot of games when I was younger, because my father was an amateur goalkeeper,” he explains. “I was a goalkeeper when I was really young.

“Then, because I was tall and quick, they started to put me in attack.

I was a striker and then a No. 10, but after I went to an academy they told me I would be better as a No. 6. Then I moved back to centre-back, and now I feel good. I like to defend!”

Watch Lacroix in possession and you realise he was always destined to have the ball at his feet, rather than in his hands.

There is a privilege in watching a training session up close – those who have attended open training at Selhurst Park can attest – or in being sat just yards from the action

I was a goalkeeper when I was really young. Then, because I was tall and quick, they started to put me in attack.

I was a striker and then a No. 10, but after I went to an academy they told me I would be better as a No. 6. Then I moved back to centre-back, and now I feel good.

I like to defend!

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during a Premier League match. It is only at close proximity that you can understand the sheer speed of thought, the unmatched skill, the physical dexterity, the hyper-intensity of playing in the best league in the world – and that’s just to skip away from a challenge and knock it sideways to a teammate. Try pinging an inch-perfect diagonal 80 yards to a teammate, or picking out the top corner from the edge of the box.

It’s something that isn’t lost on Lacroix, and in part drives his constant determination to get better. That childlike awe isn’t lost on him when he watches teammates in training, let alone his childhood heroes like Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry.

“We don’t think about it too much, but we play this sport with our feet,” he says. It may seem like an

Maxence Lacroix obvious point, but hear him out. “This is crazy! It’s crazy to play with your feet. If you say to someone in the street: ‘Do something with your feet’, it’s difficult. But we can do this: we can move with it, we can run with the ball. For me, that’s crazy.

“People play basketball or handball with their hands, but everyone can do this. With the feet?

That’s hard. What people are doing with it is brilliant.”

When Lacroix was just a fouryears-old, Arsenal reached their peak under Frenchman Arsène Wenger, who had built an all-conquering side with a French core at its heart: Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord and former Palace manager Patrick Vieira. To be playing against the club all these years later is something of a privilege for him – but only increases the desire to earn a result.

“I liked the way they play – it’s a really good team,” Lacroix says. “But we have a really good team and I trust in us. I don’t really look at [their attackers] – if you give yourself too much pressure when you play against players, you can lose your game.

“I’m happy to play against the best players, but I’m also trying to be the best. To be the best, you have to play against the best. It’s a good moment for everyone to show: ‘OK, I can do it too’.”

Since moving to South London, Lacroix has been showing that week after week. He feels at home in the capital, and working under a man he knows well from a hugely successful connection at Wolfsburg.

“The weather is not good, but when you feel comfortable where you live,

I don’t really look at [their attackers] – if you give yourself too much pressure when you play against players, you can lose your game. I’m happy to play against the best players, but I’m also trying to be the best.

To be the best, you have to play against the best

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this is the most important,” he says.

Weather woes? Welcome to London.

“My family and I feel good here, and we’re happy. It’s different to Wolfsburg, because Wolfsburg is a small industrial city. The main thing there is Volkswagen, and there isn’t too much to do. I liked it there because I was only focused on football, but I like it here.

“The first time I met the manager was in Wolfsburg. We were playing for qualification in the Europa League at the time. It was easy for me because he just asked me to defend the deep areas and to be strong. When I was younger I wasn’t really playing with my feet, but I was strong and quick. We had a really

Maxence Lacroix

My family and I feel good here, and we’re happy.

It’s different to Wolfsburg, because Wolfsburg is a small industrial city. The main thing there is Volkswagen, and there isn’t too much to do. I liked it there because I was only focused on football, but I like it here

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Maxence Lacroix

I think it’s a connection. All the players like each other and everyone likes everyone. We don’t look at the colour, we don’t look at nationality or religion. We are all together and we try to be one of the best teams in this league

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Maxence Lacroix

good season together, and we went to the Champions League.

“I was happy to see him here because we know each other, and he trusts me. I spoke to him over summer, and I said: ‘I want to come back and train with you, because I trust the team’. The results of Palace last year were incredible, and we could see it was one of the best teams at the time. I trust the project.

I’m really happy, because when I came in it was like a family club, with the fans, the people around and the players.

“I think it’s a connection. All the players like each other and everyone likes everyone. We don’t look at the colour, we don’t look at nationality or religion. We are all together and

I was happy to see him here because we know each other, and he trusts me. I spoke to him over summer, and I said: ‘I want to come back and train with you, because I trust the team’.

The results of Palace last year were incredible, and we could see it was one of the best teams at the time. I trust the project

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we try to be one of the best teams in this league.”

A first six months in South London have flown by, and it’s safe to say there are few more popular figures at Selhurst Park than Maxence Lacroix, who has taken to the Premier League with the ease of a player destined for this level. His fluidity on the ball is matched by his warmth and good nature off it, and now the possibilities at the top level seem limitless.

“I celebrate Christmas with my family,” he says. He means back home, but it’s clear this year there are more to embrace. Now, for his first Christmas at Crystal Palace, Maxence Lacroix can settle down for festivities with families old and new

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captain

SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

GREAT PILSNER GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING 22

And finally...

and finally...

with Maxence Lacroix

Maxence Lacroix is playing at the very top level, but who does he admire? Here, he gives us three past and three present…

past

Ronaldinho

Thierry Henry I didn’t grow up with defenders, I liked strikers! When I was young, my father loved Thierry Henry – he was always speaking about him.

Lilian Thuram I learned football through my father, and so it’s also Lilian Thuram. He was solid, he won with France. I didn’t see him on the pitch, but I like the way he played. He was so strong.

I like both Ronaldos – R9 and Cristiano Ronaldo – but I’ll say Ronaldinho. It was the skills.

When you play with your friend, you want to do the same things that he does. I still like to watch him now, but I wouldn’t be allowed to do it on the pitch!

present William Saliba I like how he plays, with his consistency.

Murillo From Nottingham Forest, I like Murillo.

He’s young, but he plays football. He’s a good left-footer, he’s strong in the battle.

I like him.

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Virgil Van Dijk I like Van Dijk. He is a good player, and he is a leader.

FOR THE CLUB captain

PLAY NOW PLAY NOW PLAY NOW

PLAY NOW 24

PLAY NOW

The World’s Game

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The gunners 1886

pressure for points -

this Season

After pushing Manchester City to the wire over the past two seasons, there was a belief that this year might be Arsenal’s year. Mikel Arteta has overseen a revolution since his arrival, but needs his side to get over the line in a major competition to have something to show for his efforts.

They have been unable to capitalise on Man City’s collapse this season, however, with Liverpool and Chelsea streaking away at the top as Arsenal drop points to Everton and Fulham.

With the Premier League table still extremely congested at the top, there is plenty of time to get back into the title race, but the pressure for points is well and truly on.

Having lifted the FA Cup in his first full season at the club, Arteta has been unable to deliver silverware at the Emirates, despite building a squad packed with star quality.

Although Palace led early on in the League Cup clash on Wednesday night, the Gunners ultimately prevailed and now will have their sights set on the final at Wembley in March 2025.

3rd

Points

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Top Scorer Bukayo Saka

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Most Assists 10

away

home

Bukayo Saka

WINTER ADDITIONS Arsenal have spent heavily in recent seasons and could be in the market in January once again, as they look to claw back Liverpool’s early lead. Their last January signings back in 2023 – Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho – almost pushed the title race in their favour, so could there be similar additions in 2025?

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third

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Position

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2-0 √ manchester united Emirates Stadium

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draw

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√ fulham Craven Cottage

3-0 √ monaco Emirates Stadium

0-0 √ Everton Emirates Stadium

3-2 √ crystal palace

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5th August 2022 Selhurst Park

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19th March 2023 Emirates Stadium

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21st August 2023 Selhurst Park

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20th January 2024 Emirates Stadium

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18th December 2024 Emirates Stadium

Emirates Stadium

3-2 ARSENAL √ crystal palace Wednesday 18th December / Emirates Stadium

“We showed a lot of character and so much desire to turn things around. Even in the first-half when we lacked some threat, we created two or three big chances and didn't score.

With a few adjustments in the second-half we got a grip of the game again and we looked threatening.”

Mikel Arteta

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Substitutes

jesus

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T. Setford

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W. Saliba

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gABRIEL M.

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B. SAka

JORGINhO

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K. HAVERTZ

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M. KACURRI

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M. LEWIS-SKELLY

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key players Mikel Arteta’s side have twice fallen just short of Premier League glory, pushing Manchester City all the way. Having rebuilt Arsenal in his own coaching image, let’s take a look at four of the manager’s most important lieutenants in North London…

golden gloves -

gk david

raya age

22 Height

29

6’0

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from

2023

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal dipped back into the market for David Raya after Aaron Ramsdale’s stellar first two seasons at the club, but Mikel Arteta’s ruthlessness has been vindicated by the Spaniard’s form since taking the No. 1 spot at the Emirates in 2023.

After initially arriving on loan from Brentford, Raya’s transfer was made permanent over summer.

He won the Golden Glove Award last season after keeping 16 clean sheets as Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title. He has continued his fine form into the current campaign, winning the Premier League Save of the Month award in August and making a remarkable double-save to deny Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot in the Champions League in September.

He has 10 caps for Spain, and was a part of the European Championship winning side in Germany this summer, but started the final against England on the substitute's bench behind Athletic Club’s Unai Simón.

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def william

saliba age

2 Height

23

6’4

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2019

Saliba was just 18 years old when Arsenal committed almost £30 million to sign him from Saint-Etienne, loaning him back to the French side in a deal the Gunners announced was ‘part of our future’. The gamble has paid off, with Saliba now one of the Premier League’s standout centre-backs.

After a season with Saint-Etienne and loans to Nice and Marseille, he finally made his Arsenal debut in 2022, starting at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. He quickly formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel, with his injury in March 2023 pointed to as the beginning of Arsenal’s title challenge unravelling.

He earned his first career red card this season away at Bournemouth as Arsenal fell to defeat, but continues to impress in Arteta’s defensive unit.

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captain composure Ødegaard shot to prominence when he made his international debut for Norway at just 15-years-old, after breaking through with Strømsgodset in his home country. He was soon snapped up by Real Madrid, but the move was beset by issues, training with the first-team under Zinedine Zidane while playing for the ‘B’ side.

A series of loans revitalised his career, most notably at Real Sociedad where he reminded the onlookers why he remained one of the brightest prospects in European football. In 2021, he arrived at Arsenal for a six-month loan, which was made permanent that summer.

After cementing his status as Mikel Arteta’s most important player, he was named club captain at the start of the 2022/23 season, scoring in his first match with the armband against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He remains pivotal for the Gunners, demonstrated by their struggles after his injury at the start of this season, and will be key to any hunt for a trophy this season.

mid martin

8

ødegaard age

Height

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5’10

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2021

Saka has blossomed from a promising academy graduate to become one of the Premier League’s – and England’s – finest attackers. He joined Arsenal at the age of seven, making his first-team debut in 2018.

After a breakthrough season in 2020/21, he began to fulfil his considerable potential and won back-to-back Player of the Season

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saka age

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academy awards in the following two campaigns, helping Arteta build from Champions League hopefuls to bona fide title challengers.

He made his England debut in October 2020, and has represented England at three tournaments: Euro 2020, World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024. He has won England Men’s Player of the Year twice, in 2022 and 2023, and has 43 caps to his name.

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gk david

raya age

22 joined

29 2023

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def Gabriel

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from

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4

ben

white age

joined

27 2021

def jakub

kiwior age

joined

from

15

24 2023

from

arsenal

17

def Oleksandr

Zinchenko age

from

joined

28 2022

51

def Josh

nichols age

from

18

def Takehiro

Tomiyasu age

joined

26 2021

def ayden

from

76

heaven age

from

18

academy

18

academy

mid

8

mid

20

martin

ødegaard age

joined

26 2021

from

jorginho age

joined

33 2023 31

from

def Riccardo

33

Calafiori age

joined

22 2024

mid thomas

partey age

joined

31 2020

mid mikel

from

5 from

23

merino age

joined

28 2024

from

arsenal

41

mid declan

rice age

joined

25 2023

7

fwd bukayo

saka age

from

from

23

academy

fwd

19

Leandro

trossard age

joined

30 2023

from

49

mid myles

lewis-skelly age

from

mid ethan

53

nwaneri age

from

18

academy

17

academy

fwd

9

fwd

11

gabriel

jesus age

joined

27 2022

fwd kai

from

29

havertz age

joined

25 2023 32

from

gabriel

martinelli age

joined

23 2019

fwd raheem

from

30

sterling age

joined

30 2024

from

arsenal

squaddepth st Kai HAVERTZ Gabriel JESUS lw

rw

Leandro TROSSARD Gabriel MARTINELLI Raheem STERLING

Bukayo SAKA am Martin ØDEGAARD Ethan NWANERI

cm Mikel MERINO Myles LEWIS-SKELLY

Dm lb

Rb

Declan RICE Thomas PARTEY JORGINHO

Riccardo CALAFIORI Oleksandr ZINCHENKO Kieran TIERNEY

Ben WHITE Takehiro TOMIYASU Josh NICHOLS

CB

CB

GABRIEL Magalhães Jurriën TIMBER

William SALIBA Jakub KIWIOR Ayden HEAVEN GK David RAYA NETO Jack PORTER

Academy

New Signing

33

On Loan

arsenal

through time 1886 -

1989 -

Like Palace, Arsenal are South Londoners at heart, formed in Woolwich by munitions workers in 1886. Originally named Dial Square Football Club, they rebranded to Royal Arsenal in 1887 and, in 1891, became the first club in London to turn professional. Newly renamed Woolwich Arsenal, they joined the Football League in 1893.

The greatest moment in Arsenal’s history, and potentially still the greatest climax to a title race in English history. Under George Graham, and without a league title for 18 years, Arsenal headed to Anfield on the final day of the season knowing that they had to win by two clear goals to leapfrog Liverpool. Deep into added time, with the title looking like it was heading to Merseyside, Michael Thomas sparked the legendary commentary: “Thomas, charging through the midfield… it’s up for grabs now!”

1925 Rebuilt by Herbert Chapman after his appointment in 1925, a new Arsenal was built at Highbury Stadium with an emphasis on star players poached from elsewhere. The huge crowds and subsequent spending on players and salaries earned them the nickname ‘The Bank of England club’.

They were transformed, winning the FA Cup in 1930 – their first major trophy – and then three straight titles between 1932 and 1935.

1953 After the Second World War, Tom Whittaker – formerly a trainer under Chapman – took over as manager, winning the league in 1948 and the FA Cup in 1950. By winning a seventh title in 1953, they became the most successful team in English history.

34

1886

Founded as Woolwich Arsenal

1913

Move to Highbury Stadium

1925

Appointment of Herbert Chapman

1930

FA Cup winners

1935

Three straight title wins

1948

Post-war title winners

1953

Title winners

1970

Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners

1971

Double winners

1979

FA Cup winners

1989

Title winners

1996

Appointment of Arsène Wenger

1998

Double winners

2002

Double winners

2004

Unbeaten title winners

2006

European Cup finalists

2006

Move to the Emirates Stadium

2014

Back-to-back FA Cup winners

2017

FA Cup winners

2019

FA Cup winners

arsenal

dreamfive GK David Seaman Seaman arrived at Arsenal in 1990 from Queens Park Rangers, winning three league titles, four FA Cups, a League Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup, making 564 appearances, the sixth most in the club’s history. His save against Sheffield United in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final is regarded as one of the greatest in English football.

cb Tony Adams “Play for the name on the front of the shirt, and they’ll remember the name on the back.” Arsenal’s second-highest appearance-maker and their greatest captain, Adams was a ferocious leader from the heart of defence, and epitomised the tough-tackling, hard-working English centre-back. He won four league titles at the club.

cm Patrick Vieira One of greatest midfielders football has seen is no stranger to Selhurst Park, having graced the dugout as manager after a stellar playing career. Vieira ran the Arsenal midfield, his legendary battles with Roy Keane marking a golden era of Premier League football. He partnered Zinedine Zidane for the France national team, earning 107 caps and winning the World Cup in 1998.

st Dennis Bergkamp

2004 The appointment of Arsène Wenger in 1996 brought about another transformation at Arsenal, as his overhaul of the players’ diets and fitness regimes brought Arsenal to the pinnacle of English football again. After winning the double in 1998 and again in 2002, they became the first club since Preston North End in 1889 to go a full season unbeaten. They would reach the Champions League final in 2006, beaten by Barcelona in Paris.

One of the greatest forwards of his generation, Bergkamp epitomised the poise and grace of the No. 10 position in the late 1990s, starring for Arsenal under Wenger alongside Thierry Henry – and scoring one of the great World Cup goals for the Netherlands, against Argentina at the World Cup in 1998.

st Thierry Henry In the discussion over Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, nobody can beat Thierry Henry. ‘Va Va Voom’, as he was often nicknamed, ripped through Premier League defences year after year, winning the Golden Boot a record four times and scoring 174 league goals in the process.

35

arsenal

kitstory

celebrity gunners

best

worst

Home: 2002/04

Home: 2018/19

Crisp. Clean. Unbeaten (except in all of the cup competitions). One of the club's very best - and the peak of the Henry Va Va Voom...

A pink stripe on the sleeve.

Unnecessary. A clunky, blocky design, rather than clean, traditional sleeves. Unsightly.

best

worst

lewis hamilton After a glittering career with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion will be in his favoured red next season, with Ferrari – when he’s not at the Emirates, that is.

mo farah One of Britain’s greatest Olympians must be hoping Arsenal can start to match his record of winning silverware – well, gold.

nick hornby away: 2001/02

away: 2017/18

Hello nostalgia, my old friend.

Wenger’s title-winners with baggy fit and the retro sponsor. A golden oldie, literally.

Arsenal played 10 games in this abomination and lost eight of them.

That’s what you get for angering the Football Kit Gods.

36

The author of one of the great footballing books, Fever Pitch, which discusses the love of the game and the interminable wait for success in the 1980s.

Déjà vu?

arsenal

greatestgames 3-0 CABAYE OF THE NEEDLE A first victory against Arsenal since 1994 – and a first home win since 1979 – came in emphatic fashion under the lights at Selhurst Park, as Sam Allardyce’s Eagles blew the Gunners away in April 2017. Andros Townsend opened the scoring in the first-half, before Yohan Cabaye looped in a second just after the hour mark, with Luka Milivojevic adding a third from the penalty spot five minutes later. Palace had won five out of their last six Premier League matches, including the last three at Selhurst Park, as the Eagles finished the season on a high.

2-3 THE MACCA SHOW Before he was a programme columnist, James McArthur was actually a Premier League footballer – and a very good one. One of his finest hours in a Palace shirt came away at the Emirates in April 2019, scoring the winner in a five-goal thriller as the Eagles headed back to South London with three points.

After Christian Benteke had given Roy Hodgson’s side an early lead, Mesut Ozil equalised just after the break, before Wilfried Zaha saw the visitors regain the advantage. McArthur added a third to send the away end into delirium, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finale. Palace held on for a fantastic win.

3-0 REMEMBER ME? At the Emirates Stadium over winter, Patrick Vieira’s Palace side were denied victory in the 94th minute – this time, he wasn’t to be denied. The Arsenal legend made himself a Selhurst Park hero after a blistering performance, one of the great Premier League nights in SE25 as JeanPhilippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha found the back of the net. What an atmosphere, what a night.

37

arsenal

eagle eye

@jamesmcnicholas

James McNicholas is the Arsenal correspondent at The Athletic, and has covered the club for almost two decades. Here, he gives us the perspective from north London…

How would you grade the first half of the season?

I'd say a B. Although Arsenal are doing well in the Champions League, a lot of supporters are frustrated that in the year Man City finally look vulnerable, it's Liverpool that look best placed to capitalise. There's a long way to go yet, and Arsenal have already played many of their toughest league opponents away from home, so there's plenty of time for this grade to improve.

Is there pressure to win a trophy?

Arteta has won a trophy – the FA Cup, behind closed doors in 2020 – but that is starting to feel like quite a long time ago now. It's important for Arsenal to rediscover that winning culture, but I think most Arsenal fans would trade in the domestic cups if it meant winning one of the big ones: a Premier League or a first ever Champions League.

Who is the most important player?

This season would suggest the answer is Martin Ødegaard. When the captain was out injured, Arsenal simply weren't the same.

He's so good both on and off the ball, creating chances and leading the press.

38

When the captain was out injured, Arsenal simply weren't the same.

He's so good both on and off the ball, creating chances and leading the press

arsenal

Are Arsenal likely to be busy in the January window?

I don't think so. Arsenal would be open to strengthening the attacking portion of the squad, but only if the right player became available -- and January is a difficult market. I can only see them buying if a long-term target becomes unexpectedly available.

Whose contribution flies under the radar?

Until recently, you'd have said Gabriel, but he's started making headlines recently with his prowess at attacking corners.

I'll go for David Raya, who has

Myles LewisSkelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Those really are the brightest stars of the Arsenal academy, and it's no surprise they're beginning to make an impression at first-team level

39

ridden the storm of debate after his arrival from Brentford and fully established himself as number one.

He's been in markedly better form this season, and his distribution is key to Arsenal's build-up play.

Give us a name for the future to keep an eye on…

I'll give you two: Myles LewisSkelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Those really are the brightest stars of the Arsenal academy, and it's no surprise they're beginning to make an impression at first-team level. I think both have everything needed to go to the very top.

west ham united

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arsenal

HEAD TO HEAD

trevoh

chalobah age

25

joined

def

nat

takehiro

30

Goals

60

5

Penalties won

3

5

Penalties scored

3

tomiyasu age

26

joined

def

nat

Apps

68

4

Clean sheets

11

Apps

65

Clean sheets

16

36

Yellow cards

44

Clean sheets

11

Goals

6

2

Goals

2

1

Red cards

Tackle success

70%

Tackle success

54%

Passes per match

51.79

Passes per match

29.92

Incerceptions

68

Clearances

195

4

straight defeats to Arsenal for Palace, having lost just one of our previous eight encounters.

3-0

was the scoreline for both of Palace's most recent victories against Arsenal at Selhurst Park, the only two victories in the last 19 meetings in South London.

3

Premier League red cards for Arsenal this season, the joint-most in the top-flight.

Delivered by:

41

Interceptions

56

Clearances

100

west ham united

CHOOSE YOUR

WIIINGS RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS.

42

doc brown & james m©arthur

43

doc brown

doc brown Ben Bailey Smith, aka Doc Brown, does it all – acting, rapping, writing, directing, you name it. The multifaceted Palace fan is also a patron of Palace for Life Foundation. In each edition, he offers his unique take on the world in SE25...

TIDINGS OF COMFORT & JOY Season’s greetings one and all. Ho, ho, ho but also… Well, well, well.

Who’s still buzzing from Sunday?

Did anyone end up missing work on Monday? If so, I’ll happily write you a character reference explaining to your boss the validity of your absence on spiritual grounds. You were basically marking something of a religious holiday. Justified.

It’s actually Monday as I write this, the morning after the night before. I’m a little sore-headed (obvs) which is my excuse for not including a festive pun in this week’s column title, but why not sing along in your time with an alternative Christmas carol to friends past? How about, “O, tidings of Bamford and Roy, and Dikgacoi / O, tidings of Bamford and Roy?” No? Fine, I’ll move on. A bit like Palace have, eh?

At press time, I am unapologetically still basking in the glory of, if not our best performance of the season so far, certainly the most satisfying. It felt like we put the memory of that horrific 4-1 defeat (shudder) to bed on Sunday, and

in emphatic, joyous style too. Am I getting carried away or did victory at the Amex feel like a real turning point?

Everyone in a Palace shirt played out of their skins. Both collectively and individually it had the delightful whiff of a statement performance.

Hendo, who made another three incredible saves when the game was a little more delicate, surely must be in the conversation for England’s No. 1 now; Chalobah looks fit, determined and back to his Chelsea best; Sarr was unplayable at times, never typified more explicitly than when he dunked on Dunk for his second and our glorious third; Will Hughes morphing into some kind of ethereal leader and commander of everything in the middle of the pitch; TYRICK MITCHELL’S CROSS, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN (clap emoji, clap emoji, clap emoji)… Now that I evaluate the sum of all of the game’s parts it’s not just me, is it? That really was special.

So I sit here at my desk full of comfort and joy just 48 hours before I get the tube up North for our League Cup quarter-final, which means I have no idea if we’re all still sharing that same warmth.

By the time you read this I guess

44

Everyone in a Palace shirt played out of their skins.

Both collectively and individually it had the delightful whiff of a statement performance

doc brown

today’s opponents will know us pretty well and vice versa. Perhaps they’ll be sick of the sight of us and thirsty for revenge, having been unceremoniously dumped out of the competition in their own backyard.

Perhaps we’ll be the ones smarting, rueing a missed opportunity for silverware and trying to get a bit of pride back here in the league.

Impossible to say because, although I share a name with one, I’m not a time traveller.

But looking back in time, biased as I obviously am, I would have given Oliver Glasner Manager of the Month for November, despite the fact we didn’t win a game for the whole 30 days. Before you call me

crazy, just consider where we were in the months preceding. Things were so gloomy I spent most of my time in this column scraping a huge red and blue barrel for reasons to be cheerful – and good Lord it was not easy. Then in November, aside from the Fulham loss, I sensed a new confidence around the camp.

The plan was solidifying, that back three/five was becoming a mainstay, the squad was coming to fruition.

How Oliver kept the spirits up as we languished in the bottom three is still beyond me, but I figured hey – if he can stay positive, the least I can do is to match that spirit as a fan.

When you look at the desperation of certain other Premier League clubs

45

this past week, the OG deserves some recognition for keeping his head as many of those around him lost theirs.

By some weird twist of fate (basically working way too many weekends) I’ve only been to away games this season, particularly each round of the League Cup (also a weird twist – never done that before). We may now be out of that competition which, while disappointing, will not dampen my spirits for my first game back at Selhurst today where we will either exact our revenge or do a unique double! Bullish I know but I told you, if Oliver’s staying positive, so am I. See you out there.

UTP!

.

James M©arthur

james m©arthur Palace legend James McArthur made 253 appearances for the club, playing over 19,000 minutes in all competitions across nine years.

Below, he gives his thoughts on our seeking revenge from midweek, Caleb Kporha’s first Palace start, and memories of Emirates winners…

Confidence is high -

Nketiah on target -

To push Arsenal, who are a top team, so, so close, speaks volumes about where the lads are at just now. To go away to Arsenal and compete and nearly get that result shows you where the lads’ confidence is.

At the start of the season I don't think the lads would have been as close, if I'm being honest, with the confidence, with people settling into the manager's system and new players. I think now, the lads are feeling comfortable within the group, playing good football, knowing the system inside out and creating relationships with each other.

I look at the defenders: three very, very good players but at the start of the season, it’s quite hard to know how each player plays, who's going to be covering each other, does he cover all the time? Does he do this? Do I do that?

Now, it seems like everyone is bonding and creating those relationships which are so important on the field. On another night, they could maybe have nicked the draw and tried to get through that way. It wasn’t to be – but there were a lot of positives to take.

Eddie Nketiah is a proven goalscorer, and I think he would have arrived at Palace with the ambition of playing a lot of games and scoring a lot of goals.

He probably would feel disappointed in his own tally so far, but as I said about coming into new teams and building new relationships and adapting to new styles of play, it does take time.

With strikers especially, when you get that confidence of scoring, hopefully he can add to the squad by scoring more goals.

Caleb’s first start For 18-year-old Caleb Kporha, Wednesday would obviously have been unreal. Talk about going in at the deep end, away to Arsenal!

There's not much time to settle in that kind of game, but for him it's another stepping stone.

As a player, I think he'll probably feel disappointed when he came off at half-time, but it's not about the picture that is immediate.

When you're a young lad, you need

46

For 18-year-old Caleb Kporha, Wednesday would obviously have been unreal. Talk about going in at the deep end, away to Arsenal! There's not much time to settle in that kind of game, but for him it's another stepping stone

James M©arthur

to step back sometimes and look where you're at. And you go: ‘Wow, I've just started for Crystal Palace’s first-team against Arsenal’ and take a lot of confidence from that, and try to make it stepping stone to where you want to be.

This is when you want to strive to become a Premier League player and get in that team from the start every single week. Sometimes you can lose track of things and go: ‘I would have loved to have played longer’, but where were you last year, and where are you now?

He can take massive, massive confidence from that.

Familiar encounters I don’t remember playing back-toback against any team at Palace, but for Wigan, we played Manchester City just before the FA Cup final in 2013, which we won.

Both games were very, very, very close, and you learn a lot from that. Even though you play each other throughout the season, you watch each other so much, you see every game, and there's so much information given now that is there to see anyway… there’s not any feeling like playing each other and learning so much in a game.

I'm sure that the lads will take a lot of confidence, for one thing. They’ll want to compete with Arsenal and have that belief to go and do it again, and create an upset, because they were so close to doing it the other night.

They’ll learn a lot about the patterns of play and how they start

and how they play it wide and make overlaps and underlaps. And then you take things from the game and you know for the next game to be aware of them.

The lads are in a very, very good moment. I keep mentioning the word ‘momentum’. Over this Christmas period, if you put in good performances, you get results, and I know that the lads lost the game the other night, and it's not a nice feeling losing any football match, but there are times, when I played and lost and came off thinking ‘I hate losing but there were a lot of positives to take.’

I think the momentum will keep going because we pushed Arsenal all the way.

emirates winner Scoring away at the Emirates, a 3-2 win in April 2019, was unbelievable. It turned out to be the winner as well. The crazy thing is it was my last-ever goal for Crystal Palace, and in professional football!

I played for another few years, got injured and went back and forward, and I was thinking to myself: ‘I really want to score again.

I want to get that feeling back.’ But then I was going: ‘If that is your last goal, it's quite a good one to finish on, to be honest!’

There are results that should give you confidence you can compete. I know it's different players at different times, but it’s still a great feeling to be part of it when Arsenal play Crystal Palace

.

47

the lads will take a lot of confidence, for one thing.

They’ll want to compete with Arsenal and have that belief to go and do it again, and create an upset

captain

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INSIDE PALACE

49

inside palace

palace academy With so much talent coming through at Crystal Palace, it’s time to grill the next generation on the key questions past, present and future. This week, Under-18s wing-back Tyler Whyte tackles our quickfire questions…

FACT FILE

past childhood idol?

I’d say Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford. Both of them are good players and they’ve done a lot of work off the pitch as well.

present strongest attribute?

My speed, I’m very quick and I like to utilise that as best I can.

i model my game on...

Alphonso Davies and Kyle Walker – they’re both good full-backs.

favourite palace player?

Tyrick Mitchell, he’s really humble.

Favourite hobby?

DJing. My dad taught me how to DJ when I was younger and I enjoy it a lot.

favourite tv show?

Breaking Bad.

future in five years time...

I want to be hopefully playing in the Premier League, or La Liga – I don’t speak Spanish, but I’m willing to learn!

first team?

tyler whyte age

nationality

18 position

right wing-back

champions league or world cup?

Petts Wood, I was there for about four years before I joined Palace. I was about six or seven years old. I was a striker – I scored a lot of goals back then.

Champions League. I’m Jamaican, so if we won the World Cup it would be crazy, but I don’t see that happening!

first match you’ve been to?

My one-on-one defending, that’s been a big thing I’ve been working on.

Arsenal v Everton, it was a long time ago when Lukaku was playing for Everton. My first shirt was an Arsenal one I got as a birthday present – but I don’t even support Arsenal!

50

i want to improve...

manager or pundit?

Manager. I want to be able to coach and pass on experience to the younger players.

inside palace

fixtures&results

pos Club

P

W

D

L

GD Pts

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture International Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)

1

mci

10

9

0

1

24 27

2

ful

9

8

0

1

15

3

bha

10

7

2

1

23 23

4

liv

10

6

2

2

9

5

new

10

6

1

3

4

19

6

mun

10

6

0

4

6

18

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST Tue 20

Stevenage

L

0-1

Sat 17

Tottenham Hotspur

Fri 23

Blackburn Rovers

W

7-2

Sat 24

Southampton

1-1

Wed 28 Birmingham City Sat 31

W

3-0

Fri 30

Leeds United

D

SEPTEMBER Tue 17

Real Sociedad

D

2-2

Fri 20

Reading

D

1-1

Tue 24

Gillingham

W

3-1

Mon 30 Nottingham Forest

W

2-1

Brighton & Hove Albion

L

0-10

Fri 18

Sporting CP

L

1-2

Southampton

W

2-0

D

1-1

W

3-0

Sat 14

Norwich City

W

4-2

Sat 21

Fulham

L

0-6

Sat 28

Aston Villa

L

1-3

OCTOBER

Sat 5

NOVEMBER

4-6

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Fri 25

Reading

L

Sat 5

Liverpool

L

2-5

Sat 26

Leicester City

D

1-1

NOVEMBER Sat 2

Arsenal

D

1-1

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

D

2-2

Fri 1

Tottenham Hotspur

W

5-1

Sat 23

Arsenal

W

2-0

Tue 5

Peterborough United

L

1-4

Sat 30

Brighton & Hove Albion W

2-0

Fri 29

Newcastle United

L

0-1

DECEMBER

december Tue 10

RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16 Liverpool JANUARY Mon 6

Fulham

Fri 10

Leicester City

Fri 17

RB Leipzig

Mon 20 Wolves Mon 27 Norwich City FEBRUARY Mon 10 Stoke City Mon 17 Aston Villa Mon 24 West Bromwich Albion MARCH

Fri 6

Manchester City

L

0-1

Chelsea

W

4-2

W

3-1

Tue 17

D

3-3

JANUARY Sat 11

West Ham United

Sat 25

Tottenham Hotspur

24

20

7

che

10

5

1

4

11

16

8

sun

10

5

1

4

8

16

9

ars

10

5

1

4

1

16

10

nfo

10

5

0

5

6

15

11

cry

9

4

3

2

1

15

12

whu

9

5

0

4

1

15

13

eve

10

4

3

3

-1

15

14

lei

10

4

2

4

3

14

15

wol

10

4

2

4

0

14

16

sou

10

4

1

5

-6

13

17

rea

10

3

3

4

-3

12

18

lee

10

3

3

4

-3

12

19

nor

10

4

0

6

-6

12

20

wba

10

3

2

5

-10

11

21

tot

10

3

0

7

-10

9

22

mid

10

3

0

7

-12

9

23

der

10

3

0

7

-13

9

24

bla

10

2

1

7

-11

7

25

avl

10

2

1

7

-15

7

26

sto

9

0

1

8 -22

1

FEBRUARY Sat 1

Southampton

Sat 8

Reading

pos Club

P

W

D

L

Sat 15

Norwich City

1

avl

10

7

1

2

6

22

2

sou

12

5

5

2

5

20 18

Sat 22

Aston Villa

MARCH Sat 1

Fulham

Sat 8

West Ham United

Sat 15

Chelsea

APRIL

GD Pts

3

tot

11

5

3

3

6

4

ful

9

5

1

3

8

16

5

bha

11

4

4

3

7

16

6

whu

9

3

4

2

5

13

7

che

10

4

1

5

-1

13

8

cry

10

3

4

3

-3

13

9

ars

9

2

4

3

-2

10 10

Mon 3

Arsenal

Sat 12

Leicester City

Sun 16

Manchester City

Thu 17

Arsenal

10

nor

10

2

4

4

-4

Sat 26

West Bromwich Albion

11

lei

10

2

3

5

-5

9

12

rea

11

2

3

6

-12

9

13

wba

10

1

5

4

-10

8

APRIL Fri 4

West Ham United

Mon 14 Chelsea

MAY Sat 3

Brighton & Hove Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19th December.

51

inside palace

palace academy Wednesday’s League Cup encounter with today’s opposition set the stage for a Kporha Christmas at Crystal Palace – a first start for a talented youngster who has come a long way…

i

t hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said Caleb Kporha, standing on the touchline in an empty Emirates Stadium. Just an hour earlier, more than 60,000 people had packed the stands, watching his every move.

It’s testament to his focus on the game on the one hand, but on the other demonstrates just how new this all is to him. “I found out I was playing today, in the team meeting,” he said. “It was good news for me.

“At first I thought: ‘No way!’

But I was just excited to show what I could do. I thought I was doing well in training, and I’ve got the chance to prove myself out there. It was a good moment for me and a joy to play against one of the best teams in the world.

“I’ve tried to enjoy it, it was a really good experience for me.”

Kporha made his first-team debut against Fulham in November, and now after his first start for the club he knows the hard work is only just beginning.

“The message [from the manager] to me was just to keep working hard and get more minutes. Obviously I want to keep playing for the first team but he has told me to keep enjoying it and keep working hard.”

52

At first I thought: ‘No way!’ But I was just excited to show what I could do. I thought I was doing well in training, and I’ve got the chance to prove myself out there

inside palace

u21s Name

The manager himself was pleased with Kporha’s progress. “[He’s been working] very hard – that’s why he started today,” Glasner said. “He had the yellow card and it was not too easy playing against [Leandro] Trossard, a great player with all his pace – but it’s very positive for him.”

Kporha joined Crystal Palace at Under-16s level in 2021, with his progress well documented on Channel 4’s Football Dreams: The Academy. His path to the first-team has seen him overcome injury set-backs to regain his place in the Under-21s side, before moving up to first-team training and impressing the coaching staff with his application and dedication.

Now, the hard work continues, but for Wednesday night at least there was the chance to revel in the thing every fan loves to see the most: a young Academy lad earning his opportunity to live the dream of starting for Crystal Palace. Congratulations Caleb!

.

u18s Name

apps goals

Asher AGBINONE

apps goals 7

2

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

14

1

Victor AKINWALE

3

0

Dean BENAMAR

9

1

Cormac AUSTIN

5

0

Benji CASEY

15

4

Luke BROWNE

13

0

Freddie COWIN

6

0

Rio CARDINES

5

0

Euan DANAHER

7

0

Jesse DERRY

5

0

Matteo DASHI

8

1

Justin DEVENNY

10

2

Jesse DERRY

12

12

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

0

0 Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

4

1

Chima EZE

0

0

Craig FARQUHAR

0

0

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

2

0

Chris FRANCIS

0

0

Jacob FASIDA

2

0

Joe GIBBARD

10

0

Zack HENRY

10

2

Jake GRANTE

8

0

Marcus HILL (GK)

9

0

Sean GREHAN

11

1

Mofe JEMIDE

1

0

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

3

0

Jasper JUDD

4

1

Mofe JEMIDE

14

1

Joe KHOSHABA (GK)

0

0

Caleb KPORHA

6

1

George KING

13

1

Finley MARJORAM

4

0

Enrique LAMEIRAS

7

0

Zach MARSH

15

3

Jack MASON (GK)

4

0

Roshaun MATHURIN

1

0

David MONTJEN

4

0

Louie MOULDEN (GK)

12

0

Joshua MUWANA

9

0

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

14

4

David OBOU

3

1

Adler NASCIMENTO

7

1

Stuart ODURO

1

0

David OBOU

1

0 Chuks OKOLI

3

0

Jadan RAYMOND

5

0

Dylan REID

1

0

Jerome OSEI

12

5

Kaden RODNEY

11

0

Caleb REDHEAD

1

0

Joe SHERIDAN

4

0

Sean SOMADE

12

0

Franco UMEH

5

2

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

12

1

Jemiah UMOLU

15

13

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

0

0

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

2

0

Tyler WHYTE

13

1

Seb WILLIAMS

1

0

Seb WILLIAMS

14

2

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19 December. th

53

inside palace

palace women Since joining the Eagles back in 2022, Scotland international Chloe Arthur has been a key figure for Crystal Palace Women, and – with the season now heading into its winter break – is enjoying life back in the top-flight…

a

rthur played a crucial part in Palace’s 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Championshipwinning side, featuring in 17 of her team’s 22 matches last season as set a spree of club records en route to winning promotion.

Since gaining their first-ever spot in the Barclays Women’s Super League, however, Palace have had to adjust quickly to their new surroundings, a task which Arthur – having previously represented Celtic, Hibernian, Bristol City, Birmingham City and Aston Villa – is embracing.

The 29-year-old said: “I think it has been a journey. It has been a case where we are learning as we go, because we are a new group in a new league.

“When you come up from the Championship to the WSL, it is a completely different game. The quality on the ball, the players you face, international talent from all over the world… it’s all a step up.

“But we have coped really well with those challenges. We are still learning, and that’s something we need to get better at – learning quickly so we can pick up more points.

“Getting points early on is key, especially in the WSL. It’s important for our confidence, and as we learn more, I think we’ll start picking up more.”

Last season’s promotion to the WSL back in April was a monumental achievement for Palace Women, and Arthur still reflects fondly on that moment to this day.

“Getting promoted was such a good feeling,“ she said. ”It’s something you never take for granted, and for me personally, it was special.

“I got promoted with Bristol City too, and while the feeling is similar, I can now enjoy it a bit more being older and more present in the moment.

“We definitely took time to enjoy it, but then it was straight into pre-season to get ready for the challenge ahead.

54

“The step up is harder now than it was when I joined Bristol City seven or eight years ago. Back then, the infrastructure was not as professional across the board, but now, the quality of the league has sky-rocketed.

“Players from all over the world want to be here, and the competition is fierce. It’s exciting, but it is definitely a challenge.”

A huge part of Palace Women’s success so far has been the influence of head coach Laura Kaminski, who has been instrumental to the club’s rapid growth, guiding her team through their promotion season and into the WSL. “She’s so authentic, and she brings a human element into the team,” Arthur smiled. “She has a great sense of humour but also knows how to switch focus when it’s needed.

“She’s always prepared us for every game, and when we lose, she’s good at focusing us on what’s next.

She’s been key to our success.”

“We know we’re not going to win every game like we did last year in the Championship, but Laura has prepared us for that. She’s confident in our abilities and doesn’t let us get too down if we lose.

“We know it’s about learning from those moments and being ready for the next challenge.”

With their next league fixture in a month’s time – away to Arsenal on Sunday, 19th January 2025 – Palace have time to rest, recuperate, and reflect on a first half to the season which saw them begin brightly, but lose the lead in three of their last four league games.

Arthur acknowledges the importance of managing expectations

inside palace

this season, especially when faced with the inevitable ups and downs of a first top-flight campaign.

“We know it’s a challenge, but we’re prepared for it,” she said.

“We want to win, of course, but we also know it’s going to take time. We need to manage moments better, but we’re getting there.”

Palace Women’s next match, meanwhile, will be against Sheffield United in the Adobe FA Cup at the VBS Community Stadium on Sunday, 12th January.

Looking ahead to the winter break, Arthur is keen to get some rest, but also remains focused on keeping up the team’s fitness.

we know there’s still a lot of work to do. We’re all confident that we can keep improving, and I’m excited for what’s to come

fixtures&results Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) SEPTEMBER

.

Name

apps goals

Chloe ARTHUR

4

0

Brooke ASPIN

6

0

Sun 22

Tottenham Hotspur

L

0-4

Izzy ATKINSON

5

0

Fri 27

Chelsea

L

0-7

Annabel BLANCHARD

12

3

My CATO

12

1

Aimee EVERETT

11

0

Jorja FOX

0

0

Mille GEJL

11

2

Fliss GIBBONS

8

0

Josie GREEN

8

0

Shanade HOPCROFT

3

0

Elise HUGHES

0

0

october Wed 2

Aston Villa

L

0-2

Sun 6

Leicester City

W

2-0

Sun 13

Brighton & Hove Albion

L

0-1

Sun 20

Liverpool

D

1-1

november Sun 3

Manchester City

L

0-3

Sun 10

Everton

D

1-1

Abbie LARKIN

12

0

Sun 17

Aston Villa

L

2-3

Milla-Maj MAJASAARI (GK)

3

0

Sun 24

Charlton Athletic

W

2-0

Hayley NOLAN

3

0

december

Lexi POTTER

4

0

Sun 8

Poppy PRITCHARD

6

0

Indiah-Paige RILEY

11

2

Molly-Mae SHARPE

9

0

Katie STENGEL

13

1

Katrine VEJE

11

0

Ashleigh WEERDEN

13

1

Lily WOODHAM

10

0

Annis-Clara WRIGHT (GK)

0

0

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

10

0

West Ham United

L

2-5

Wed 11 Tottenham Hotspur

L

0-2

Sun 15

L

0-1

Manchester United

january Sun 12

Sheffield United

Sun 19

Arsenal

Sun 26

Tottenham Hotspur

february Sun 2

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 16

Manchester United

march

“It’s important to switch off, spend time with friends and family, and recharge. But at the same time, you have to stay prepared.

“Mentally, it’s important to keep yourself in a good place so you’re ready to go again after the break.”

“We’ve come a long way, but we know there’s still a lot of work to do. We’re all confident that we can keep improving, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

playerstats

P

W

D

L

GD Pts

Sun 2

Liverpool

pos Club 1

che

10

9

0

1

25 28

Sun 16

Aston Villa

2

mci

10

7

2

1

13

22

3

ars

10

6

1

3

15

21

4

mun

10

6

1

3

13

21

5

bha

10

5

3

2

1

17

6

tot

10

3

5

2

-8

11

Sat 22

Everton

Sun 30

Arsenal

april Sun 20

Chelsea

7

avl

10

2

5

3

-6

9

Sun 27

West Ham United

8

liv

10

2

5

3

-8

9

9

eve

10

2

5

3

-10

9

10

whu

10

2

6

2

-7

8

may Sun 4

Leicester City

11

lei

10

1

6

3

-10

6

Sun 11

Manchester City

12

cry

10

1

7

2

-18

5

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19th December.

55

inside palace

palace for life This year, we’ve been celebrating A South London Christmas and raising vital funds to support our mission to support local families this holiday season – and you can too!

o

ne in four children in Croydon grow up in poverty, and many more families continue to be deeply affected by the cost of living crisis and cannot afford to provide a special Christmas for their children.

That’s why we’ve been supporting local families this Christmas with our Selhurst Park Christmas Grotto for the third year running.

We invited 40 local families to Selhurst Park to meet Santa and his elves this week. They all received presents they otherwise wouldn’t get this year, as well as a £20 Aldi voucher for their family to help them towards their big Christmas shop.

However, there are more families that need our support.

“I am writing this message with immense joy and gratitude to express our sincere appreciation for the Christmas Shopping Voucher and Santa Gift that you generously provided to my son and the rest of the children from the school,” a parent of one of the Grotto recipients last year said. “Your thoughtful gesture brought overwhelming happiness to all and especially myself. The children loved the games, crafts and interacting with the cheerful and lovely volunteers.

56

donate to palace for life below

inside palace

“The voucher and Santa gift not only brightened our Christmas but also allowed us to share in the festive spirit with warmth and joy.

Your kindness has made a significant impact on our holiday season, and we are truly grateful for your generosity.

“The joy on my son’s face when he received the gifts was priceless.

Your commitment to spreading happiness and making a positive difference in the lives of families is truly commendable. We are fortunate to be recipients of your kindness, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for making our Christmas so special.

“Your support has not only provided material assistance but has also touched our hearts, reminding us of the kindness and compassion that can make the holiday season truly magical.”

Your support has not only provided material assistance but has also touched our hearts, reminding us of the kindness and compassion that can make the holiday season truly magical

57

If you have managed to save a few quid this year, there is still time to donate to help us make Christmas extra special for families next year, so more families can enjoy A South London Christmas. We really appreciate your support!

.

To help Palace for Life change the lives of more young people in South London, donate using the QR code.

58

100 years of selhurst park

59

100 years of selhurst park

100 YEARS OF Selhurst Park

As Selhurst Park celebrates its 100 th year during the 2024/25 campaign, club historian Ian King is looking back at a century of history from 1924 to the current day…

a

s you can see from this week’s front cover, which marks the ‘Big Freeze’ of 1963 which caused chaos up and down the country (more on that later), it’s the time of year to take a look at how the meteorological conditions change the games. More specifically, the threat of snow.

In years gone by, it was not unusual for games to start and continue with snow covering the pitch, and it was in these conditions 98 years ago that Palace played out

one of the most remarkable matches in Selhurst’s history, sharing 10 goals with Plymouth Argyle in a 5-5 thriller.

The terrible winter of 1947 took its toll on the footballing calendar.

Palace’s manager and players went home on the Friday night before a home game against Exeter convinced the match would be called off – but they failed to consider the resourcefulness of legendary groundsman Charlie Catlett (see the cover of our Liverpool matchday programme). Early on the Saturday

60

morning, Catlett corralled a group of German prisoners of war, and between them they cleared the snow from the pitch, painted the touchlines red, and allowed the game to go ahead. Palace repaid him by winning the game 1-0.

The winter of 1962-63 decimated the football calendar, both in the league and the cups, as game after game was called off due to blizzard conditions. Palace themselves had four home games postponed, although the break allowed new manager Dick

100 years of selhurst park

Palace take on Blackpool at a snowy Selhurst Park in December 1968.

Graham to use the time to coach his players, and when the weather improved Palace were transformed from relegation candidates to midtable finishers.

More cold weather arrived in 1968, when freezing temperatures in the capital affected games. One by one, fixtures began to be called off, but at Selhurst Park the referee was determined his game would go ahead.

The pitch was clearly icy, and so Palace and Blackpool skated around for 43 minutes as television crews from across London dashed to SE25 to ensure they had some action on film; just before half-time the officials realised their mistake, and the game was abandoned with the scores

in 1968, Palace and Blackpool skated around for 43 minutes. just before half-time the officials realised their mistake, and the game was abandoned with the scores level

level at 1-1. By the time the winter relented in February, Palace went on a 16-game unbeaten run and secured promotion to the top-flight for the very first time.

There were occasions when the club had to bow to the elements, as happened in January 1985. Despite the help of manager Steve Coppell and assistant Ian Evans in shifting the snow, they could not prevent a postponement against Brighton & Hove Albion. Just two years later, there was the spectacle of Alan Irvine skating over the frozen pitch to defeat Nottingham Forest in the cup, as snow began to fall during the game.

We can only hope for better conditions this year…

.

61

100 years of selhurst park

ian king’s Selhurst Squad

More than 900 players have graced the turf at Selhurst Park across a century of special memories, but who makes Ian King’s squad of the finest in each position?

n

icknamed ‘Ninja’ by the Palace fans for the brown headband he regularly wore to protect scar tissue, Wales international Eric Young arrived at Selhurst Park in the summer of 1990 for a sizeable fee, with some fans baulking at the amount handed over to Wimbledon for a 30-year-old who had started his career with Brighton & Hove Albion.

They were soon proved wrong.

Young resumed his partnership with former Dons defender Andy Thorn, and started in style by scoring on his debut at Luton Town, the first of three goals in the league that season. He was a regular inconvenience in the opponent’s

eric

Young position

nationality

Cb

penalty area with his six foot three inch frame, netting some important goals, like the winner against Liverpool at the Holmesdale in 1992.

He was magnificent in the centre of defence as the club finished third in the top-flight, the highest in our long history, and lifted the Zenith Data Systems Cup against Everton at Wembley in May 1991.

He had to miss the last three games of the season, after being taken out by Toffees’ defender Martin

62

Keown, but he was soon back and remained virtually ever-present for the following three seasons.

He was adding to his international caps all the while, establishing a new club record after making his 15th Wales appearance in 1993. During our 1993/94 titlewinning campaign, he played in all 51 league and cup games, alongside club and international teammate Chris Coleman.

Back in the Premier League, Alan Smith elected to partner Richard Shaw with Coleman, and the club suffered relegation. Young left for pastures new by joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, having passed 200 appearances for the club. He eventually returned to non-league football aged 41, before finally retiring.

100 years of selhurst park

m©carthy honourable paddy -

Mentions

Neil Warnock brought McCarthy to Palace from Charlton in 2008, but it would take two seasons for him to establish himself permanently in the heart of the defence. He was virtually ever-present in the Championship by 2010, before suffering a groin injury that would ultimately end his career.

He took up coaching in the Academy after retiring, and has since been a huge success, currently a part of Oliver Glasner’s first-team staff.

damien delaney Delaney was on the verge of quitting English football in favour of a move to the United States when Dougie Freedman signed him on an initial sixmonth deal in August 2012. He would end up staying at Selhurst Park for six years. He endeared himself to fans with his performances, more so for his emotions after the play-off final and his strike against Liverpool which kickstarted the ‘Crystanbul’ comeback.

james tomkins Having represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, Tomkins moved from West Ham to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2016. He soon impressed as an accomplished defender, staying for four seasons and developing a partnership with Mamadou Sakho. He continued to serve the club through various injuries – and excelled himself against our biggest rivals, with two of his final five goals coming against Brighton.

scott dann Dann arrived on deadline day in January 2014, as Tony Pulis bolstered his squad to rescue Palace from relegation danger and finish 11th. He would remain in SE25 for the next seven years, forming partnerships with Delaney, Sakho, Tomkins and Gary Cahill. He was the club’s Player of the Year in 2014/15, and took over the captaincy from Mile Jedinak in 2016.

Next ISSUE Ian King moves on to look at midfielders for his ultimate Selhurst 100 squad…

63

selhurst

Squad JOHN GK JACKSON

1964-1973

nigel gk martyn

1989-1996

RB

Paul HINSHELWOOD 1973-1983

rb

joel ward

2012-

kenny lb sansom

1975-1980

lb richard shaw

1987-1995

CB MEL BLYTH

1968–1974 1977-1978

cb jim cannon

1973-1988

cb eric young

1990-1995

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

?

..................... .....................

100 years of selhurst park

stories of Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park isn’t just a Premier League football ground, but the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, whose stories stretch back a century. Here, we hear from Roger Dickson – an iconic voice of Selhurst Park whose association with the ground now stretches back four decades…

t

his season is a special one for both myself (Roger Dickson) and Chris Winter, as we celebrate 40 continuous years of commentating from Selhurst Park – and, in my case, also from many grounds around the country.

It was in August 1962, with Palace’s season-opening match against Halifax Town, when broadcasts began from Selhurst Park to hospital patients at Croydon’s Mayday Hospital, now named Croydon University Hospital.

At this time, they were known as “Croydon Hospital Broadcasts”, made by four commentators: Roy Preston, Roy Topp, Steve Stuart and John Henty.

From a few seats at the back of the Main Stand in 1962, then later in 1965 to a new hut on top of the Park Road terracing, and organised

by Dick Graham, commentaries were sent via Post Office landlines to Croydon General, Queens Park and Mayday Hospitals.

With promotion in 1969 and the construction of the new Arthur Wait Stand, the then-Chairman himself provided a purpose-built commentary box situated in the back corner of the stand at the Whitehorse Lane end. Over the course of the following decade, Croydon Hospital Broadcasts became part of Radio Mayday, the seven-day-a-week broadcasting service at Mayday Hospital.

64

From 1984, Chris and I took over the running of the commentary service.

Using high-quality ISDN lines, links were developed to other Hospital Radio Stations over the country, enabling patients to follow matches when Palace played away, and also for supporters of teams playing at Selhurst Park to receive the commentaries in their own local hospitals across England.

The service continued to grow and in the 1990s, with the support of Selhurst Park’s groundsman, Bill Harrison, blind and partially sighted supporters were invited to attend home matches. Technical staff from Radio Mayday installed receivers and headsets on 12 seats in front of the commentary box, which were kindly

100 years of selhurst park

provided free of charge by the club. At this time, links were developed with Redhill School for the blind.

Through this service, Selhurst was also able to accommodate blind supporters from visiting teams, many of whom became regular visitors each season when their teams played away.

The arrival of Charlton Athletic as ground-sharers at Selhurst in September 1985 meant there was football coverage every week for hospital patients. Five years later, John Laughland and Graham Kendall took over as commentators for the home matches of another temporary resident of Selhurst Park, Wimbledon, and in the 90s and early 2000s, I organised a number of bucket collections before and after both Palace and Wimbledon matches in SE25 to help boost the Mayday funds.

Over the past 40 years, Chris and I have been joined on the microphone for short periods by Gary Stevens (from 1991-94); Terry Murrell (1995-97), who painstakingly painted the commentary box with red and blue stripes; and Chris Clark. More recently, Andy Bull has joined to become a regular third voice on the microphone.

In 1999, we both received a certificate from Club President Peter Morley to acknowledge 15 years of commentating. The 2012/13 season marked the 50th anniversary of match commentaries at Selhurst Park, with both John Henty and Roy Topp returning to the ground to join us on the pitch and receive an award from Eddie McGoldrick.

In 2016, Chris, Andy and I received the “Equality Award” presented by Steve Parish and in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was honoured to receive a “Disability Champion” award.

Sadly, in 2018, many hospital radio stations over the country closed down due lack of finances, coupled with the cost of bedside units increasing. This included the closure of Radio Mayday.

At a similar juncture, it was determined that the commentary box to that point would be demolished to make way for additional away supporters’ seats. We were instead provided with a new platform adjacent to the Press Box, from where our commentaries now continue via an internal loop, providing audio descriptive commentary for our

65

dedicated blind, partially sighted and disabled supporters.

This season, we are delighted that the club have introduced the “GiveVision” headsets for our partially sighted fans, which have greatly enhanced their view of the games thus far.

Away from the microphones, over the years, Chris has written and illustrated three books on Palace: A Biased Commentary (1969-1990) and its sequel, which covers 1990-2011; as well as the Complete Biased Commentary (1969 – 2021).

As for myself, I have collected every home and away league and cup programme from the past 74 years, along with match reports, and I also own 85 percent of all home and away reserve programmes! My hope is to one day donate these to the Palace Museum, planned for the new Main Stand development

.

Got a Selhurst story to tell?

Let us know by emailing selhurst100@cpfc.co.uk!

100 years of selhurst park

from the Archive

Three years ago, Yohan Cabaye spoke with the matchday programme after hanging up his boots for the final time. Now, as he is officially appointed the director of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, we look back at his memories – and his dream of a move to today’s opponents…

i

t’s clear from the outset that when it comes to football – and to life for that matter – Yohan Cabaye is a thinker.

The Frenchman, who retired after a 17 year career at the top level of European football, has a deep understanding of the game that he now wants to put to good use.

It’s why Cabaye has no intention of stepping back from the game that has dominated his every waking hour.

“I will love football all my life; that’s why I want to focus as quickly as I can on my future.

“I will miss the game days – it’s something special. You work all week for that special day. From the travel to the stadium when you walk up to the dressing room and you can see your shirt on the wall, and just to share something with the fans is special. The atmosphere in the dressing room I will miss.”

The only small regret was the breakdown of a potential move to Arsenal. “When I was young, in France we had English football because of Arsène Wenger,” he says, “and Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord.

“So of course when I was growing up, Arsenal was the team to watch. Of course when I had the small chance to go there, it was something special for me.

Unfortunately it didn’t work.”

After a spell with PSG he arrived in South London as Palace’s record signing, a tag he ignored. “I didn’t think about it when I signed, I was just excited to be back in the Premier League and to play again for Alan Pardew.”

After scoring on his debut, he helped Palace reach Wembley and the FA Cup final, a memory he still holds dear. The fans rewarded him with a song to the tune of Afroman’s Because I Got High. He sniggers when he remembers hearing it for the first time.

“I was laughing. I thought: ‘Wow, this is why English fans are the best. To find a song like this?

They are the best fans!’ I had three fantastic years there.”

Yohan Cabaye is a thinker, but most importantly, he’s a fan. He likes to talk about football, and he has never seen or learned enough. As our conversation draws to a close, he

66

I will love football all my life; that’s why I want to focus as quickly as I can on my future

says goodbye – but then jumps back in, this time with question for us, and that childlike enthusiasm is audible in his voice once again. “Will you be watching the game tonight?” And suddenly, we’re away…

.

100 years of selhurst park

Landlords…

Do you want a cash incentive and stress-free lettings?

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We are looking for properties across London and surrounding areas.

We have a range of attractive lettings services to tailor to your needs.

Join the scheme and you’ll receive a cash incentive alongside access to a range of other benefits.* Benefits include: • free support throughout the duration of the tenancy from highly experienced staff

• no fees • free photographic inventory • free tenancy agreement

*Subject to terms and conditions

Find out more and register your interest online: www.bromley.gov.uk/PrivateLandlords or contact our dedicated lettings team: t: 07738 752 580 e: landlords@bromley.gov.uk Image by Daniel Sikpi

67

west ham united

A family run business specialising in the manufacturing of ductwork, grilles and louvres.

To see our full list of poducts and services, kindly visit: www.ductworkdirect.co.uk or contact us at: julian.smith@ductworkdirect.co.uk TEL: 0208-691-9544 MOB: 07895 612544

Your Local Ductwork Specialists

Unlocking the power of pitches The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.

We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

68

Search Football Foundation to find out more

round-up

69

round-up

eagle arcade

10 letters MCGOLDRICK 8 letters ADEBAYOR

Another matchday is upon us at Selhurst Park, so it’s time to get your heads in the game – can you tackle all our tough teasers below?

7 letters CHAMAKH, FLAMINI, NKETIAH, LOKONGA, holding 6 letters wright, SANOGO, TURNER

wordfit Can you fit these 12 names to have played for both Arsenal and Palace into the puzzle?

5 letters upson 4 letters cole

s a n o g o

career ladder Guess the ex-Palace player based on their former clubs!

SPOT THE BALL Prove that you are eagle-eyed – which ball is the real one?

70

round-up

quiz-talpalace 1

What is Arsenal’s nickname?

2

What was Arsenal’s original full name?

today’s mascots juno vasey prediction: age: 6

3

Who is Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer, with 226 goals?

4

Which former Palace player is Arsenal’s secondhighest scorer?

5

Which season did Arsenal go unbeaten in the Premier League?

6

How many games is Arsenal’s record unbeaten run?

7

What was Arsenal’s old stadium called before they moved to the Emirates?

8

Who was Arsenal’s manager for 22 years from 1996 – 2018?

9

Who is Arsenal’s current club captain?

10

When did Arsenal reach the European Cup final – and who did they face?

2-0

riley murdoch prediction: age: 7

2-1

lewis johnson prediction: age: 9

2-0

jake pinto prediction: age: 10

2-1

lucia de silva prediction: age: 7

james wadey prediction:

Quiz: 1) The Gunners 2) Woolwich Arsenal 3) Thierry Henry 4) Ian Wright (185 goals) 5) 2003/04 6) 49 7) Highbury 8) Arsène Wenger 9) Martin Ødegaard 10) 2006, where they faced Barcelona Spot the Ball: B Career Ladder: Mathieu Flamini

age: 11

71

2-2

1-3

round-up

what’son?

Every day is a busy one at the Palace, from matchdays – men’s, women’s and Academy – to anniversaries, birthdays to events. Keep track of everything happening at the club right here…

palace √ arsenal

bournemouth √ palace

palace √ southampton

sat 21 dec | 17:30

thu 26 dec | 15:00

sun 29 dec | 15:00

premier league

premier league

premier league

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

palace √ chelsea

palace √ stockport

leicester √ palace

sat 04 jan | 15:00

sun 12 jan | 15:00

wed 15 jan | 19:30

premier league

emirates fa cup

premier league

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

To follow Palace’s Premier League clashes, the hunt for Academy silverware and our first season in the Women’s Super League, subscribe to Palace TV+ by scanning here:

72

round-up

The shortest day of the year.

Andros Townsend’s volley sees Palace beat Man City in five-goal thriller.

Jeff Schlupp turns 32.

saturday, 21 december

22 december, 2018

23 december

Dwight Gayle wins it in stoppage time at Villa Park.

Attilio Lombardo turns 59.

26 december, 2013

06 january

Jordan Ayew scores a last-minute wonder-goal to see off West Ham.

Dave Swindlehurst turns 69.

26 december, 2019

06 january

wednesday, 25 december

wednesday, 25 december

73

round-up

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

Happy 15th Birthday Daniel, wishing you a wonderful day lots of love Mum and Dad x

Happy Birthday Dad, Lots of Love Tom and Olly!

Happy Birthday to my dad Elton Maryon. He is a season ticket holder in the Main Stand. Hope you enjoy the game tonight. Lots of love, Kate xx

Happy 13th Birthday to Jack Martin, love Mum, Dad and Caitlyn xxx

74

Happy 34th birthday to lifelong Palace fan Peter Harrison. With love from all the family

round-up

Brian Greener 10/07/1936 – 16/11/2024. A dedicated fan his entire life. He went to many home and away matches over the years and never missed a game. He will be greatly missed by all.

A grand farewell, and thank you, to Will Robinson, our outstanding Club Journalist since 2020, and Programme Editor for the last two years. Thank you for all your hard work, and for all the memories, Will – and best of luck with your next adventure!

Happy 70th birthday to Gary Bateman love Maureen and family.

Alfie Atkins one of palace’s own, loved by everyone and anyone. He will be sorely missed. 2003-2024

Welcome to the club, Jack LaceyHatton! Jack joins Palace to take on the role of Editorial Executive & Programme Editor – good luck, Jack!

In loving memory of Christopher Hedley, born & brought up in Sydenham. He was a lifelong Palace fan and his nephews continue to support his favourite team. Come on the Eagles.

75

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard.

round-up

24/25 fixtures & results

ALL-TIME

may

april

mar

february

january

december

november

october

september

august

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card Date

Opposition

attendance/KICK-OFF

Sun 18

Brentford

16,988

L

1-2

Sat 24

West Ham United

25,099

L

0-2

17th

Tue 27

Norwich City

12,503

W

4-0

Second round

Sun 1

Chelsea

39,298

D

1-1

16th

Sat 14

Leicester City

25,124

D

2-2

16th

Tue 17

Queens Park Rangers

13,945

W

2-1

Third round

Sat 21

Manchester United

25,172

D

0-0

16th

Sat 28

Everton

38,954

L

1-2

18th

Sat 5

Liverpool

25,185

L

0-1

18th

Mon 21

Nottingham Forest

29,443

L

0-1

18th

Sun 27

Tottenham Hotspur

25,108

W

1-0

17th

Wed 30

Aston Villa

N/A

W

2-1

Fourth round

Sat 2

Wolverhampton Wanderers

29,505

D

2-2

17th

Sat 9

Fulham

25,142

L

0-2

18th

Sat 23

Aston Villa

42,175

D

2-2

19th

Sat 30

Newcastle United

25,101

D

1-1

17th

Tue 3

Ipswich Town

29,533

W

1-0

17th

Sat 7

Manchester City

25,142

D

2-2

16th

Sun 15

Brighton & Hove Albion

30,893

W

3-1

15th

Wed 18

Arsenal

N/A

L

2-3

Quarter-final

Sat 21

Arsenal

17:30

Thu 26

Bournemouth

15:00

Sun 29

Southampton

15:00

Sat 4

Chelsea

15:00

Sun 12

Stockport County

15:00

Wed 15

Leicester City

19:30

Sat 18

West Ham United

15:00

Sun 26

Brentford

14:00

Sun 2

Manchester United

14:00

Sat 15

Everton

17:30

Sat 22

Fulham

15:00

Tue 25

Aston Villa

20:00

Sat 8

Ipswich Town

15:00

Sat 15

Newcastle United

15:00

Wed 2

Southampton

19:45

Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Sat 12

Manchester City

15:00

Sat 19

Bournemouth

15:00

Sat 26

Arsenal

15:00

Sat 3

Nottingham Forest

15:00

Sat 10

Tottenham Hotspur

15:00

Sun 18

Wolverhampton Wanderers

15:00

Sun 25

Liverpool

16:00

palace Career Appearances palace Career goals

76

Result

Position 13th

Joel Ward Tyrick Mitchell Rob Holding Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Eberechi Eze Matheus França Daniel Muñoz Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 26 27 28 29 30 31 34 42 46 55 58 63 64

39 362 164

1

16 131 20 46 14 141 12 33 126 244 229 16 101 26 103 48 12 55 31

1

1

2

1

0

7

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

6

3

7

4

1

2

29

0

1

36 19

1

2

2

77

0

21

1

2

0

0

Asher Agbinone

Zach Marsh

Caleb Kporha

Justin Devenny

Franco Umeh

Kaden Rodney

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

Matt Turner

Naouirou Ahamada

Cheick Doucouré

Trevoh Chalobah

Chris Richards

Odsonne Edouard

Adam Wharton

Dean Henderson

round-up

round-up

table

week17

pos Club P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

sat 21 dec 12:30

1

15

11

3

1

31

13

18

36

villa park

2

16

10

4

2

37

19

18

34

3

16

8

6

2

29

15

14

30

sat 21 dec 15:00

4

16

8

4

4

21

19

2

28

5

16

8

3

5

28

23

5

27

6

16

7

4

5

24

21

3

25

7

16

7

4

5

24

25

-1

25

8

16

6

6

4

24

22

2

24

9

16

6

6

4

26

25

1

24

10

16

7

2

7

36

19

17

23

11

16

7

2

7

32

30

2

23

12

16

6

5

5

23

21

2

23

13

16

6

4

6

21

19

2

22

14

16

5

4

7

21

29

-8

19

15

16

3

7

6

17

21

-4

16

sun 22 dec 14:00

16

15

3

6

6

14

21

-7

15

king power stadium

17

16

3

5

8

21

34 -13

14

sun 22 dec 14:00

18

16

2

6

8

16

28 -12

12

old trafford

19

16

2

3

11

24

40 -16

9

sun 22 dec 16:30

20

16

1

2

13

11

36 -25

5

tottenham hotspur stadium

gtech community stadium

sat 21 dec 15:00 portman road

sat 21 dec 15:00 london stadium

sat 21 dec 17:30 selhurst park

sun 22 dec 14:00 goodison park

sun 22 dec 14:00 craven cottage

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Tuesday, 17th December.

nextthree

home away

thu 26 dec 15:00

sun 29 dec 15:00

sat 04 jan 15:00

vitality stadium

selhurst park

selhurst park

78

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 26 27 28 30 31 34 42 46 55 58 63 64

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Joel WARD Tyrick MITCHELL Rob HOLDING Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Ebere EZE Matheus FRANÇA Daniel MUÑOZ Jean-Philippe MATETA Jeffrey SCHLUPP Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Chris RICHARDS Trevoh CHALOBAH Cheick DOUCOURÉ Matt TURNER (GK) Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Kaden RODNEY Franco UMEH Justin DEVENNY Caleb KPORHA Zach MARSH Asher AGBINONE

arsenal f.c.

S. Hooper A. Holmes S. Long O. Langford M. Salisbury S. Meredith

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 29 30 32 33 36 41 46 47 49 51 53 76 92

William SALIBA Kieran TIERNEY Ben WHITE Thomas PARTEY GABRIEL Magalhães Bukayo SAKA Martin ØDEGAARD Gabriel JESUS Gabriel MARTINELLI Jurriën TIMBER Jakub KIWIOR Oleksandr ZINCHENKO Takehiro TOMIYASU Leandro TROSSARD JORGINHO David RAYA (GK) Mikel MERINO Kai HAVERTZ Raheem STERLING NETO (GK) Riccardo CALAFIORI Tommy SETFORD (GK) Declan RICE Ismeal KABIA Maldini KACURRI Myles LEWIS-SKELLY Josh NICHOLS Ethan NWANERI Ayden HEAVEN Jack PORTER (GK)

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