Crystal Palace √ arsenal
sun 30 mar 2025 | 2:00pm kick-off
it’s matchday
Hello and welcome to a very special matchday at the VBS Community Stadium, where Palace Women are taking on Arsenal, kicking off at 14:00 BST!
Today we face the 15-time champions of England in front of a club-record crowd at Sutton, with every voice vital in roaring the Eagles on in a crucial London derby!
Sunday’s game is set to be jam-packed with activities and entertainment, and with the Fanzone opening earlier at 12:00 (two hours before K.O.), there’s plenty to enjoy.
We also have some amazing prices on offer in our matchday raffle: win a pair of signed boots from Indiah-Paige Riley; a signed EAFC 25 Ultimate Team Card from Ashleigh Weerden; or a 2024/25 Palace Women home shirt, signed by the team!
What’s more, as part of Green Football’s Great Save, we are taking part in an ecofriendly initiative to promote sustainability in football, so bring your unwanted kit and boots to the collection point in the Fanzone.
Then, as the action draws near, get behind the team – and be loud, be proud… be Palace!
leif smerud
Welcome to Sutton. Today matters.
arecord crowd. A big opponent. A chance to take another step forward together.
Since I arrived at Crystal Palace Women, I’ve spoken about fighting – every day, every game. Fighting for progress. For each other. For the badge. Today is no different.
We’re at the start of something, and we’re aware of where we are. Results will come when we do the
everyday work – and the response in the group, the willingness to work, and the desire to fight has been clear from day one.
Last time here, we earned our first home win. Not perfect, but a proud moment – made better by the energy in the stands. That connection fuels us.
The Everton match didn’t go our way, and the scoreline didn’t reflect the full story. But we kept fighting. We had chances, saw players return, and stayed together. That matters.
with your support, we go stronger. You lift us. You push us. Today, make it loud. Make it ours. We’re early in the process, but the direction is clear. Let’s take another step
Since I arrived at Crystal Palace Women, I’ve spoken about fighting –every day, every game. Fighting for progress. For each other. For the badge. Today is no different
Today’s visitors are a top side, full of experience and quality. We know what we’re up against – but we’re not here to admire. We’re here to compete. With discipline, belief, and that same fight that defines us.
And with your support, we go stronger. You lift us. You push us. Today, make it loud. Make it ours.
We’re early in the process, but the direction is clear. Let’s take another step.
Up the Palace.
Leif
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aimee everett
Hello Palace fans, and welcome back to the VBS Community Stadium for what is set to be a massive occasion for this Football Club.
with a record-breaking crowd expected at Sutton, this is a moment for all of us – players, staff, and fans – to come together and make it a day to remember.
It’s tough missing games, but at the same time, it’s given me a different perspective. I’ve been able to see just how much effort and commitment this team puts in every day, and I’ve felt the support from the fans even when I haven’t been playing. That means a lot.
Our last home game here at Sutton against Aston Villa was a huge moment for us. To get that first home win of the season was so important, and to do it in the manner we did –scoring three great goals and playing with confidence – was brilliant to see. Even from the sidelines, you could feel the belief growing in the squad, and more importantly, you could hear the energy coming from the stands.
That’s why today is so exciting – because with even more of you here, we know how much of a difference you can make. That game against Villa showed that when we play with aggression, discipline, and togetherness, we are more than capable of competing at this level. It’s
something we want to build on, and we need that same energy from you again today.
Of course, last weekend’s result at Everton was disappointing. We wanted to go there and build on our recent performances, but we came up against a well-organised side who punished us at key moments.
That’s football – sometimes you don’t get what you feel you deserve. But what’s important is that we learn from it and keep moving forward. There were still positives to take. We had some key players returning from injury, which is a big boost for the squad, and there were moments where we showed real quality in our attacking play. We know we’re improving, and we have to take that belief into today’s game.
Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in world football, and we know the quality they have. Players like Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly have played on the biggest stages and won the biggest trophies. We’re under no illusions about the challenge ahead, but we also know that football isn’t played on paper – it’s played out there on the pitch, over 90 minutes, and anything can happen.
We’ve shown this season that we can compete, and we have to believe in what we’re capable of. We need to be disciplined, aggressive, and brave. We need to trust each other, work for each other, and make sure that when we leave the pitch today, we’ve given everything.
And we need you, the fans. The fact that over 2,000 of you have already bought tickets for today’s match is incredible. This will be our biggest-ever home crowd here at Sutton, and we need you to be loud, to get behind us, and to make the atmosphere electric.
It’s moments like this that make all the hard work worth it. To play in front of a record-breaking crowd, against one of the top teams in the league, is what football is all about. Let’s make it a day to remember – let’s embrace the challenge, give everything we’ve got, and make you proud.
Up the Palace!
Aimee
last time out
Crystal Palace Women’s recent match against Everton ended in a 3-0 defeat at Walton Hall Park.
manager Leif Smerud adjusted the team’s formation to a 4-4-2 shape, with Katie Stengel and Clarissa Larisey leading the Palace attack.
The Eagles started the game assertively, creating early opportunities. In the seventh minute, Ashleigh Weerden’s snapshot inside the box was saved by Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan. Shortly after, Larisey’s direct run into the penalty area caused problems for the Everton defence, but the hosts managed to clear the danger.
Despite Palace’s promising start, Everton took the lead in the 43 rd minute when Justine Vanhaevermaet headed in from a corner. The hosts doubled their advantage immediately after halftime, with Sara Holmgaard nodding home a cross from Kelly Gago in the 46 th minute.
Palace sought to respond quickly. In the 48th minute, Stengel was fouled on the approach to the box, leading to a penalty being initially awarded. However, after consulting with the fourth official,
the referee reversed the decision and awarded possession back to Everton.
The Eagles continued to press forward. In the 65 th minute, Larisey raced towards goal and delivered a dangerous ball across the box, but no Palace player was in position to convert the chance. Sustained pressure in the 73 rd minute resulted
in a quality corner delivery, yet it failed to find a Palace target.
As the match approached its conclusion, Everton scored their third goal in the fifth minute of injury time. Gago raced in behind the Palace defence and finished clinically beyond goalkeeper Shae Yañez to condemn the Eagles to defeat.
everton √ palace Saturday 22nd March
“Even though it doesn’t look like it on the scoreboard, it was quite a close game.
“But they scored first from a set-piece, and we faced their diamond midfield today, which forced us into adjustments that are difficult to make in play with a new team.
“Then they got the second goal just after half-time, which made things more difficult for us. But we had some good chances as well, and I think it’s important not to go too far down emotionally.
“There are things we did better in this game than we have before, and there are things we still need to improve. We are building and continuing in that process.”
arsenal f.c.
SLEGERS’ ARSENAL REVOLUTION
Taking over from Jonas Eidevall in October last year, Renée Slegers has so far steered the Gunners to an impressive 19 wins in 24 games. Slegers, a former Netherlands international with 55 caps, enjoyed a successful playing career before transitioning into coaching, where she led FC Rosengård to consecutive league titles.
the gunners 1987
LONDON’S LIONESSES
Arsenal boast a strong contingent of England internationals, with Leah Williamson, Lotte WubbenMoy, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead all playing crucial roles for both club and country. With their wealth of experience and leadership, Arsenal’s England internationals step up when it matters most.
EMIRATES EXCELLENCE
Arsenal Women have continued their journey at Emirates Stadium, playing several key fixtures each season at the venue. The increased exposure and support from record-breaking crowds have reinforced their position as pioneers in the women’s game. The club’s commitment to growing its fanbase and showcasing elite-level women’s football remains stronger than ever.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Arsenal Women boast an unrivalled history in English football, with multiple WSL titles and FA Cups to their name. Their dominance throughout the years has cemented them as one of the most successful clubs in the game. With a squad filled with international talent, they continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the WSL.
Alessia Russo has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, leading the line with her sharp movement, strength, and finishing ability. The England international and former Manchester United player has delivered in key moments, linking up brilliantly with her attacking teammates and proving to be a constant threat in front of goal. Her ability to turn games in Arsenal’s favour makes her a player to watch in this matchup.
“We need to push. We can do whatever we can do. If the opposition slips, we
R. Slegers
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Crystal palace f.c. arsenal f.c.
Katrine VEJE
Fliss GIBBONS
Chloe ARTHUR
Aimee
Lexi
Milla-Maj MAJASAARI (GK)
Indiah-Paige RILEY
Clarissa LARISEY
Mille GEJL
Lily WOODHAM
Shanade HOPCROFT
Aniek NOUWEN
Abbie LARKIN
Katie STENGEL
Allyson SWABY
Shae YAÑEZ (GK) Annis-Clara
(GK)
E. Heaslip
D. Middleton H. Gardner
A. Fearn
Manuela ZINSBERGER (GK)
Emily FOX
Lotte WUBBEN-MOY
Laia CODINA
Leah WILLIAMSON
Steph CATLEY
Mariona CALDENTEY
Beth MEAD
Kim LITTLE
Katie McCABE
Frida MAANUM
Lia WALTI
Daphne VAN DOMSELAAR (GK)
Rosa KAFAJI
Lina HURTIG
Caitlin FOORD
Victoria PELOVA
Jenna NIGHSWONGER
Alessia RUSSO
Stina BLACKSTENIUS
Amanda ILESTEDT
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
(GK)
