Crystal Palace v Aston Villa 2526 programme

contents

Crystal Palace √ aston villa wed 07 jan 2026 | 7:30pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, Woody Johnson Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Financial Officer Mitesh Velani Chief Operating Officer Jonty Castle Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright General Counsel David Nichol Head of Football Operations Karl Ecclestone Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Laura Baptiste Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

06 08 12

25 10 chairman 34 Talking tactics

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Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer Contributors Robin Johnson,

43 Kevin Phillips 48 academy 52 palace women 58 international eagles

Ed Dowling, Joe Turner, Kevin Phillips, Ian King, Tommy

62 ian king

Macarthur, Patrick Rosanio, Sebastian Frej Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

67 Behind the Lens

70

72 Eagle Arcade 74 from the terraces

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04

briefing

weekly briefing

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On this day 07 january 2006

Leasing.com Stadium

Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this evening’s match against Aston Villa.

After tonight’s game, Palace will turn attentions towards Saturday’s FA Cup tie, where we enter as holders for the first time, heading to National League North side Macclesfield FC for a 12:15 GMT kick-off in the third-round.

For those without a ticket, the game will be shown live on both BBC One (and BBC iPlayer) as well as TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+.

It starts a big month of cup football across the club. Jo Potter’s Women’s team travel to Chelsea in the

fourth-round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup the following Saturday (17th, 12:30 GMT).

A win would send the Eagles into the last 16, just one round away from matching last season’s run to the quarter-finals. At the time of writing, tickets are still available – head to www.cpfc.co.uk/tickets to secure your seat at Kingsmeadow.

And in the FA Youth Cup, Palace Under-18s will head north for an away tie against Newcastle United. Javier Alonso’s side travel to Whitley Park on Thursday, 22nd January, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

jan

jan

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Palace Women √ Sheffield United (A)

UEFA Conference League play-off draw

Palace women √ Chelsea (A)

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jan

05

Palace progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup after avoiding a giant-killing with a comfortable 4-1 win over Northampton Town.

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Unai Emery and his Aston Villa players and staff for tonight’s game.

S

unday’s match at Newcastle was obviously a disappointing result. We competed and defended well for the majority of the game, but then we were let down by conceding from set-pieces. In the Premier League where the margins are tight, this makes a big difference. We know this is an area we need to correct and will do so. As I said after the game it is my responsibility, along with my staff, to give the players better solutions so they feel more confident defending these situations. You can’t fault the players for effort, spirit, or the way we are playing. The performances have been quite good, given the number of players we are missing, but we aren’t getting the rewards right now.

I’m delighted to be able to welcome Brennan Johnson to the club. The fact he has arrived so early in the window will really help the group this month, as well as for the rest of the season. Credit to everyone for working together and making it happen so quickly. Even after a very short time since he arrived, I can see what he will bring to the team. In his debut against Newcastle, he offered us a different attacking option and

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In the Premier League where the margins are tight, this makes a big difference. We know this is an area we need to correct and will do so. As I said after the game it is my responsibility

Manager

We have felt the support in our last few games both at Selhurst Park and away from home. Everyone appreciates the players are giving their best every time and I know it will be the same tonight

gave a good performance, particularly after minimal time on the training pitch with the rest of the team. I’m sure he will prove a valuable addition for us going forward.

Tonight represents another big challenge as we take on an Aston Villa team who are in the Champions League places. But we know how to prepare for them and what it will take to get a result. Unai Emery has

We met them four times last season, so we know their team and their approach well.

We managed to have some success against them during that time because we had belief and confidence in our gameplan

done an excellent job there over the last few seasons and they play with a very clear structure. We met them four times last season, so we know their team and their approach well.

We managed to have some success against them during that time because we had belief and confidence in our gameplan.

As I said after the Fulham game last week, it’s been a challenging first-half of the season. However, in almost all of our games we’ve been competitive and close to winning the game or taking a point. So overall, the progress and development of the squad is on track.

We have felt the support in our last few games both at Selhurst Park and away from home. Everyone appreciates the players are giving their best every time and I know it will be the same tonight. If we stay calm, patient, and stick to our plan, with your belief and support, I am confident we can put in a good performance.

Thanks, as ever, for your support and I look forward to seeing you all this evening

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07

Captain

marc Guéhi Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this evening’s Premier League game against Aston Villa. We’re looking forward to producing a strong team performance in front of you all tonight.

I

would like to start by thanking all of you who made the long trip up to Newcastle on Sunday.

Your support, whether it’s here at Selhurst Park, on the road, or across Europe this season, is always hugely appreciated by all of us. But seeing so many up in the away end on a freezing winter’s weekend meant a lot. Obviously, we were all disappointed with the result in the changing room. We stuck to our gameplan and created some good opportunities when the score was level. Unfortunately set-plays have let us down recently and cost us the chance to bring some points back. We know they’re a massive part of the game, particularly this season, so we’re all working hard to put that right over the coming days.

After tonight’s game against Villa, we have an FA Cup tie away at Macclesfield to look forward to on Saturday. We’ll take huge pride in entering the competition as current holders and once again the FA Cup will be high on our agenda. Obviously, it’ll be a very different challenge going away to

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i would like to start by thanking all of you who made the long trip up to Newcastle on Sunday. Your support, whether it’s here at Selhurst Park, on the road, or across Europe this season, is always hugely appreciated

Captain

A warm welcome to Brennan who made his debut in the game at Newcastle after joining us last week. Having played against him a number of times, I know he’ll bring a huge amount of quality and energy to our team. We’re all delighted to have him alongside us in the changing room

a non-league club, but that’s what the cup is all about. We know that they will want to put on a strong performance and we recognise that we’ll need to treat them with respect and be at our best from the off.

A warm welcome to Brennan who made his debut in the game at Newcastle after joining us last week. Having played against him a number of times, I know he’ll bring a huge amount of quality and energy to our team. We’re all delighted to have him alongside us in the changing room.

Tonight, we welcome Aston Villa to South London. They are clearly having another excellent season, challenging at the very top of the Premier League. But we showed last season that we have the ability to get a result against them. With your support from the stands behind us, I’m confident we can return to winning ways.

Night games at Selhurst Park always have a special atmosphere, whatever the weather, and I know you’ll help us make that happen again. I hope you enjoy the game

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They are clearly having another excellent season, challenging at the very top of the Premier League.

But we showed last season that we have the ability to get a result against them. With your support from the stands behind us, I’m confident we can return to winning ways

chairman

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

W

hilst it was a disappointing result against Newcastle on Sunday, following a solid point against Fulham at home, it was great to see such a tremendous away following on the road. In freezing conditions, not long after the Christmas period, so many of you made the journey for one of our longest away days of the season. The support to the team was loud and proud throughout.

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace after he joined us from Tottenham last week. As I said after his arrival, we feel South London is the perfect environment for Brennan to continue his already impressive journey.

He’s a young, exciting attacking player with so much of his career in front of him. We’re delighted he’s decided to join us and I know you’ll all give him a proper Selhurst Park welcome this evening, should he make his home debut. I’m sure his signing will give everyone a boost and, as we saw at Newcastle, he has settled in quickly.

A reminder that our Women’s team return to action following their winter break next Monday with a trip to Sheffield United in the Women’s

10

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace after he joined us from Tottenham last week. As I said after his arrival, we feel South London is the perfect environment

Chairman

it’s a great opportunity for the team to show what they’re all about against one of the in-form sides in the Premier League.

Aston Villa were regular opponents last season and we’ve had some great memories from this fixture in recent years

Super League 2. They then have a third meeting in as many seasons with holders Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup to look forward to the following weekend. Jo’s team went on an excellent run before Christmas, winning five out of their last six matches, with the only defeat in that sequence coming against European Champions Arsenal in the League Cup.

Jo’s team went on an excellent run before Christmas, winning five out of their last six matches, with the only defeat in that sequence coming against European Champions Arsenal in the League Cup

It’s really important the team maintain this momentum into the New Year, so please do get down to Sutton or on the road away from home and support them if you can.

Best of luck to Ismaïla and his Senegal national team as the African Cup of Nations reaches the knockout stage this week. Senegal face Mali in Tangier in the quarter-finals on Friday and I’m sure he’ll once again do the club proud.

Turning attention towards today, it’s a great opportunity for the team to show what they’re all about against one of the in-form sides in the Premier League. Aston Villa were regular opponents last season and we’ve had some great memories from this fixture in recent years – particularly, of course, at Wembley last April.

Hopefully we can make this another one to remember. As always, I urge you to throw everything you have behind Oliver’s team.

Up the Palace

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NATHANIEL

Nathaniel Clyne was yet to start a Premier League game in 2025/26 before last month’s win over Fulham. Since that day he has laid down a reminder of what a consistent operator he is. In today’s feature interview, he discusses that game and his adjustment to the role of wing-back...

Interview: Jack Lacey-Hatton

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nathaniel clyne

F

ootballers are all about rhythm. After all routine breeds consistency.

It’s why superstitions are so common amongst professionals, or at least they were before more started to look at the actual data, and less at which shin pad they must put on first.

When you are playing week in, week out in the Premier League, it’s the expectation that you are as close to the top of your game as possible.

But when you haven’t been playing regularly, that sharpness, that rhythm obtained from all those matches isn’t there.

It’s never an easy situation to be in.

So, when Nathaniel Clyne stepped into the Palace starting XI for last month’s trip to Fulham, he had to utilise every bit of previous experience built up over his career.

“It was always going to be a tough game anyway,” Clyne tells us on a cold morning at Copers Cope.

“But from my personal perspective, having not started a Premier League game in…(Clyne does the mental arithmetic required) eight months I think, it wasn’t easy.

“I just wanted to be back up to speed as quickly as possible. In that scenario you just want to get your first few touches out of the way and build into the game.

“I managed to do that and fitness-wise I felt okay. That’s the other thing in your mind when you’ve not played for a while.

“Overall, I think I coped really well.”

That’s probably an understatement.

NATHANIEL I just wanted to be back up to speed as quickly as possible.

In that scenario you just want to get your first few touches out of the way and build into the game.

I managed to do that and fitness-wise I felt okay. That’s the other thing in your mind when you’ve not played for a while.

Overall, I think I coped really well

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Clyne has always displayed a humble approach ever since he made his debut in his first spell in South London, back in 2008.

In the right wing-back role, replacing the injured Daniel Muñoz, who had scored the winner just four days earlier at Burnley, the 34-yearold was excellent.

Palace won 2-1, thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guéhi, but it was Clyne who stole the show according to Manager Oliver Glasner.

“Today, honestly the Man of the Match for me is Nathaniel Clyne,” Glasner said after the win. “He didn’t play for months now.

“Performing like this with no real team training, always training in a group of eight, then showing this performance is huge credit to him.

“It shows what a great player he is and what a great person he is.”

Chris richards

15

we keep the standards high 16

nathaniel clyne High praise indeed. What’s even more remarkable is that Clyne didn’t have long to prepare, he only learnt himself the day before the game.

“During the last training session,” he says. “We tend to setup in our starting team. So I gauged from that I’d be in.

“The night before the Manager confirmed it.

“But I think the training sessions really helped me feel up to speed. I could only perform like I did because of those.

“The intensity we have in training. The demands the staff put on us to perform. Only that intensity and hard work means your body can cope with that situation.”

Regardless of numbers in the session or when he last played a full game, Clyne clearly expects to put the work in.

This is also a player who has played for his country and trained with some incredible players over the course of his career.

So how does the current Palace set-up compare?

“It is right up there,” Clyne reflects. “Even when we have a second day recovery session and the players who played are not training because they’re doing their own recovery, it’s still got that intensity.

“I’ve been at other clubs with other managers and in that scenario, they’ll let the players that haven’t played take their foot off the gas a bit.

“It’s fair to say that doesn’t’ happen here,” he laughs. “Here we keep the standards high and I think that even when there is a session with smaller numbers, it’s still just as

I think the training sessions really helped me feel up to speed. I could only perform like I did because of those.

The intensity we have in training. The demands the staff put on us to perform.

Only that intensity and hard work means your body can cope with that situation

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demanding as when the full squad are involved.”

Not that there has been much time to train recently, of course.

That win at Fulham was the second of nine games played in less than a month – or 29 days to be exact.

The UEFA Conference League is one factor in that, the extra workload part and parcel of winning trophies following last season’s FA Cup win.

Clyne has played his part, rested for the KuPS draw due to it’s proximity to the Leeds fixture, but involved in every other matchday squad for the league phase.

It’s a far cry from his first spell at Selhurst Park from 2008-2012.

Back then Championship survival and administration were the main priorities for the club. Now in 2026,

nathaniel clyne it’s about making Palace a force on the continent and winning more trophies.

“Playing European football, it definitely feels extra special that it’s with Palace,” adds Clyne.

“The fact it’s the first time in the club’s history as well, you can feel that. You know it means a lot to the supporters.

“It’s great we can all travel abroad together and compete on that big stage.

“And I think we’re adapting well to it. A few of the lads have obviously played in Europe before, but also quite a few haven’t.

“It’s very demanding playing in the Premier League and then having a European trip, doing all the travelling so the team deserve credit for dealing with it and the staff as well for organising us and making sure we’re as prepared as we possibly can be.

“Hopefully we can make a good run in the competition and try and win it. That has to be the aim.”

During a frantic period, Clyne has continued to step up and deliver for Palace and – not the first time – shown himself to be a dependable member of this squad.

In the rematch with Fulham at Selhurst Park in our last home game, he produced the Eagles’ best moment.

Showing fabulous footwork out on the right, Clyne got beyond Antonee Robinson and delivered a perfect cross for Jean-Philippe Mateta to head into the net. Simply put, it was excellent wing-back play.

In the majority of his appearances since Oliver Glasner

It’s great we can all travel abroad together and compete on that big stage. And I think we’re adapting well to it. A few of the lads have obviously played in Europe before, but also quite a few haven’t. It’s very demanding playing in the Premier League and then having a European trip, doing all the travelling so the team deserve credit for dealing with it

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first arrived in 2024, Clyne has played in the back three.

But he is now showing the capacity to contribute at both ends, in attack and defence.

“It’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve played that role,” he reflects. “At least in terms of playing there regularly.

“I’d played the position before, but that was often when a manager was tinkering with a formation, not a set formation throughout the season.

“It is a little bit different.

When you’re out wide with the ball, you don’t really have someone to combine with.

“For someone like me, who is a defender, you’ve naturally got to be more attack-minded. Your fitness levels have to be as high as possible, so it’s not easy!

feels extra special that it’s with Palace 19

you never know when it’s going to stop 20

nathaniel clyne “It’s more demanding than playing at full-back.

“But I’m enjoying it – it’s a lot of fun. You’ve got to contribute and be involved in the attacking phases of play more and every player wants that.”

Clyne, at the time of writing, hasn’t scored since returning, but came close in that first game against Fulham… only to not quite make the right connection when the ball came to him in the penalty area.

“It’s fair to say I had a few sleepless nights after that,” he laughs. “A lot of messages from friends saying I should have scored.

“It would have been the perfect time to score. But it did fall awkwardly on the ankle of my left foot. So I can’t blame myself too much.

“Hopefully the next time I get a chance with that sort of opportunity I’ll score,” he pauses… “or at least hit the target!”

Whether a goal comes or not, Clyne knows, through his 18-year experience as a professional, he needs to, first and foremost, just enjoy the moment.

When asked if he has any 2026 New Year’s Resolutions, he says: “I just want to continue what I’m doing.

Stay fit, keep on enjoying playing football.

“Because you never know when it’s going to stop.

“I just want to stay fit and try and be as successful as possible.”

And could that include winning another a trophy?

Despite achieving plenty over the course of his professional career so far, Clyne ranks last season’s FA

It’s definitely top of what I’ve achieved, I have been in a lot of tournaments and a lot of finals, where I haven’t crossed the line or had the trophy at the end of it.

So to lift the FA Cup was rewarding. I was relieved to get that win over the line, but to get a trophy with the club where I came through the Academy, it meant a lot

Cup win as his favourite day in the sport.

“It’s definitely top of what I’ve achieved,” he adds. “I have been in a lot of tournaments and a lot of finals, where I haven’t crossed the line or had the trophy at the end of it.

“So to lift the FA Cup was rewarding. I was relieved to get that win over the line, but to get a trophy with the club where I came through the Academy, it meant a lot.”

Clyne is known for his tattoos of London landmarks, a personal tribute to his home city. Could some future ‘ink’ be dedicated to the FA Cup or Community Shield wins?

“I think I’ll wait until the end of my career,” Clyne says. “Hopefully before then I can win a few more and put it all together.”

Considering the last 12 months at Crystal Palace, that sounds like a wise decision

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captain

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follow-up

staff selection

with nathaniel clyne

Everybody knows a footballer’s best position on the pitch – but what if they took on an alternative role off it? Here is Nathaniel Clyne’s ideal backroom team – from his teammates…

manager

Analyst

Player Care Manager

There’s a few contenders, I’ll go with Daichi Kamada

Hughesy

Marc Guéhi

Fitness coach

Club chef

Social Media Manager

Daniel Muñoz – just has to be

JP – he always seems to be in the kitchen at the training ground!

Eddie Nketiah

Commentator

scout

referee

I’m really not sure for this… Chris [Richards].

I’ll give it to Borna Sosa

Maxence Lacroix. Always vocal in training games!

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25

aston villa

aston

villa f.c.

Unai Emery has worked wonders at Villa Park since arriving 2022 and once again has Aston Villa firmly in the mix for the Champions League places after a fine first-half of 2025/26 – could they even have a chance of the title?

this season Position

3rd

Points

42

Season so far

Top Scorer

After missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification on the final day of last season, Villa initially had a belowpar start to the campaign.

A 3-0 defeat to Palace in the reverse fixture of today’s game left them with just one point from their opening three games and looking far from title contenders.

Deadline day arrivals of Jadon Sancho, Victor Lindelöf and Harvey Elliott gave them a lift, and a first win belatedly arrived in matchweek six – a 3-1 win over Fulham.

Morgan Rogers / Ollie Watkins

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home

Wins over Wolves and Brighton followed before Emiliano Buendia’s dramatic 95th minute winner defeated Arsenal 2-1 and Villa moved within three points of the Gunners at the top of the league.

Emery showed his ability to change a game with substitutes in their first game after Christmas, when introducing Ollie Watkins from the bench, who promptly scored a double in a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea.

Despite defeat at Arsenal three days later, Villa enter 2026 as one of the in-form teams in the league.

Emery will also be hoping to lead his side to European glory, in a competition he has previously won four times. Villa sit third in the Europa League table after five wins from their opening six games.

5

away

Since getting that first three points, Villa’s form has been the best in the league. Back-to-back victories away at Tottenham and then at home to Manchester City put the rest of the league on notice that Emery's men were back to their best.

They lost at Anfield in their next game, but followed that up with another outstanding run.

Four different goalscorer found the net in a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth, before a Morgan Rogers double in their next game saw Villa win away at Leeds.

Morgan Rogers

third

Surge in form

7

Most Assists

aston villa

3-1 aston villa √ forest

“We needed rest and work to get ready for this match. The players responded fantastically to the demands we set. We needed to score one goal when we had chances to do so.

The key was that we didn't concede a clear transition.”

Unai Emery

Saturday, 3rd January 2026 / Villa Park

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Substitutes

watkins

40

m. bizot

10

26

l. bogarde

buendia

71

T. Carroll

12

l. digne

7

27

m©ginn

rogers

8

44

Tielemans

kamara

16

andres garcia

53

g. hemmings

22

3

4

2

20

j. jimoh-aloba

maatsen

Lindelöf

konsa

cash

17

d. malen

19

j. sancho

goal cards

23 Martínez subs

WHAT HAPPENED Ollie Watkins continued his remarkable run of form, while John McGinn scored twice as Aston Villa eased past Nottingham Forest.

Villa were well beaten at Arsenal in their previous outing, but never looked likely to miss out on a return to winning ways against a careless Forest.

Watkins’ fourth goal in three games helped earn Villa an 11th straight home win, a best run for the club in 36 years, and the best possible response to the loss at Arsenal four days previously.

The win means Villa in still in with an outside chance of a run at the title as we head towards the second half of this Premier League season.

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aston villa

a SEASON TO REMEMBER A look back at one of our opponents most iconic campaigns of all time. In this issue we look at when Villa became kings of Europe…

aston villa 1981/82 After an incredible, and unexpected, league title win in 1980/81, Aston Villa embarked on a first ever campaign in UEFA’s elite competition – then known as the European Cup. Their story that season was rarely dull and always eventful. Domestically it was not a particularly successful season.

Rather than being in the mix to retain their title, instead Villa were off the pace and in the bottom half of the league for much of the year.

They ultimately finished 11th, losing as many league games as they won – 15.

Exits in both the League Cup and FA Cup came at the fifth-round stage.

However, this season would go down in club history because of Europe. Just as another English club, Chelsea in the 2011/12 season, did 30 years later, Villa saved their best performances for the European Cup. Icelandic side Valur and German club Dynamo Berlin were seen off over two legs in rounds one and two with minimal fuss.

But by the quarter-final stage, when the competition was truly hotting up and Villa faced Dynamo Kyiv, a new manager was in the dugout.

After leading the club to the title the previous year, as well as two League Cups during his time in charge, Ron Saunders left the club in February following a disagreement with the Villa board.

“If I’m employed to run a football club, then I’m not an office boy,” Saunders complained at the time, although it was later believed that the main issue revolved around his contract.

His assistant Tony Barton was promoted to the role of manager and immediately oversaw a turnaround in fortunes.

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Villa won seven out of Barton’s first 12 league games in charge, but more importantly he oversaw a 2-0 victory of Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg at Villa Park to book a semi-final place.

When a Tony Morley first leg winner was enough to see off Belgian champions Anderlecht in the last four, Villa suddenly had a date with destiny in Rotterdam against Bayern Munich.

Few gave them a chance, particularly after such a chaotic season.

But they would produce a performance of defiance to frustrate the German powerhouses.

aston villa

When goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer went off with a neck injury just nine minutes in and was replaced by Nigel Spink – a youngster who had made just one previous first team appearance – supporters who had made the trip could have been forgiven for fearing the worst.

But instead, Spink produced one of the great goalkeeping displays, denying Bayern’s talented strike pairing of Dieter Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on multiple occasions.

Then with 67 minutes on the clock came the match-winning moment at the other end. Tony Morley twisted and turned past the defender before providing a perfect cross from the left wing. Unmarked at the far post, forward Peter Withe arrived and did enough to find the net, with the ball appearing to come off his shin.

Withe would later describe the goal years later by saying: “The ball hit a divot as it reached me and half hit my shin and half hit my ankle before flying against the post and in.

“I’m convinced that if I’d struck it properly, the ‘keeper would have saved it!”

Bayern did put the ball in the net with just three minutes of play remaining, only for the goal to thankfully be disallowed for offside.

That was the final scare, with Villa confirmed European Champions on a balmy night in the Netherlands, one that will never be forgotten by the supporters lucky enough to witness it in the flesh.

Even over 45 years later, Villa are still one of just six English clubs to win Europe’s top club prize – a remarkable achievement.

with 67 minutes on the clock came the matchwinning moment at the other end. ony Morley twisted and turned past the defender before providing a perfect cross from the left wing. Unmarked at the far post, forward Peter Withe arrived and did enough to find the net

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aston villa

40

gk Marco

Bizot age

joined

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gk Emiliano

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Martínez age

joined

33 2020

def ezri

Konsa age

from

The best goalkeeper in the world?

Villa fans would certainly say so.

Martínez has had quite the journey in the last five years, going from Arsenal reserve stopper to World Cup winner and hero at Villa Park.

A specialist in saving penalty kicks, having performed heroics at the 2022 finals as Argentina went all the way, Martínez has won both the Yashin Trophy and the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award on two occasions.

04

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28 2019

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Proctor age

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Torres age

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28 2023

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Mings age

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05

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Maatsen age

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Cash age

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García age

Cash has developed his game in recent seasons to become one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League.

Having started his career in Wycombe’s academy, Cash was signed by Nottingham Forest in 2014. Voted Forest’s Player of the Season in 2020, Cash then signed for Aston Villa in September 2020, making his debut in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

At international level he has won 23 caps for Poland, scoring on four occasions, and represented his country at the 2022 World Cup finals.

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Onana age

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Digne age

joined

32 2022

def travis

from

55

Patterson age

joined

20 academy

mid Boubacar

44

Kamara age

joined

26 2022

from

aston villa

mid Lamare

26

Bogarde age

joined

22 academy

mid Youri

08

Tielemans age

joined

28 2023

from

mid John

mid Ross

06

Barkley age

joined

32 2024

mid Harvey

from

09

Elliott age

joined

22 2025

from

mid Morgan

27

Rogers age

joined

23 2024

mid Emiliano

Buendía age

joined

10

29 2021 32

from

from

07

M©Ginn age

joined

31 2018

from

The Scottish midfielder is a firm fan favourite in England’s second city, having helped the club develop from a Championship side, into Champions League quarter-finalists during his time at the club.

McGinn missed only one Premier League match during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring three times and picking up six assists as Villa finished 11th. After enjoying another strong season in 2021/22, he was named captain in July 2022.

On the international stage, the Glasgow native won Player of the Match on his senior Scotland debut in 2016. He went on to feature for the Tartan Army at the delayed European Championship finals in 2021, as well as Euro 2024.

aston villa

mid Jamaldeen

20

Jimoh-Aloba age

19

joined

academy

53

mid george

Hemmings age

18

joined

academy

fwd

mid Aidan

54

Borland age

18

fwd Evann

joined

academy

29

Guessand age

joined

24 2025

from

fwd Jadon

sancho age

19

joined

25 2025

fwd Donyell

Malen age

joined

17

26 2025 33

from

from

ollie

Watkins age

joined

30 2020

11 from

Having spent a large part of his career in the EFL with Exeter City and Brentford, Watkins has now developed into one of the finest forwards in the Premier League and England’s best attacking options.

Watkins joined Villa in September 2020 and has registered double figures in every Premier League campaign for the club so far.

He opened his league account for Villa with a hat-trick in a remarkable 7-2 triumph over Liverpool in October 2020.

Named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2024, his electrifying movement and clever finishing makes him a key part of Unai Emery’s side.

aston villa

TALKING TACTICS

@CPFC_Tampa

Sports scientist-turned-hobbyist analyst Pat Rosanio – better known by fans as @CPFC_Tampa – has been breaking down Crystal Palace games on social media for a number of years, having previously worked in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays. Throughout 2025/26, Pat will present a scouting report on the opposition – here he examines today’s high-flying visitors, Aston Villa.

Aston Villa arrive to Selhurst Park in far better form than when they hosted Crystal Palace at Villa Park in August. This turnaround has been largely aided by intelligent in-match tactical adjustments by manager Unai Emery. With clinical goalscorers, the question to ask is this: can they sustain their form?

This is a far cry from the actual Premier League table, where Villa are currently 3rd with 39 points. That 17-point difference is the greatest variance – both positively and negatively – in the league.

While this severity of overperformance is unsustainable over a season, there are factors which suggest that Emery’s men can continue to outperform underlying metrics – but to a lesser extent.

HALF-TIME ADJUSTMENTS

“EXPECTED” vs. “ACTUAL” DISCREPANCIES Using expected goal (xG) data to create a table from expected points (xPTS), Aston Villa currently sit 15th with just 22 xPTS.

As one of football’s sharpest tacticians, Unai Emery’s ability to analyse and make effective in-game adjustments has been central to Villa’s recent run of form.

This is evident in Villa’s second halves. Despite leading at the break on just one occasion, Villa have won seven of their last eight Premier League matches.

The underlying data validates the 'eye test.' Across their last eight league matches, the Villans have consistently posted negative xG differences in the opening 45 minutes, creating fewer quality chances in the first halves than they conceded.

34

The opposite is true in the second-half. Villa created more quality chances than they conceded, shown by a positive xG difference.

These half-time adjustments help explain the disconnect between expected goal metrics and actual results.

Emery has repeatedly identified negative tendencies and corrected them before they proved detrimental on the pitch.

While underlying metrics grow more accurate over large samples – meaning poor first-half numbers are not fully “erased” – properly timed tactical interventions can swing results – and they have so far for Villa.

projected starting xi

aston villa

lb

lw

maatsen

buendia

dm cb gk Martínez

tielemans

lindelof

cb konsa

am

st

rogers

watkins

dm kamara

rb cash

rw m©ginn

FORM IS TEMPORARY, CLASS IS PERMANENT Four of Aston Villa’s top six goal scorers so far this season play have significantly outperformed their xG metrics.

At first glance, this may suggest unsustainable finishing. However, context matters.

All four players – Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash, Emi Buendia Amadou Onana – have routinely outperformed their xG throughout their entire careers. This long-term trend shows Villa’s overperformance is not simply a product of good fortune, but rather the result of strong shot placement and consistent finishing quality.

THROUGH THE MIDDLE With so many adjustments in tactics and personnel, Villa have not necessarily been married to one style of play. They press high efficiently, with 22% of their forced turnovers leading to a shot (third in the PL).

However, they often drop into a low block and defend in a traditional 4-4-2.

They can be methodical, ranking in the top eight of the league for both passes per sequence and average sequence time. However, they also rank fifth in direct attacks.

While the details can change, one constant under Emery has been Aston Villa’s preference to initiate attacks through central areas of the pitch.

This season, Villa attack through the middle 31% of the time – the highest rate of any Premier League club. This tendency is not new. Since Emery’s arrival, Villa has never ranked lower than third in this metric, showing both a true and consistent identity.

35

PLAYER TO WATCH: morgan rogers Morgan Rogers’ ten goal involvements rank fifth in the Premier League, and his finishing ability is a big reason why Aston Villa currently sit third in the table.

Rogers is one of the most direct players on this Villa side, ranking very low in touches despite the high goal tally.

He also ranks third in through-balls played, showing his preference to play his teammates into threatening areas.

This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

36

aston villa

villa flashback 2007/08

STREETS WON’T FORGET: John Carew Although he could at times be something of a frustrating player to watch, John Carew was loved by the Villa Park faithful – and was arguably at the peak of his powers

HOME KIT - our verdict:

in the 2007/08 season.

Now this is a nice design. Clean, minimal fuss, but – like many of the classic Nike kits from this era – everything is where it needs to be.

could torment defences in the air

The big Norwegian forward and on the ground. Having built his reputation as a top-class striker in Valencia, spending time on loan at Roma and Lyon, Carew signed for Villa in 2006.

Over the next five years, he scored 37 goals in 113 league appearances, top scoring for the Villans in the aforementioned season with 13 goals as Martin O’Neil’s side finished sixth.

At their best that team could overpower opponents with the physicality of Carew, who was supplemented by the excellent Ashley Young.

away kit - our verdict: Pinstripes aren’t almost the most thrilling route for a shirt design, but this is a reasonably stylish effort. You’ll still see it now and again in the Villa Park crowd.

37

After retiring from football in 2013, he had turned his hand at acting and featured in the Netflix series The Playlist in 2023.

aston villa

BOTH SIDES of THE FENCE Sir Gareth Southgate The former England manager – the most successful in modern times – was closely associated with both Palace and Villa over the course of his 16-year professional career.

Southgate graduated from Palace’s youth system in 1990, having joined the club aged 16.

A cool, calm operator, whether deployed in midfield, or at centre-back as he was later in his career, he became a dependable figure for the Eagles.

After initially making his debut in the League Cup against Southend in October 1990, Southgate became a firstteam regular in the 1991/92 season.

He became the club captain at the age of just 23, an appointment that spoke volumes about his leadership skills.

Southgate led the team to promotion and the First Division title in the 1993/94 season, scoring nine goals along the way.

Relegation followed in 94/95, and Southgate left for Villa Park that summer, moving for £2.5million – after making 152 league appearances for the Eagles.

He would go on to spend six years at Villa, helping the team to a fourth-place finish in his first season in the midlands.

Southgate also lifted the League Cup that season, which remains Villa’s most recent major trophy – after a 3-0 thrashing of Leeds United in the final.

In the 1998/99 season, he played every minute of the Premier League campaign, before helping Villa reach the FA Cup Final the following season, only to lose to Chelsea.

Departing in 2001, for Middlesbrough, Southgate would spend five further years playing in the Premier League before retiring.

While in the north-east, Southgate would again win the League Cup as captain, and also help the Teesiders to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006.

Having won 52 caps for England over the course of his career, with 42 of these appearances coming during his time as a Villa player, as of the end of 2025, he remains the club’s most capped England player.

Southgate would appear on the pitch at three consecutive major international tournaments, from Euro 96 to Euro 2000 and also was a squad member at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

38

1990

Makes professional Palace debut in October against Southend

1991

League debut against Liverpool in March

1991/92

Becomes a regular in the Palace side, making 39 appearances

1993/94

As club captain, leads the Eagles to promotion from the First Division

1995

Joins Aston Villa following relegation from the Premier League

1995/96

Wins the League Cup and helps Villa qualify for Europe

1996

Features for England at Euro 96, missing a penalty in the semi-final shootout with Germany

2000

Helps Villa to the FA Cup Final as skipper, where they are beaten by Chelsea

2001

Joins Middlesbrough on a permanent transfer

2004

Lifts the League Cup after Boro defeat Bolton 2-1 in the final

2006

Retires from playing to become Middlesbrough manager, following a defeat in the UEFA Cup Final at the end of 2005/06 season

aston villa

WHen we last met

0-3 villa √ palace Sunday, 31st August – Villa Park

1 henderson

26

5

6

richards

LACROIX

guÉhi

2

20

19

3

Muñoz

wharton

hughes

mitchell

18

7 sarr

kamada

14 MATETA

11 watkins

29

27

17

guessand

rogers

malen

8

7

Tielemans

m©ginn

22

5

4

2

maatsen

mings

konsa

cash

40 bizot

the scorers mateta 21' Guéhi 68' sarr 78'

Palace became the first Premier League team to win at Villa Park in over a year after an extraordinary win on matchweek three of the 2025/26 season.

The Eagles secured our maiden win of the league campaign, with a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta setting us on our way.

That came after a swift attack from Palace ended with Daichi Kamada being tripped by Villa ‘keeper Marco Bizot inside the area.

Both sides wasted decent chances in the second-half, before skipper Marc Guéhi latched on to

a loose clearance from Ezri Konsa and found the top corner from the edge of the box.

Palace’s victory was sealed in the 78th minute when Ismaila Sarr headed home after a long throw-in to the box was flicked on towards the far post by Maxence Lacroix.

By that point Yéremy Pino had made his debut for the Eagles, only days after arriving from Villarreal, in a near perfect away from Oliver Glasner’s side.

Villa have returned to making Villa Park a fortress since that night, with Palace the only side to win there so far this season.

39

MATCH STATS 58%

Possession

42%

13

total shots

6

4

Shots on target

4

10

corners

1

7

fouls

14

west ham united

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

40

08/01/2025 09:51

aston villa

HEAD TO HEAD

tyrick

mitchell age

26

pos

def

Lucas

25/26

nat

22

Goals

33

31.48

Expected Goals

24.15

7

Clean Sheets

5

digne age

32

pos

def

nat

PL Apps

19

74

Corners

100

PL Apps

19

Goals

1

53

Blocks

84

Goals

0

Assists

0

425

Assists

3

Minutes played

1704

Minutes played

1125

Passes

580

Passes

417

Duels Won

91

Duels Won

48

Dribbles

25

Dribbles

9

642

Clearances

2023

Aston Villa have not defeated Palace since September 2023, a run of six games

4

The Eagles are looking for a fourth win on the spin against Villa

218

Stats correct as of 03/01/2026

Minutes of football Palace have played against Villa without conceding - in all competitions

Delivered by:

41

west ham united

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42

KEVIN PHILLIPS

43

KEVIN PHILLIPS

KEVIN PHILLIPS As Crystal Palace take part in a club-record 13th top-flight season, we hear from the man who kicked it all off – Super Kevin Phillips. The former England and Palace striker shares his thoughts on the arrival of Brennan Johnson and today’s visitors Aston Villa…

JOHNSON CAN PROVIDE A LIFT The Premier League remains incredibly close after a busy run of fixtures over Christmas and New Year. And unless you’re one of the two or three sides at the top, you’re always going to face a tough period at some point in the season.

I think that is where Palace have been over the last few weeks. We’ve seen the team concede goals they don’t normally concede, and miss chances when they do create.

It's just unfortunate it's come at a period where the games are coming thick and fast, so it gets highlighted a little bit more.

But I think the signing of Brennan Johnson is well-timed and will give Palace a big boost.

The club haven’t waited, they’ve made a move and got him in early.

I’m writing this column ahead of the Newcastle game, but if he’s involved in that fixture as well it shows a desire to help straight away.

I’m sure he’ll give the crowd a lift, but perhaps even more

44

I think the signing of Brennan Johnson is well timed and will give Palace a big boost.

The club haven’t waited, they’ve made a move and got him early. I’m writing this column ahead of the Newcastle game, but if he’s involved in that fixture as well it shows a desire to help straight away

KEVIN PHILLIPS

importantly, I think he’ll lift the dressing room.

At the moment Ismaïla Sarr’s away, Eddie Nketiah is now injured, and Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yéremy Pino have played so much football, they look like they just need some help. From a player's perspective, when you are going through a difficult period, and had a few defeats, with a few players missing, it’s good to see a new face.

You just want someone to come in who ignites the dressing room.

Hopefully Brennan can do that. He’ll put a smile on people’s faces and get everybody excited.

For a mid-season signing I think it’s a big positive that he knows the Premier League. He knows about the

it’s good to see a new face.

You just want someone to come in who ignites the dressing room. Hopefully Brennan can do that. He’ll put a smile on people’s faces and get every one excited

physicality, the speed and won’t need time to adapt.

He’s also a player who I’m sure is full of confidence after what he did at Tottenham last season, being their top scorer and getting the winner in the Europa League final. I’m excited to see how he does over the coming weeks.

VILLA CHALLENGE Every player in red and blue will have to be at their best to beat one of my former clubs Aston Villa.

They’re obviously in unbelievable form and confidence will be sky high.

I live in the area and it’s crazy to think they had a slow start and there seemed to be a bit of tension around Unai Emery. Now he’s turned into a god again at Villa Park.

They might have got thumped at Arsenal last week, but that can happen to any side against Arsenal at the moment.

They’re a good side, with several players who are at the top of their game. So it’ll be a difficult challenge.

But obviously Palace can take confidence from being the only side to win at Villa Park so far this season. There’s also the FA Cup semi-final from last season where Palace just blew them away.

Oliver Glasner showed in those games how to put a tactical plan together that put Villa on the back foot. He knows every one of his players will have to be on it this evening, but if they are, I’m sure Palace can get a big result.

.

45

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46

47

academy

palace academy

Progression remains central to Powell’s outlook, with several U18s stepping up and Academy graduates making senior debuts. “The hard part isn’t getting up – it’s staying there,” he stressed. “They have to keep working hard and performing consistently.”

As the Academy reached the halfway stage of the 2025/26 season, we spoke to Under-21s Head Coach Darren Powell and Under-18s Head Coach Javier Alonso to reflect on a demanding but encouraging first half of the campaign.

f

or Powell, the Under-21s’ season has been shaped by response and resilience, particularly in the Premier League International Cup. After an opening defeat to Valencia, Palace bounced back with impressive victories over Juventus and FC Nordsjaelland. “The last few games have been positive in terms of results,” Powell explained. “After the defeat to Valencia, we knew we had to win the next two games. Even in that first match, I thought we played well.”

The 3-2 win over Nordsjaelland stood out against one of the competition’s strongest sides.

“They’re one of the best teams I’ve seen,” Powell said. “What they do, they do extremely well, and I thought we matched that. For us, the bottom line was getting the three points, and the way we started the game was brilliant.”

In Premier League 2, Palace head into the break in mid-table, though Powell feels the league position does not fully reflect performances.

Defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle United were the only fixtures where the young Eagles were outplayed, with the Newcastle loss particularly frustrating. “That was a poor performance from our point of view,” he admitted. “We never really got going, which was disappointing, especially at home.”

The response in the 2-0 away win at Aston Villa pleased Powell greatly. “From the warm-up to the final whistle, there was a real togetherness,” he said. “We knew we were better than what we showed against Newcastle, and we proved that.”

The EFL Trophy also offered valuable lessons against senior opposition. “I like this competition because it gives the boys a real reality check,” Powell explained.

“The physical challenges and the demands of playing against men are things they need to experience. The margins are so fine – if you switch off, the ball can end up in the back of the net.”

48

Alonso’s excellent start At Under-18s level, Javier Alonso has overseen an excellent first half of the season, with Palace top of the U18 Premier League South, through to the Premier League Cup knockout stages and into the fourth-round of the FA Youth Cup. “I’m very happy with the squad’s season so far,” Alonso said. “The boys are improving in training, and the results reflect their work every day.”

Alonso highlighted the competitive nature of the league as a key driver of development. “It doesn’t matter if it’s first versus twelfth – every game is tough,” he explained. “That’s really good for the squad because they have to give their best every time.”

Defeats, he added, are also valuable. At this stage in their development, every lesson strengthens both players and teams across the Academy

.

academy

fixtures&results Home Away Cup International Cup

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST Fri 22 Fri 29

Tottenham Hotspur West Bromwich Albion

W D

2-3 0-0

SEPTEMBER

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

ips

9

7

1

1

7

22

2

mun

8

7

0

1

8

21

3

ful

8

5

3

0

10

18

4

che

9

6

0

3

9

18

5

sou

9

5

3

1

5

18

Sat 16

Birmingham City

W

0-8

6

tot

9

5

1

3

5

16

Sat 23

Chelsea

L

2-4

7

sto

9

4

4

1

4

16

Tue 26

Manchester City

D

3-3

8

bha

9

4

3

2

9

15

Sat 30

Tottenham Hotspur

W

2-3

9

whu

9

4

3

2

6

15

10

lei

9

4

2

3

2

14

Tue 2

Bromley

D

3-3

SEPTEMBER

Tue 16

AFC Wimbledon

L

3-1

Sat 13

Ipswich Town

W

8-0

11

wol

8

4

2

2

2

14

Sat 20

Reading

W

2-0

12

cry

8

4

2

2

1

14

Sat 27

Aston Villa

L

3-1

13

mci

9

4

1

4

3

13

14

avl

9

4

1

4

-1

13

Mon 22 Leeds United

W

3-2

Sat 27

L

4-1

Manchester United

OCTOBER Mon 6

Birmingham City

W

3-1

Tue 21

Stevenage

L

5-2

Mon 27 Newcastle United

L

0-2

Fri 31

W

0-2

Aston Villa

NOVEMBER Tue 4

Valencia

L

0-1

Fri 7

Stoke City

D

2-2

Wed 12 Juventus

W

Wed 26 Nordsjælland

W

JANUARY Sat 10 Fri 16

Chelsea Nottingham Forest

OCTOBER Sat 4

Sheffield United

W

1-3

15

ars

8

3

3

2

1

12

Sat 18

Fulham

W

4-0

16

eve

9

4

0

5

-1

12

Sat 25

Brighton & Hove Albion

L

0-4

17

lee

8

3

2

3

2

11

18

nor

8

3

2

4

-1

11

NOVEMBER Sat 1

Leicester City

W

4-2

19

bir

9

3

2

4

-5

11

Sat 8

West Ham United

L

3-2

20

nfo

9

3

1

5

-1

10

Sat 22

Chelsea

W

4-0

21

liv

9

3

1

5

-2

10

Sat 29

Southampton

W

4-2

22

bla

9

2

2

5

-6

8

23

new

9

2

2

5

-8

8

DECEMBER Fri 5

Bradford City

W

3-0

3-1

24

sun

9

2

1

6

-4

7

Sat 13

Norwich City

W

4-2

25

mid

8

1

3

4

-2

6

3-2

JANUARY

26

bur

9

2

0

7

-6

6

Sat 17

West Bromwich Albion

27

wba

9

1

3

5

-11

6

Thu 22

Newcastle United

28

der

9

1

1

7

-12

4

Sat 24

Chelsea

29

rea

8

0

3

5

-14

3

Sat 31

Birmingham City

Wed 21 Borussia M’gladbach

FEBRUARY

Mon 26 Derby County

Sat 7

Ipswich Town

Sat 14

Tottenham Hotspur

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Sat 21

Leicester City

1

cry

12

8

0

4

20

24

FEBRUARY

Sat 28

West Ham United

2

che

9

6

3

0

18

21

Mon 9

MARCH

3

tot

12

6

3

3

16

21 21

Fri 30

Ipswich Town

Middlesbrough

Mon 16 Fulham Mon 23 West Ham United MARCH

Sat 7

Aston Villa

4

avl

11

7

0

4

8

Sat 14

Reading

5

sou

10

6

1

3

10

19

Tue 17

Fulham

6

lei

11

6

1

4

6

19

Sat 21

Brighton & Hove Albion

Mon 2

Sunderland

APRIL

Fri 6

Blackburn Rovers

Sat 11

Southampton

Sat 18

Arsenal

Sat 25

Norwich City

Tue 28

Arsenal

Mon 16 Wolves Sun 22

Liverpool

APRIL

MAY

Mon 13 Arsenal

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Monday, 5th January.

49

7

bha

11

5

2

4

7

17

8

whu

11

5

1

5

2

16

9

ars

10

4

3

3

0

15

10

wba

12

4

3

5

-1

15

11

ful

11

5

0

6

-7

15

12

rea

11

3

3

5

-9

12

13

bir

11

3

1

7

-26

10

14

nor

12

1

4

7

-12

7

15

ips

12

1

1

10

-32

4

academy

palace academy Over Christmas, members of Crystal Palace’s Under-18 side visited St James the Great Primary School in Thornton Heath as part of the club’s ongoing Community Engagement work, strengthening the Academy’s connection with the local area and inspiring the next generation.

c

aptain Jasper Judd, midfielder Euan Danaher, centre-back Sean Somade, and first-year scholars Ajean-Ray Greaves and Daniel Owoade spent the afternoon supporting Year One pupils with their reading.

After receiving a warm welcome from staff and students, the players took time to introduce themselves, answer questions, and get to know the children before the session began.

The group then moved into a separate room, where the pupils joined the players in small groups for focused one-to-one reading sessions.

Each child was paired with a Palace player, allowing for individual attention and encouragement throughout the afternoon. Using a specially designed reading booklet, the players helped guide the pupils through a range of age-appropriate activities.

These included practising ‘Red Words’ – common words that do not sound as they are spelled – alongside ‘Speedy Green Words’, vowel and consonant exercises, and simple spelling and sentence-building tasks to name just a few…

Each player worked with two pupils, spending around 10 to 15

It’s great to be a role model for these kids and hopefully inspire them to choose positive paths, whether that’s football or anything else euan danaher

minutes with each child, offering support, praise and reassurance as they progressed through the booklet together.

Sitting side-by-side at the tables, the young Eagles created an energetic and positive atmosphere.

High-fives, smiles and laughter were shared throughout the room,

50

academy

helping the children grow in confidence and enjoy the experience.

Greaves was the first player to complete the booklet with his pupil, celebrating the achievement together before then moving on to assist others.

The visit concluded with a special moment, as the players stayed to watch the Year One class rehearse songs for their upcoming Christmas nativity performance. A couple of the Palace players even joined in at the back, clapping along and singing with the children, bringing the afternoon to a joyful close.

Reflecting on the visit, an animated Danaher said: “It’s great to be a role model for these kids and hopefully inspire them to choose positive paths, whether that’s football or anything else. It’s also nice to step away from our routine and spend time in the community – it was a really good experience for both them and us.”

Greaves echoed those sentiments, adding: “It’s important for the younger generation to have people they can look up to and learn from. Spending time with them gives their day a lift, and hopefully it’s something that helps them and us grow.”

Player Care Officer James Odagi was also delighted with how the afternoon unfolded: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for the boys to get out into the community and give something back to local children.

“It also helps them understand the responsibility that comes with representing the badge.”

.

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS COLLMAN Asher AGBINONE

10

Dean BENAMAR

3

Luke BROWNE

12

Rylan BROWNLIE

1

Rio CARDINES

3

Benji CASEY

9

Matteo DASHI

3

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

7

2

1

Name

apps goals

Raihaan ANDERSON

4

David ANGIBEAUD

16

Dean BENAMAR

2

Lucca BENETTON

1

Mylo BERNARD

4

Sebastian BONSO-AMAKO

6

Makai BERNARD-FERGUSON

15

7

Benji CASEY

11

15

Euan DANAHER

14

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

4

2

Jacob FASIDA

11

1

Khyan FRAZER-WILLIAMS

11

1

2

Craig FARQUHAR Jacob FASIDA

6

Joe GIBBARD

9

Ajean-Ray GREAVES

7

Jake GRANTE

9

Marcus HILL (GK)

3

Zack HENRY

Jasper JUDD

15

Marcus HILL (GK)

Oladotun LAMIDI

7

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

4

Donte MARTIN

16

Mofe JEMIDE

11

Jack MASON (GK)

2

Jasper JUDD

1

Jayden McDONALD

2

George KING

8

Aiden MORGAN

3

Harry LEE (GK)

9

Zach MARSH

13

7

Adler NASCIMENTO

12

2

David OBOU

5

Dylan REID

12

3

Kaden RODNEY

11

3

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

1

Thiago SPERONI (GK)

Tyler WHYTE

6

Sebastian WILLIAMS

10

2

3

5

Joshua MUWANA

1

Stuart ODURO

2

Chuks OKOLI

15

10

Jerome OSEI KYREMEH

14

2

Daniel OWOADE

3

Remi AHAZIE-SHITTU

1

Sean SOMADE

16

1

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

14

2

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

10

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Monday, 5 January. th

51

6

WOMEN

palace women Happy New Year! 2026 is set to be a very exciting year for Crystal Palace Women, let’s see what you can look forward to over the next 12 months…

02 Themed matchdays

01 The race for promotion Jo Potter’s side finished 2025 in some style, winning three Barclays Women’s Super League 2 games in a row to put the team fifth, just three points behind a play-off spot.

In case you need a reminder, up to three sides can potentially earn promotion to the Women’s Super League from the second-tier this season, meaning there has never been a more important time to get behind the team.

The Eagles kick off 2026 with an away trip to ninth-place Sheffield United on Monday, 12th January before a home clash against tenth-place Durham on Sunday, 25th January.

Fans loved our two previous themed matchdays at the VBS, from our ‘Palace for All’ game against Sheffield United to our ‘Festive Fixture’ against Birmingham City in December.

The themes will continue for each of our home league games in 2026, with the first one being our ‘Kids Day’ on Sunday, 25th January, when Palace take on Durham.

Tickets start from just £1 for under16’s for this game – truly unbeatable value for a day out at the football!

Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualification are looking strong, after Abbie Larkin’s last minute winner against Belgium in the Nations League play-off in October.

Ashleigh Weerden’s Suriname also have the chance to make a first-ever World Cup appearance, with her nation currently sitting top of their CONCACAF qualification group.

With Palace boasting more international stars from the likes of Wales, Jamaica, New Zealand and Scotland, 2026 could be a historic year for many of our players.

03 World Cup qualifiers 2026 will be huge for Palace Women’s international stars, as qualification will be decided for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

2025 was historic for the club, as Elise Hughes and Josie Green became the first Palace Women’s players to be called up and feature at the UEFA Women’s EUROs. This year could be even more significant though, with World Cup qualification on the line.

European qualification for the tournament runs from March to June this year, whilst CONCACAF and OFC qualifiers run until April.

52

04 FA Cup drama at Kingsmeadow Palace Women have once again been drawn away to Chelsea in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. That means that Potter’s side will travel to Kingsmeadow on Saturday, 17th January to face the holders in what will be another enthralling clash between the two teams.

This fixture will mark a third trip to Kingsmeadow in the FA Cup in as many

WOMEN

seasons, with the Eagles losing 1-0 to the Blues in last year’s quarterfinal and in the 2023/24 fifth-round.

Chelsea are the current holders and have won the competition no less than six times.

The Eagles made history last year by reaching the quarter-final of the competition for the first time, they could make history again by knocking out the holders.

05 The Golden Boot Summer signing Kirsty Howat has been on fire since she signed from Rangers in the summer.

With five goals under her belt so far, she’s the joint-second top scorer in the WSL2 so far.

The Scotland international also bagged her first goals for her country recently and will prove to be a key part of Scotland’s upcoming World Cup qualification campaign.

With the Eagles looking to extend their scintillating league form this year, the Scotland international could be a contender for the league’s top scorer come May. That’s not to mention that Abbie Larkin is just behind her with four goals, could she be a dark horse for the Golden Boot as well?

2026 could be historic for Crystal Palace Women, from potential WSL promotion to a huge FA Cup clash away at Chelsea.

With World Cup qualifying action featuring a number of Palace stars and Golden Boot contenders Kirsty Howat and Abbie Larkin leading the line, there has never been a better time for Palace fans to get behind the team.

fixtures&results

playerstats Name

Home Away FA Cup League Cup SEPTEMBER

apps goals

Eve ANNETS (GK)

3 5

Sun 7

Charlton Athletic

L

1-0

Chloe ARTHUR

Sun 14

Southampton

D

4-4

Zara BAILEY

Sun 21

Nottingham Forest

W

1-2

Wed 24 London City Lionesses

L

1-2

Sun 28

Durham

D

1-1

Sun 5

Newcastle United

D

2-2

Sun 12

Sunderland

D

1-1

Sun 19

Ipswich Town

W

3-2

october

november Sun 2

Portsmouth

L

2-1

Annabel BLANCHARD

16

Lola BROWN

4

My CATO

11

Aimee EVERETT

11

Josie GREEN

4

1

Shanade HOPCROFT

11

1

Kirsty HOWAT

16

6

Elise HUGHES

16

2

15

4

Sun 9

Sheffield United

L

1-2

Abbie LARKIN

Sun 16

Ipswich Town

W

1-2

Ruesha LITTLEJOHN

5

Sun 23

Leicester City

W

0-3

Jamie-Lee NAPIER

14

december

3

Hayley NOLAN

14

Sun 7

Birmingham City

W

3-0

Indiah-Paige RILEY

8

Sun 14

Lewes

W

0-1

Molly-Mae SHARPE

9

Wed 17 Bristol City

W

2-3

Isabella SIBLEY

6

Sun 21

L

0-2

Allyson SWABY

12

1

Justine VANHAEVERMAET

12

3

Emma WATSON

8

2

Ashleigh WEERDEN

16

3

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

13

Arsenal

january Mon 12 Sheffield United Sat 17 Sun 25

Chelsea Durham

february Sun 1

2

Southampton

Sun 8

Bristol City

Sun 15

Birmingham City

march

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

1

cha

11

8

3

0

10

Pts 27

2

bir

11

7

1

3

15

22

Sun 15

Nottingham Forest

3

bri

11

6

1

4

9

19

Sun 22

Newcastle United

4

new

11

5

4

2

5

19

Sun 29

Charlton Athletic

5

cry

11

4

4

3

3

16

6

nfo

11

5

1

5

-1

16

7

sou

11

4

3

4

6

15

april Sun 5

Ipswich Town

8

sun

11

3

3

5

-3

12

Sun 26

Sunderland

9

shu

11

3

3

5

-9

12

10

dur

11

2

4

5

-2

10

11

por

11

3

1

7

-12

10

12

ips

11

1

2

8

-21

5

may Sun 3

Portsmouth

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Monday, 5th January.

53

PALACE FOR LIFE

palace for life On Friday 3rd October 2026, the Marathon March returns for the tenth time, marking a decade of fans, staff and Palace legends coming together to raise money for young people across South London.

r

egistration for the tenth Marathon March taking place on 3rd October 2026 is now open!

Since 2016, Palace fans have taken on the 26.2-mile walk around our home of South London, raising over half a million pounds for young people along the way.

54

donate to palace for life below

PALACE FOR LIFE

to help prepare for the big day as well as a fundraising guide to help you with your sponsorship.

On the day itself we will provide you with your Marathon March t-shirt, breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you fuelled up during the 26.2-mile walk.

And once you cross the finish line, your finishers medal will be waiting for you before completing a lap of the pitch and entering the Palace party!

fundraising

The route for 2026 is yet to be released, but it will be passing through some of the South London neighbourhoods that sit at the heart of our work with the usual regular rest stops, encouragement and, of course, party at the end!

Hundreds of marchers have taken part over the years and together raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our projects.

That support has helped us deliver mentoring, education, employability, disability sport and community programmes that reach over 18,000 young South Londoners every year.

The last decade of Marathon Marches has also seen Palace legends like Mark Bright, Andy

Johnson, Fliss Gibbons, Julian Speroni and Chairman Steve Parish join in on the challenge alongside our incredible fundraisers.

Whether you’re seasoned marcher or considering it for the first time, this is a chance to be part of something that has become a regular fixture in the calendars of many Palace fans over the last decade.

Not only that, you’ll also be making a huge difference to the lives of young people in South London.

the details Once signed up, you will receive a confirmation, alongside a training programme created by Palace fan and personal trainer Beulah Pickles

55

Marchers are asked to pay a registration fee of £25 (£20 for half route, £10 under 18s) and to commit to raising a minimum of £300 each in sponsorship.

If you want to fundraise as a family or a group we will ask you to commit to the below pledges: • Group of four = £600 • Group of five = £750 • Group of six = £900 Group of 7+ = £1,000 • Contact the fundraising team (fundraising@palaceforlife.org) if you want to fundraise as a group or if you have any questions

.

Scan the QR code to register for the 2026 Marathon March.

KICK OFF YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY

For illustration purposes only.

Join a community of 40+ million users worldwide

Official Trading Partner of Crystal Palace FC

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The value of your investments 56 may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

PALACE FOR ALL

palace for all Palace for All is the club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) brand, and the umbrella beneath which all our campaigns, activations and initiatives sit. The message is simple: Crystal Palace Football Club is for everyone. We continually celebrate the diversity across our club, and take a proactive approach to tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

how to report discrimination Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to identifying, confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment.

You can report discrimination and/or abuse on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service – the number is 07507 477 669 – or by scanning the MyVoice QR code.

Please include as much relevant information as possible.

Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and identify the location of the anti-social behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message. Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be

edi strategy Our EDI Strategy sets out our aspirations as a club until 2034, as well as our objectives and commitments towards being an inclusive and diverse club.

followed up and investigated by a club staff member.

You can alternatively contact your nearest steward, who will do their best to help – and assist with your report.

We would also encourage supporters to contact customer. service@cpfc.co.uk or inclusion@cpfc.co.uk, or to make use of Kick It Out’s reporting form.

57

wellbeing strategy Our newly published Wellbeing Strategy highlights our approach to ensure Wellbeing is at the heart of the club’s culture.

Fans are also encouraged, following their visit to Selhurst Park, to complete the Fan Survey after the game, or to share any EDI-related feedback via email to inclusion@cpfc.co.uk

.

More information can be found at cpfc.co.uk/information/equalityand-diversity

international eagles

international eagles We’re now only a few months away from the biggest footballing spectacle on the planet, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the potential for plenty of Palace representation in USA, Mexico and Canada, we’re looking ahead to the tournament throughout 2025/26 with our International Eagles feature. In each issue we’ll be taking a look at one nation aiming for glory in North America and examining their Palace links.

For today’s programme we’re covering the two-time winners who are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy once again…

eagle in focus

france yohan cabaye Arriving in South London in 2015, after a quiet spell in his homeland with Paris Saint-Germain, Cabaye became a fan favourite thanks to a combination of his immense technical ability and his determined style of play.

The French midfielder played 109 times for Palace between 2015 and 2018, having already had a successful spell in England between 2011 and 2014 with Newcastle United, helping the Magpies to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

Cabaye scored ten goals and bagged six assists, with perhaps his most memorable goal a stunning strike against Arsenal in 2017.

58

Collecting a pass from Wilfried Zaha just inside the box, Cabaye adjusted his body to curl a brilliant effort into the top corner, as Palace thrashed the Gunners 3-0 on a night for the ages at Selhurst Park.

Departing in 2018, after a brief stint in the United Arab Emirates and a short spell at Saint-Étienne, he returned to PSG as their Academy Sporting Director.

First capped by the French national team in 2011, Cabaye won 48 caps and scored four goals for his country.

This included his first senior strike in a 2-0 win over Ukraine at Euro 2012. Cabaye would also feature at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championship on home soil, where France finished as runners-up.

international eagles

Road to the 2026 World Cup

population

68,600,000

France will be looking to reach a third-straight World Cup final in North America next summer.

It will also mark the end of an era for Les Bleus. Didier Deschamps has managed the team since post-Euro 2012, but is set to leave the job after the expiration of his contract following the tournament.

In his final campaign, Deschamps steered his team to qualification with a nearperfect record.

France won five of their six games in Group D, doing the double over Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

The only minor blemish was a 2-2 draw away to a

Capital

paris spoken language

french currency

euro

favourite dish

Bœuf Bourguignon 59

resilient Iceland side. However, the game provided a major career highlight to a certain Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored his first senior national team goal.

Mateta also netted in a 3-1 away win over Azerbaijan and could well play a key role in the summer for Deschamps’ side.

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today’s match sponsor

www.vin-x.com

61

IAN KING

fa cup archives

leeds

0

palace

1

Saturday, 24th January 1976

Following on from last season’s glorious FA Cup Final triumph at Wembley, historian Ian King takes a look at Crystal Palace’s history through the lens of 19 classic cup ties. In this issue, a look back at when a Palace legend helped secure a stunning win over one of the best teams around…

starting 01

Paul Hammond

02

Peter Wall

03

Jim Cannon

04

Derek Jeffries

05

Stewart Jump

06

Ian Evans

07

Nicky Chatterton

08

Martin Hinshelwood

09

Aklan Whittle

10

David Swindlehurst

11

Peter Taylor

h

aving seen off Walton & Hersham, Millwall and Scarborough in previous rounds, Palace were handed a fourth-round tie at Elland Road, home of Leeds United who were still a force in Division One, lying second in the table and favourites to lift the FA Cup. In order to prepare his plans for this encounter manager Malcolm Allison took the players away to Lancing College in Sussex during the previous week.

62

Knowing that the Peacocks had been watching Palace, Allison amended some of his tactics and tweaked them again on the matchday, when he learned that Leeds winger Eddie Gray would return from injury.

Part of the plan was to use Stewart Jump as a sweeper behind the defence allowing full-backs Peter Wall and Jim Cannon to push up the field, breaking quickly from the back.

IAN KING

From the kick-off it worked very well as the wing threat of Gray and Peter Lorimer was nullified and stifled the supply line to Allan Clarke and Duncan McKenzie while the midfield three of Nicky Chatterton, Martin Hinshelwood and Alan Whittle harried the Leeds players, that included the likes of Billy Bremner and Terry Yorath, into uncharacteristic errors.

SWINDLEHURST’S WINNER The vital moment came in the 24th minute when Peter Taylor was fouled twice on the left, the second of which led to a free kick on the left of the penalty area.

Taylor took the kick and the Leeds defenders, expecting David Swindlehurst to act as a decoy for Ian Evans, found the roles reversed to leave 20 year-old Swindlehurst unmarked at the far post to head home his 15th goal of the season.

For 70 minutes Leeds had no answers to Allison’s tactics and could not find their usual rhythm while in the second-half Leeds keeper David Harvey had to be alert to tip over a thirty-yard free kick by Swindlehurst and then palmed an Evans header away onto the post.

Leeds first effort on goal took an hour to muster and even the arrival of Norman Hunter, for Bremner towards the end could not alter the final result.

Afterwards, amid jubilant scenes in the dressing room, Allison ordered bottles of champagne, while the sales of fedora style felt hats in south-east London continued to increase.

PLAYER IN FOCUS DAVID SWINDLEHURST David was born in Edgware in 1956, coming through the junior ranks aged fifteen and featured in the Youth Cup in 1972.

Following the arrival of manager Malcolm Allison in March 1973, Swindlehurst was handed his first-team debut on the opening day of the 1973/74 season with Palace just relegated back to Division Two. Making only a few appearances in that campaign, David then established himself during the 1974/75 season with the club now down in Division Three.

Brave and accurate in the air Swindlehurst was our leading goalscorer for four seasons from the mid to late 1970s.

He will always be remembered for that goal at Leeds and in the same season he was awarded an England Under-21 cap against Wales.

Other memorable goals came in the last game of the season as he netted the second vital effort, a right foot shot from outside the penalty area, to clinch the Division Two title on 11th May 1979 at Selhurst Park.

It was also his home and away goals against promotion rivals Wrexham at the end of the

63

season in May 1977 that earned Palace the points to gain the third promotion place in Division Three, over the Welsh club.

There was also his flying volley for the opening goal at home to Ipswich in September 1979 when Palace reached the top of the old Division One. His playing career at Palace ended in February 1980 when he was transferred to Derby County for £400,000 having netted an impressive 81 goals in 276 appearances and then on to West Ham and Sunderland, naturally scoring on his return to Selhurst Park.

After ending his professional career in 1989 David then had spells managing and playing at Bromley, while returning to Palace to join the coaching team in the Academy and holding the post of reserve team manager in 2001 for twelve months.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

campaign capsule Throughout 2025/26, we’ll be revisiting some iconic seasons during Crystal Palace’s history. In this issue, a season that started a route to Palace’s first top-flight experience…

w

ith Arthur Rowe in the managerial hotseat, Palace would earn promotion to the Third Division in a season that would kick-start a surge up the English football pyramid.

The team made a statement of intent on the opening day, Accrington Stanley demolished 9-2 at Selhurst Park.

The Glaziers went unbeaten in their first five games before a 2-0 home defeat to Peterborough, leading to a subsequent run of just one win in six games.

But despite the temporary slump in form, the South London crowds continued to grow, with Palace eventually setting a new league record for the highest average attendance of 19,092.

They were seeing an attacking side capable of outscoring any team in the league. Johnny Byrne and strike partner Roy Summersby regularly found the net, with Palace scoring nine goals in the space of a few days as Southport and Mansfield were comfortably beaten.

A strong run of form in the autumn meant that Palace came into December 1960 in a strong position,

60/ 61

seasonfacts

2nd

league position

manager

Arthur Rowe top goalscorer

Johnny Byrne

at the top of Division Four with a two-point lead. The six games that month started with a 0-0 draw at home against Crewe Alexandra.

Palace were given a chance to win the game with a penalty, but Summersby missed the effort.

A period of three consecutive away games then started well for the Glaziers with a 2-0 win against promotion-chasers York City, as George Petchey and Ron Heckman both found themselves on the scoresheet.

Palace would go into the next game, the return against Accrington Stanley, full of confidence and with

64

31goals a chance to establish themselves as promotion favourites.

This confidence seemed to flow through the team as they went 3-0 up after just 13 minutes. Heckman found himself on the scoresheet again alongside Summersby and Johnny Byrne as Palace clung on to an eventual 3-2 victory in their final game before Christmas.

Up next was the traditional Boxing Day fixture, where Palace found themselves playing away against Exeter City in atrocious conditions; it was very wet, and the pitch was extremely muddy.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

Despite the tricky conditions, the Londoners came out with a 3-2 victory, with Summersby and Byrne bagging a goal each for consecutive games.

Those who arrived at the final game of the year, on December 31st, were treated to the performance of the season. The 17,911 supporters saw Palace net five second-half goals against Doncaster Rovers, which ended their unbeaten December on a memorable high.

Byrne found himself on the scoresheet again, with Dennis Uphill also scoring a brace, half of which came from the penalty spot.

At the end of February, Palace were five points clear of title rivals Peterborough and looked a good bet for promotion.

Four defeats in March would ultimately cost Palace the title but they would still secure promotion to Division Three, scoring 110 goals over the course of the season.

A win away at South London rivals Millwall on Easter Monday proved vital, backing up a narrow

record for Palace – only later equalled by Glenn Murray in the Championship promotion season of 2012/13.

Byrne’s form would also see the Palace forward receive an England call-up in the following season.

Just eight years later, Palace would be playing top-flight football following two further promotions – still perhaps the most transformative decade in club history.

memorable match

victory over Oldham 48 hours previously.

Finishing second in the table, the Glaziers would finish with a final record of 29 wins from their 46 games, drawing six and losing 11.

Just two points behind champions Peterborough, Rowe had masterminded promotion in his first full season in charge.

Top scorer Byrne would finish the season with 30 league goals, which was and still is a post-war

5 1 Saturday, 31st December 1960

leaguetable pos

club

Fourth Division 1960/61 (two points per win)

p

w

d

l

gf

ga

gd

pts

1

peterbrough united (p)

46

28

10

8

134

65

69

66

2

crystal palace (p)

46

29

6

11

110

69

41

64

3

northampton town (p)

46

25

10

11

90

62

28

60

4

bradford park avenue (p)

46

26

8

12

84

74

10

60

5

york city

46

21

9

16

80

60

20

51

65

HOME OF THE

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BEHIND THE LENS

Taking us where many can only dream to tread, club photographer Sebastian Frej enjoys a unique perspective on Crystal Palace – one which he continues to share with the world.

You can follow Sebastian on Instagram: @sebastian_frej_

67

BEHIND THE LENS

01

“The new arrival ready for his Palace debut at Newcastle.”

68

BEHIND THE LENS

02

“New Year, but some things don’t change. JP’s celebration of our first goal in 2026.”

“Former teammates, now opponents. Respect between Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen at full-time.”

69

03

commentator’s corner 3-0 A moment captured in time – we look back on iconic commentary lines from some of Palace’s most memorable matches...

palace √ aston villa Saturday, 26th April 2025 / Wembley Stadium

Steve Wilson

Good hit... IT’S BETTER THAN GOOD…it’s 2-0 Crystal Palace!

The moment Only our second meeting with today’s opponents since that incredible day under the Wembley Arch, it feels the perfect time to look back on the FA Cup semi-final from last April.

Palace and Aston Villa both arrived at the national stadium knowing they would have to step up after having a reasonably gentle route to the last four.

The Eagles had seen off Stockport, Doncaster and Millwall, before then producing one of the best team performances of the season to see off Fulham 3-0 in the quarter-final, with Ebere Eze in inspired form.

Unai Emery’s side had beaten West Ham and Tottenham before then easing past two Championship sides in Cardiff and Preston North End.

70

After a tight opening first 30 minutes, it was Palace who seized the initiative.

Eze unlocked a tense affair after his stunning drive left Emi Martínez helpless in goal.

Villa chased an equaliser hard, with Dean Henderson having to make excellent saves from both John McGinn and Lucas Digne.

But a moment of magic from Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr would ultimately take the game away from Villa and provide the moment of the game.

Not long before the hour mark, Sarr picked up the ball and advancing powerfully towards the Villans’ defence, before promptly

unleashing a stunning low drive into the bottom corner.

Once again Martinez had no chance. As Steve Wilson perfectly described it on the microphone, “it’s better than good!”

Sarr would then wrap up the win deep in stoppage time when he raced clear to beat Martinez and finish the game in style.

Palace would return to Wembley for the final, while Villa would have to focus on the race for Europe.

It was an occasion when both sets of supporters did themselves proud, creating a spectacular noise.

But at the final whistle, the day belonged to the Eagles.

THE Commentator One of the leading voices on the BBC’s football coverage over the last 20 years, Wilson is one of the best commentators in the business.

Wilson was born and brought up on the Wirral and is a fan of Tranmere Rovers FC. His commentary career started in radio with Capital Gold, before he moved to BBC Radio Five Live in 1998.

Ever since BBC regained the Premier League highlights package in 2004, Wilson has been one of Match of the Day’s primary commentators.

He first covered an FA Cup Final live in 2018, when Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley.

Wilson also memorably commentated on one of the most important games in Palace’s modern day history, which will feature in this series later in the season

.

71

EAGLE ARCADE

eagle arcade

9 letters collymore johnstone

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?

wordfit Can you fit these 10 names to have played for both Palace and Aston Villa into the puzzle?

c a h i l l

7 letters bulcock edwards fashanu grabban benteke 6 letters bannan clarke 5 letters cahill

who plays here?

Can you name the current League One team who play their home games at this ground?

72

EAGLE ARCADE

spottheball

un-scramble theeagle 1

ammeter whist

2021-

2

acclaimer exxon

2024-

3

eijkman lied

20112016

today’smascots age: 12

age: 10

age: 10

age: 10

age: 9

ava hooper

viaan baheti

rocco hailstones

james kingstone

eddie m©daniel

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

1-1

3-0

2-0

3-0

2-1

age: 7

age: 7

age: 8

age: 7

age: 10

oli fairley

ihsan islam

stanley ward

noah Okpokpor

layton parsons

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

2-1

3-1

2-1

3-2

0-1

Who Plays Here?: Exeter City – St James Park Spot the Ball: B Un-scramble the Eagle: 1) Remi Matthews 2) Maxence Lacroix 3) Mile Jedinak

73

FROM THE TERRACES

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 Birthday to Jack Fisher from everyone at Palace! Jack turned 11 on 5th January and has been coming to Palace with his Dad since he turned 2 years old! COYP!

Happy 25th Birthday Louis Attwood.

Hope you have a great day Love from Mum & Dad.

Happy birthday Claire have a wonderful day at Selhurst love babe xx

Happy 10th Birthday Raif Devecioglu - love from all your Palace family & friends but especially Anne, Baba & Reyyan x

74

A massive happy birthday to Stuart Aitken! A loyal Palace fan, we hope your birthday gives you as much joy as Palace lifting the FA Cup! Lots of love, Natasha Ivo and Hector x

FROM THE TERRACES

Happy Birthday Joseph love you lots love mummy daddy rose pebbles palace Aaron fiona jana nanny grandad Rory Oli Emily Ellis Henry and Jimmy xxxx

Happy 18th birthday Demi , wishing you the happiest of birthdays for the most wonderful daughter. Love from Dad xxx

Happy 22nd Birthday Lucy for the 14th of January love Hayden, Lynda & Matt.

In loving memory of Aziz Ziriat, a cherished member of the Palace family.

Forever in our hearts.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Hugh. Love you more than words can say xxx

Wishing Macauley a Happy 30th Birthday from Mum, Dad, Saskia and Nemone.

75

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

fixtures & results

25/26 fixtures & results Opposition

august

Liverpool Chelsea Fredrikstad Nottingham Forest Fredrikstad Aston Villa

82,645 39,678 23,013 24,876 10,016 41,036

W D W D D W

2-2 (3-2) 0-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-3

Final 12th Play-offs 14th Play-offs 8th

SEPtember

Sat 13 Tue 16 Sat 20 Sat 27

Sunderland Millwall West Ham United Liverpool

25,154 16,754 62,455 25,118

D W W W

0-0 1-1 (4-2) 1-2 2-1

9th Third round 5th 3rd

october

Thu 2 Sun 5 Sat 18 Thu 23 Sun 26 Wed 29

Dynamo Kyiv Everton Bournemouth AEK Larnaca Arsenal Liverpool

6,839 51,770 25,125 23,038 60,103 60,420

W L D L L W

0-2 2-1 3-3 0-1 1-0 0-3

League phase (7th) 6th 8th League phase (16th) 10th Fourth round

november

Sat 1 Thu 6 Sun 9 Sat 22 Thu 27 Sun 30

Brentford AZ Alkmaar Brighton & Hove Albion Wolverhampton Wanderers RC Strasbourg Manchester United

25,083 21,459 24,326 29,976 29,528 25,189

W W D W L L

2-0 3-1 0-0 0-2 2-1 1-2

9th League phase (9th) 10th 5th League phase (18th) 9th

december

Wed 3 Sun 7 Thu 11 Sun 14 Thu 18 Sat 20 Tue 23 Sun 28

Burnley Fulham Shelbourne FC Manchester City KuPS Kuopio Leeds United Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur

19,365 27,283 10,134 25,166 21,306 36,334 59,497 25,186

W W W L D L L L

0-1 1-2 0-3 0-3 2-2 4-1 1-1 (8-7) 0-1

5th 4th League phase (9th) 6th League phase (10th) 8th Quarter-final 9th

january

Thu 1 Sun 4 Wed 7 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sun 25

Fulham Newcastle United Aston Villa Macclesfield Sunderland Chelsea

25,111 51,979 19:30 12:15 15:00 14:00

D L

1-1 2-0

10th 14th

february

Sun 1 Sun 8 Wed 11 Sat 21 Sat 28

Nottingham Forest Brighton & Hove Albion Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester United

14:00 14:00 19:30 15:00 15:00

Wed 4 Sat 14 Sat 21

Tottenham Hotspur Leeds United Manchester City

20:00 15:00 15:00

Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25 Sat 2 Sat 9 Sun 17 Sun 24

Newcastle United West Ham United Liverpool Bournemouth Everton Brentford Arsenal

15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 16:00

may

april

Date Sun 10 Sun 17 Thu 21 Sun 24 Thu 28 Sun 31

march

Home Away FA Cup Carabao Cup Conference League Community Shield Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card

attendance/KICK-OFF

76

Result

Position

Daniel Muñoz Tyrick Mitchell Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Yéremy Pino Brennan Johnson Christantus Uche

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 49 55 59 60 72 73 86

77

Matheus França

Joél Drakes-Thomas

Benji Casey

Dean Benamar

George King

Rio Cardines

Justin Devenny

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Walter Benítez

Kaden Rodney

Caleb Kporha

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

Naouirou Ahamada

Cheick Doucouré

Chris Richards

Borna Sosa

Jaydee Canvot

Romain Esse

Adam Wharton

Will Hughes

Daichi Kamada

Nathaniel Clyne

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Dean Henderson

fixtures & results

premier league

leaguetable pos

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Club arsenal

20

15

3

2

40

14

26

48

2

manchester city

20

13

3

4

44

18

26

42

3

aston villa

20

13

3

4

33

24

9

42

4

liverpool

20

10

4

6

32

28

4

34 31

5

chelsea

20

8

7

5

33

22

11

6

manchester united

20

8

7

5

34

30

4

31

7

brentford

20

9

3

8

32

28

4

30

8

sunderland

20

7

9

4

21

19

2

30

9

newcastle united

20

8

5

7

28

24

4

29

10

brighton & hove albion

20

7

7

6

30

27

3

28

11

fulham

20

8

4

8

28

29

-1

28

12

everton

20

8

4

8

22

24

-2

28

13

tottenham hotspur

20

7

6

7

28

24

4

27

14

crystal palace

20

7

6

7

22

23

-1

27

15

bournemouth

20

5

8

7

31

38

-7

23

16

leeds united

20

5

7

8

26

33

-7

22

17

nottingham forest

20

5

3

12

19

33

-14

18

18

west ham united

20

3

5

12

21

41

-20

14

19

burnley

20

3

3

14

20

39

-19

12

20

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

20

1

3

16

14

40

-26

6

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Monday, 5th January.

MATCHWeek21 tue 06 jan 20:00

wed 07 jan 19:30

london stadium

craven cottage

wed 07 jan 19:30

wed 07 jan 19:30

vitality stadium

etihad stadium

wed 07 jan 19:30

wed 07 jan 20:15

gtech community stadium

turf moor

wed 07 jan 19:30

wed 07 jan 20:15

selhurst park

st. james’ park

wed 07 jan 19:30

thu 08 jan 20:00

hill dickinson stadium

emirates stadium

78

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Together Against Suicide

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 55 59 60 72 73 86

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Daniel MUÑOZ Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Yéremy PINO Brennan JOHNSON Christantus UCHE Jean-Philippe MATETA Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Romain ESSE Jaydee CANVOT Borna SOSA Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Naouirou AHAMADA Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Caleb KPORHA Kaden RODNEY Walter BENÍTEZ (GK) Justin DEVENNY Rio CARDINES George KING Dean BENAMAR Benji CASEY Joél DRAKES-THOMAS

aston villa f.c.

A. Madley D. Cook M. Scholes L. Doughty M. Oliver N. Greenhalgh

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 29 40 44 47 53 54 83

Matty CASH Victor LINDELÖF Ezri KONSA Tyrone MINGS Ross BARKLEY John McGINN Youri TIELEMANS Harvey ELLIOTT Emiliano BUENDÍA Ollie WATKINS Lucas DIGNE Pau TORRES Andrés GARCÍA Donyell MALEN Jadon SANCHO Jamaldeen JIMOH-ALOBA Ian MAATSEN Emiliano MARTÍNEZ (GK) Amadou ONANA Lamare BOGARDE Morgan ROGERS Evann GUESSAND Marco BIZOT (GK) Boubacar KAMARA ALYSSON George HEMMINGS Aidan BORLAND Bradley BURROWES

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