Crystal Palace v Tottenham matchday programme 2526

contents

Crystal Palace √ tottenham hotspur sun 28 dec 2025 | 4:30pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, Woody Johnson Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Financial Officer Mitesh Velani Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Jonty Castle Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol 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 54 palace for life

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

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72 Eagle Arcade 74 from the terraces

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04

briefing

weekly briefing

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On this day 28 december 2005

Welcome back to Selhurst Park for today’s match, the first of three home matches in ten days.

This is the Eagles’ final game of 2025, a year which has seen a first major trophy, European football arrive in South London and much more.

Palace have a busy start to the New Year, hosting Fulham in our next Premier League game on New Year’s Day (17:30 GMT).

At the time of writing, limited tickets remain on sale to Members –

jan

01

Fulham (H) Premier League

head to www.cpfc.co.uk/tickets for more information.

Palace are then on road just four days later with a trip to the north-east to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park (Sunday, 4th January 15:00 GMT). Limited tickets are still available, for Season Ticket Holders and Members.

You can also purchase tickets for our supporters’ coaches, with three leaving Selhurst Park at 06:30 GMT.

jan

jan

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Palace women √ Sheffield United (A)

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UEFA Conference League play-off draw

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Palace defeat Derby County 2-0 at Selhurst Park with goals from Clinton Morrison and Darren Ward.

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our final home game of 2025 − and welcome to Thomas Frank, and his Tottenham players and staff, for this afternoon’s game.

I

am writing these notes ahead of our Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal. Regardless of the outcome of that game, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support throughout 2025.

Overall looking back it’s been an amazing calendar year for all of us.

For every player, every staff member, every employee at the club – and of course, every supporter of Crystal Palace – I hope you’ve all enjoyed the journey.

This time last year we hadn’t yet even started our FA Cup run, so we’ve come a long way in that time. Winning that trophy, winning the Community Shield and playing European football are moments we can all look back on with huge pride for years to come. I’m also really pleased with the consistency we’ve shown in the Premier League. At the time of writing, we have taken the sixth-most points in the Premier League in 2025. To be in that topthird of the league is another sign of the progress we’ve made. Not any one person could achieve all this alone, it required every one of us working together.

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it’s been an amazing calendar year for all of us. For every player, every staff member, every employee at the club – and of course, every supporter of Crystal Palace – I hope you’ve all enjoyed the journey

Manager

It will go down as a memorable year in Crystal Palace history. But for me the challenge now is not to relax and be satisfied. We want this to be the starting point of doing even greater things in 2026. We always are pushing for more success. We also don’t let one difficult result impact us. For example, in our last home game against Manchester City,

It will go down as a memorable year in Crystal Palace history.

But for me the challenge now is not to relax and be satisfied.

We want this to be the starting point of doing even greater things in 2026.

We always are pushing for more success

we competed against a top side but didn’t get the win. Yet, we still have the confidence and belief for our next league game at Selhurst Park against Tottenham. For me, this is one of the biggest achievements – that we all have real belief and conviction that we can win against any team who come here.

It was a disappointing result away at Leeds in our last Premier League fixture. But as I said after the game, we will be honest in our reflections of what went wrong and show we can correct it over the next few matches.

A special mention to those of you have followed us away from home this year. I know the expenditure and effort required to get to these games. It’s not only the cost, but the time off work and time away from your family. That support means a lot to all of us, so thank you.

Tottenham will present a good challenge for us this afternoon. But I think the year of 2025 deserves to end on a winning note. I hope you’ve all enjoyed the Christmas season, and I look forward to seeing you all again this afternoon, enjoy the game

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A special mention to those of you have followed us away from home this year. I know the expenditure and effort required to get to these games.

It’s not only the cost, but the time off work and time away from your family. That support means a lot to all of us, so thank you

Captain

marc Guéhi Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our last home game of 2025 against Tottenham Hotspur. I hope we can close out the year with a win in front of you all today.

I

’d like to start these notes by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year too. As Premier League footballers, we recognise that this will always be one of the busiest times of the year for us, in terms of fixtures – and that is certainly the case this year.

However, we’re also aware that this is an important time to celebrate friendship, celebrate family, and celebrate all that we love in life. I hope each and every one of you have had that opportunity over the last few days.

These notes go to print ahead of our Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, but I want to thank in advance those who supported us at the Emirates, and those who made the trip up to Leeds. Obviously, the result at Elland Road was not the one we wanted. As I said after the game, Leeds were the better side and that is tough to accept.

They won every duel, they wanted it, and they were more physical.

But, as the manager also said, we will reflect and learn from our mistakes. In the Premier League you will, more often than not, get punished when you’re not at your best.

Generally, we’ve been competitive in

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this is an important time to celebrate friendship, celebrate family, and celebrate all that we love in life. I hope each and every one of you have had that opportunity over the last few days

Captain

To win a major trophy for this club was an incredible day and we’ve had so many great moments since as well, whether it was our first win in the Conference League, the Community Shield or going on a lengthy unbeaten run in the Premier League

every game this season and we want that to continue into over the next few weeks. The games are going to keep coming thick and fast, so we will regroup and look to go again.

what an incredible year it’s been. This time 12 months ago, I’m not sure many outside the club would have predicted what was to come. But this group, led by the manager, has a determination and a strong inner-belief that we can compete in every game

This is our final fixture of 2025 and what an incredible year it’s been. This time 12 months ago, I’m not sure many outside the club would have predicted what was to come. But this group, led by the manager, has a determination and a strong inner-belief that we can compete in every game and in every competition.

To win a major trophy for this club was an incredible day and we’ve had so many great moments since as well, whether it was our first win in the Conference League, the Community

Shield or going on a lengthy unbeaten run in the Premier League.

However, we won’t be resting on our laurels as we head into January.

The New Year will bring us more opportunities to write another chapter in this club’s history. Hopefully this club can have another memorable year.

Today, against Tottenham, I hope we produce a performance you are proud of, so that we can head into 2026 on a high

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chairman

steve parish Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Tottenham to Selhurst Park for today’s match, and welcome as always to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here to get behind Oliver’s team for our final match of the year.

A

s always, there is much to reflect upon as we head into our final fixture of the calendar year. Football never stands still, but I am sure everyone connected with this club will take a moment to look back on this year and the incredible 2025 we have enjoyed.

Winning the FA Cup – and a first major trophy in 164 years – was of course the highlight and still feels fresh in the memory. As I said that day, I think we deserved it for many reasons, but particularly for how incredible you have been as fans. The whole of South London came together in that moment, but for those of you that have followed the team through all the most difficult periods, it was extra special.

Having had countless attempts to win, been to three finals, that day the team did indeed shake Wembley. I think you can all be proud of what you are as a fan base and how you helped keep this club alive in the darkest of days. Like so many of you, I have dreamt about winning the FA Cup, and tasted the disappointments of two previous finals, which made it even sweeter when Joel did finally go up and lift the cup.

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I think you can all be proud of what you are as a fan base and how you helped keep this club alive in the darkest of days.

Like so many of you, I have dreamt about winning the FA Cup, and tasted the disappointments of two previous finals

Chairman

To follow that victory up with beating the league champions, and winning the Community Shield was a testament to the fantastic staff and squad. Two amazing days that would not have been possible without their dedication, their talent and belief. This is a special group, one that will live forever in the history of football. They have etched their names into folklore and will be celebrated for years to come.

This is a special group, one that will live forever in the history of football. They have etched their names into folklore and will be celebrated for years to come

Around the club, our Women’s team have ended the year with a really strong run of form in the WSL2, as well as an impressive run to the League Cup quarter-finals. Credit to Jo Potter, her players and her staff for all their hard work, which has got us into a good position for when they return after the winter break. I look forward to watching their progress continue.

Our renowned Academy has continued to go from strength to strength over the last year. Not only are we seeing great success for Javier Alonso and the Under-18s and Darren Powell and the Under-21s on the pitch, but we have also

seen how some of those players have stepped up to the first-team in recent weeks, building on our rich history of promoting young talent. Congratulations to George King, Dean Benamar and Joél Drakes-Thomas for making their senior debuts against KuPS recently. Well done as well to Joél for then becoming our youngest Premier League player ever when he came on against Leeds.

I also must mention Mike Summers and the ‘Palace for Life’ foundation who continue with their amazing work, supported by the Premier League, shareholders and fans. They are positively changing the lives of so many young people in South London, we look forward to more great things and an even greater level of support in 2026.

In many ways it will be sad to say goodbye to 2025 – a year when, together, we achieved so much – but the club has more to look forward to in 2026, including the chance to write more history. Once again thank you for your support, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year.

Up the Palace

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In many ways it will be sad to say goodbye to 2025 – a year when, together, we achieved so much – but the club has more to look forward to in 2026, including the chance to write more history. Once again thank you for your support, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year

WILL

As he closes in on 150 senior appearances for the Eagles, Will Hughes sits down to talk about the journey he has been on in his four years in South London so far, the FA Cup celebrations and more…

Interview: Jack Lacey-Hatton 12

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will hughes

W

hen you’ve had 14 years in professional football – as Will Hughes has – you probably become preconditioned to forget about the traditional joys of Christmas Day. As most people across the country get stuck into a full Turkey dinner, mince pies and maybe a tipple or two, professional footballers are normally heading to hotels, or perhaps even the training ground – all part of preparation for the traditional Boxing Day games.

But this Boxing Day is very different, at least at Premier League level, with just one game taking place in the evening.

The extra ‘down-time’ before today’s game against Tottenham means Will Hughes will actually have the novelty of a Christmas Day off.

Not that he’ll be overindulging himself with the festivities.

“It’ll be strange,” said Hughes.

“We’ve got Christmas Day off, which is very unusual.

“It’s a nice opportunity to go back home and be there for Christmas.

“It’ll definitely be the first time at Palace that’s happened. It’ll be a normal Christmas in some senses, which like for anyone is good.

“But at the same time, Boxing Day football is synonymous with my childhood and is one of the best traditions of English football.

“I used to love going to watch games when I was younger, Boxing Day was a big thing. So it’s sad in that sense from a fan’s point of view.

“But also from a player’s perspective, the atmosphere is always good on Boxing Day.

It’s a nice opportunity to go back home and be there for Christmas.

It’ll definitely be the first time at Palace that’s happened.

It’ll be a normal Christmas in some senses, which like for anyone is good.

But at the same time, Boxing Day football is synonymous with my childhood and is one of the best traditions of English football

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“So Christmas Day is normally very off the cuff for me. Normally it depends on who we’re playing. So it’s weird having to plan a bit this year.

“I’ll enjoy it – just not too much!”

When Hughes first signed for Crystal Palace back in August 2021, his first statement to the supporters and media didn’t promise major trophies or European football.

But it did offer a glimpse of what was to come from the midfielder in red and blue. In his Palace TV interview, Hughes said: “Fans want to see players give 100% and that’s the minimum I’ll give. That’s what they can expect.”

His all-action, committed style has been ever-present in SE25, ever since. Hughes always gives his all and always gets stuck in.

That perhaps might explain his relationship with the Palace faithful.

Chris richards

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I’d say I celebrated it properly 16

will hughes To an extent, every player wrote their name into club folklore back in May, by helping the team to a historic first major trophy.

But it was noticeable that at the post-match celebrations in Wembley’s BoxPark, the sight of Hughes on the balcony with his medal, and the trophy in hand, drew a particularly emotive response from the Palace supporters and staff in the building.

So where, at least according to the man himself, has that relationship with the fans come from?

“It’s difficult to say really,” reflects Hughes. “Because I’m quite a private person really. I don’t really have social media, I’ve got a private Instagram, so I don’t really interact with everyone in that sense.

“I think it’s more that – without it sounding silly – I always try and give 100% on the pitch every time I cross the white line.

“To some people they might think that’s a given. But in modern day football it’s not always the case and I think fans can see that.

“But that’s been ingrained in me from a young age, I think. So that’s where it stems from perhaps.”

Clearly winning the FA Cup meant a huge amount to every single player involved, regardless of their own personal journey or the time they had spent at the club.

But for Hughes there was particular satisfaction in exorcising the ghosts of his previous FA Cup Final appearance.

The midfielder was part of the Watford team taken apart by Manchester City in 2019. Six years on and Palace outfought the same team to secure a famous victory.

It’s difficult to say really, Because I’m quite a private person really. I don’t really have social media, I’ve got a private Instagram, so I don’t really interact with everyone in that sense.

I think it’s more that – without it sounding silly – I always try and give 100% on the pitch every time I cross the white line

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A man for living in the moment, Hughes was never going to let it pass by without celebrating.

“I’d say I celebrated it properly,” he laughs. “I had my best friend’s stag do immediately after – so shoutout to him for the perfect timing.

“It’s fair to say it was a bit of a whirlwind of a summer!

“But in terms of reflecting on the achievement, it’s hard to do that when you’re in it. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but when my career’s finished eventually, maybe that’s when I’ll really step back and reflect and appreciate it.

“It’s hard to take in. I had definitely crossed my mind that I wouldn’t [win a trophy].

“But credit to the entire club. The players, the staff… but

will hughes especially the gaffer for making us as players believe that we can achieve something special.

“Many of us might not have believed that was previously possible.

It just goes to show what can happen if you have real belief in what you’re doing.”

Was there a standout moment Hughes knew a first major honour of his career was on the cards?

“I think that’s where it’s kind of gathered pace, the start of last season, just having belief that we can win every game.

“You can’t win every single game, but that spirit can take you a long way.”

It’s noticeable that, with Hughes quickly approaching his 150th senior appearance for Palace, he is now only 37 shy of his total appearance record for Derby County.

For many neutrals, Hughes could well be more closely associated with Palace than his hometown club. He was an academy graduate at Derby and, just like at Palace, a popular figure with supporters.

By the time he has finished playing, he’s likely to have turned out for the Eagles more than any other club.

Not that Hughes takes anything for granted.

“You never know what the next few years are going to bring,” says Hughes. “So I’m not sure.

“Derby’s still my home, but I’m proud to have played for all three clubs I have. I have had a great four years here, hopefully there’s more to come.”

It’s a truth self-evident that a lot has changed in football since he made

Many of us might not have believed that was previously possible. It just goes to show what can happen if you have real belief in what you’re doing. I think that’s where it’s kind of gathered pace, the start of last season, just having belief that we can win every game. You can’t win every single game, but that spirit can take you a long way

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that first senior appearance for Derby – at the age of just 16-years-old.

The game has shifted significantly in the last five years alone.

Having played across different leagues and now having experienced Europe for the first time, Hughes has a broad understanding of the game.

He might no longer watch many games in his spare time, but you can sense from watching him play and talk about it that this is someone with a great football IQ. So what does he feel is the biggest shift from when he first started out to now?

“That’s an open ended one,” Hughes says. “I could sit here for hours with that.

I have had a great four years here 19

it definitely was a lot more physical 20

will hughes “I’d say the physical nature, in terms of fouls and yellow and red cards. VAR obviously is a bit part of that.

“It’s a generational thing, I guess. You have to learn to adapt, because the game becoming less physical is not something I necessarily agree with.

“But I just move with the times and get on with it really.

“In terms of VAR, I think players understand it should be there for offsides, where it’s black or white.

But so many red cards or fouls are subjective.

“So it’s not particularly helpful in that regard. But it’s all personal preference, I just know it definitely was a lot more physical when I first started.”

That’s not to say Hughes doesn’t still have to go into battle when pulling on a red and blue shirt.

Only last week he was on the end of tackle that saw KuPS reduced to ten men.

I’d say the physical nature, in terms of fouls and yellow and red cards.

VAR obviously is a bit part of that.

It’s a generational thing, I guess. You have to learn to adapt, because the game becoming less physical is not something I necessarily agree with. But I just move with the times and get on with it really

Clinton Antwi was shown a straight red card for a late challenge of Hughes. Many players might have spent the next three minutes getting treatment.

Hughes simply got up, inspected the damage and shook it off. Any delay could have killed momentum to the match when Palace were chasing an equaliser – three minutes after that moment Justin Devenny headed the equaliser.

The result that night confirmed knockout European football in the New Year for both Palace and Hughes.

As ever Oliver Glasner’s side will take it one tie at a time, but the road to Leipzig is still very much on.

It’s something Hughes probably never envisioned when he first arrived at Selhurst Park.

“It’s fair to say it’s worked out okay,” he smiles.

As the latest milestone is ticked off, Hughes is certainly right in his assessment

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follow-up

staff selection

with will hughes

Everybody knows a footballer’s best position on the pitch – but what if they took on an alternative role off it? Here, Will Hughes picks his ideal Palace backroom team – from his teammates…

manager

Analyst

Player Care Manager

Maxence. He’ll bring some style to the touchline.

Adam Wharton – all day.

Tough one, but I’ll say Marc.

Fitness coach

Club chef

Social Media Manager

Dani Muñoz – that’s the obvious one!

Not many of them like to cook. I do. But I’ll go for Chris Richards.

Has to be a young lad for this. Dean is quite active so I’ll go for him.

Commentator

scout

referee

Justin Devenny.

I don’t understand why people are saying me… I’ll go Jefferson Lerma.

He wouldn’t take any nonsense.

Daichi. I just think he’d get quite angry commentating, he’d be very critical!

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25

tottenham hotspur

tottenham

hotspur Just where do you begin with Tottenham Hotspur? In their final fixture of the calendar year, it’s difficult to pick out another club in England that can legitimately claim to have endured more of a roller coaster year than Spurs.

Rewind to May and Ange Postecoglou had just led the club to a first major trophy in 17 years, defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final. It was a significant achievement but undermined by an appalling Premier League season that saw the Australian depart before the 2025/26 season.

Thomas Frank’s arrival in the managerial hot seat was considered a coup for the club, after the Dane had spent the last four years turning Brentford into a consistent Premier League club.

But Frank has endured a tricky first-half of the season in North London, despite initially overseeing a strong start.

Beating Manchester City in his first away game in charge made it seem that Spurs were top-four contenders.

But a 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in their next game was the first of five league defeats inside their first nine home fixtures.

Qualifying for the Champions League through their Europa League win last season, Europe’s premier competition has provided some of Tottenham’s best moments of the season so far.

Wins over Villarreal, Copenhagen and Slavia Prague, have left them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

One of their best performances so far came in the UEFA Super Cup against European Cup holders PSG. Ultimately though they missed out the silverware, going down in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

The team has undergone a significant change in profile this season. Big money signings Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus have shown potential. While Mathys Tel is a signing for the future.

The departure of Son Heung-min – after ten seasons in North London – naturally left a void at the club. Not only was the South Korean superstar a major source of goals, he was also the club’s leader and talisman in the post-Harry Kane era.

But with the likes of Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and – when back to fitness – James Maddison and Dominic Solanke in their ranks, Tottenham still have an attack capable of giving any team in the league a tough game.

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14th

Points

22

Top Scorer Richarlison

7

Most Assists Mohammed Kudos

5

away

European salvation

Position

home

Season so far

this season

third

Thomas Frank became Tottenham’s fourth permanent manager since June 2021 when replacing Ange Postecoglou. His aim is to now restore Spurs to top-six finishers after last season’s disappointing domestic season was partially lifted by winning the Europa League in Bilbao…

tottenham hotspur

1-2 spurs √ liverpool Saturday, 20th December / Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

“I think overall it was a good performance tonight, proud of the players and the team and how they responded. I actually think the first 30 minutes was also good from us and how we responded to setbacks through the game, something we have been working very hard on.”

Thomas Frank

Substitutes 31

a. kinsky

3

r. dragusin

39

7

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simons

15

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spence

van de ven

romero

porro

1 vicario subs

WHAT HAPPENED Tottenham lost out in a chaotic match to Premier League holders Liverpool, with the hosts ending the match with nine players.

Alexander Isak scored just his third Liverpool goal to break the deadlock, before fellow forward Hugo Ekitike doubled their lead 10 minutes later.

Tottenham did show fight to get back in the contest and substitute Richarlison pulled a goal back.

But Liverpool held on to inflict further pain on Thomas Frank, whose side had Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero sent off, the latter coming in injury time.

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tottenham hotspur

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 Spurs became the first post-war side to win the double…

Tottenham Hotspur 1960/61 Few campaigns in English football history are remembered as fondly as Tottenham Hotspur’s 1960/61 season.

It was a year that would forever cement Spurs’ place among the country’s elite, as Bill Nicholson’s side achieved the coveted Double – winning both the Football League First Division and the FA Cup in the same season, a feat no top-flight team had managed in the 20th century.

The 1960s were a period of change in English football. Wolves and Manchester United had dominated the previous decade, but Tottenham were a club on the rise.

Nicholson, a former Spurs player and 1950/51 league champion, had taken the managerial reins in October 1958, inheriting a team struggling in the league. His 16-year managerial career would go on to become legendary, but it was the 1960/61 team that first showcased his tactical ingenuity and eye for talent.

Tottenham entered the season with a bold 2-3-5 formation – a setup that might surprise modern

fans – featuring Bill Brown in goal, Peter Baker and Ron Henry in defence, Danny Blanchflower, Maurice Norman, and Dave Mackay in midfield, and a dazzling five-man forward line of Cliff Jones, John White, Bobby Smith, Les Allen, and Terry Dyson. It was a team very much built for attacking football…

From the opening fixtures, Spurs looked unstoppable. 11 consecutive wins set the tone, including victories over Manchester United and Wolves. A 4-4 draw with Burnley after leading 4-0 showed

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both their attacking prowess and occasional defensive lapses.

By the turn of the year, Spurs were already 11 points clear of Sheffield Wednesday, a lead that seemed unassailable. Bobby Smith’s finishing, combined with Blanchflower’s midfield mastery, gave Tottenham that much-needed consistency.

The league campaign saw crucial wins against title rivals. A 2-1 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday in April secured the championship with 66 points, eight ahead of second place.

tottenham hotspur

Spurs had used just 17 players all season, highlighting the resilience and fitness of Nicholson’s core squad.

Their 31 league victories also set a record for a 22-team division, further emphasising the dominance of this extraordinary team.

But the FA Cup demanded equal focus. Spurs navigated past Charlton, Crewe, Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Burnley to reach their first final since 1921. The semi-final victory over Burnley, sealed by Bobby Smith’s brace and a Cliff Jones goal at Villa Park, showcased their blend of individual brilliance and teamwork.

Wembley Stadium was a sea

of over 100,000 spectators on 6th May as Leicester City awaited. In the second-half, a threaded pass from Terry Dyson allowed Bobby Smith to break the deadlock, before Dyson himself scored a memorable header.

Tottenham’s 2-0 triumph completed the historic Double, with the losing Leicester side forming a guard of honour in recognition of Spurs’ achievement.

The 1960/61 season was defined by balance as much as talent.

Blanchflower’s leadership, Mackay’s power, and Norman and Henry’s solidity combined with a forward line of pace, flair, and finishing ability.

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Nicholson’s tactical acumen ensured Spurs dominated both boxes and controlled matches from midfield to attack.

The legacy of this remarkable season extended far beyond a single campaign. It laid the foundations for a golden era at White Hart Lane, with league titles, FA Cups, and European triumphs in the years to follow.

Yet for supporters, nothing eclipses the thrill of that spring. The double-winning team were heroes to Tottenham supporters, and remain so generations on. Undoubtedly it remains the club's greatest ever season.

tottenham hotspur

gk Antonin

Kinsky age

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22 2025

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Vicario has enjoyed his finest statistical season at Spurs since joining from Empoli in 2023, improving on his saves and clean sheet percentages and – most tellingly – expected goals on target conceded figures.

The ‘keeper was instrumental in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League triumph, making crucial saves against Manchester United in the final.

A member of Tottenham’s leadership group, Vicario featured in 34 matches across all competitions during 2024/25, despite sustaining a fractured ankle. Brave with his feet and commanding, he has earned four senior Italy caps.

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def kota

Takai age

Van de Ven has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most commanding centrebacks since joining Spurs from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2023.

Forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Romero, he combines power, composure, and athleticism at the heart of the defence.

A Netherlands international, Van de Ven is known for his leadership and reading of the game, highlighted by his acrobatic goal-line clearance in last season’s UEFA Europa League Final and a stunning solo goal against Copenhagen this season.

25 joined

21 2025

mid João

from

from

06

Palhinha age

joined

30 2025 31

from

24

def djed

Spence age

joined

25 2022

def ben

Davies age

33

joined

32 2014

mid Yves

from

from

08

Bissouma age

joined

29 2022

from

tottenham hotspur

10

mid james

Maddison age

joined

29 2023

from

15

mid lucas

Bergvall age

joined

19 2024

from

14

mid archie

mid Mohammed

Kudus age

20

joined

25 2025

mid Rodrigo

from

30

Bentancur age

joined

28 2022

from

mid Pape Matar

Sarr age

29 joined

23 2021

fwd xavi

from

07

Simons age

joined

22 2025 32

from

Gray age

joined

19 2024

from

Gray enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season, lifting both the UEFA Europa League with Spurs and the U21 European Championship with England.

Since joining from Leeds in July 2024, the versatile teenager has featured across defence and midfield, making 46 appearances in all competitions during his maiden campaign.

With last season’s injury issues behind him, Gray can now play in his preferred central midfield role under Thomas Frank.

A member of the famed Gray footballing dynasty – his father, grandfather, great uncle and brother all became professionals – he continues to be a fan-favourite.

tottenham hotspur

11

fwd Mathys

tel age

joined

20 2025

from

19

fwd Dominic

Solanke age

joined

28 2024

from

fwd

21

fwd dejan

Kulusevski age

joined

25 2023

fwd wilson

from

28

Odobert age

joined

21 2024

from

fwd Brennan

22

Johnson age

joined

24 2023

fwd randal

from

39

Kolo Muani age

joined

27 2025 33

from

-

09

Richarlison age

joined

28 2022

from

Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in 2022, after having established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards.

Versatile across the front line, he has a flair for the dramatic, scoring a double on his Champions League debut against Marseille and delivering crucial contributions in last season’s successful Europa League run.

Injuries haven’t dimmed his impact; with over 50 Brazil caps, he tops this season’s scoring charts for Spurs, and is often preferred as the starting striker to summer signing Randal Kolo Muani.

tottenham hotspur

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. In a new feature for 2025/26, Pat will present a scouting report on the opposition – here he examines today’s visitors Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur arrive at Selhurst Park in a stylistic transition. Under new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs play more a more direct game in-possession, while their defensive structure shows more compactness and aggression. There has been an adjustment period, but Spurs still possess enough depth and talent to be formidable opponents.

NEW SEASON, NEW STYLE Last season, Tottenham utilised an expansive style of play. They ranked high in short passes attempted, as they preferred patient play, rather than bypassing the midfield with direct long balls to forwards.

Their tactics were predicated on keeping the ball in their attacking third, shown by high rates of penalty box entries, touches in the box, and attacking third tackles.

Yet under Thomas Frank, Spurs rank highly in long pass attempts and spend less time in the penalty area.

These changes have yet to bring improvements to Tottenham’s attack.

Spurs have scored the fifth-most goals

(when removing penalties) in the Premier League – a strong return – but this is mainly due to individual quality and ‘fortunate’ outcomes.

Notably, Spurs rank 16th in shots and 13th in NPxG/shot, a statistic which depicts a side that takes a low amount of shots, often at low-quality.

Spurs’ 24 non-penalty goals have come from just 15.1 non-penalty expected goals (NPxG) – ranking just 17th. This overperformance of 8.9 goals has masked some underlying inefficiencies in Tottenham’s attack and may be difficult to sustain over the course of a season.

TENDENCIES INPOSSESSION With the ball, Tottenham play neither patiently and methodically, nor quickly and vertically.

They are close to the leagueaverage in passes per sequence (11th) and sequences with 10+ passes (10th). Spurs have shown an affinity to play through the flanks equally – initiating attacks 38% of the time on each – while eschewing the middle of the pitch, ranking just 18th for central builds.

SET-PIECE FORTUNE Thomas Frank’s Brentford sides were known for set-piece prowess, and his Tottenham team looks no different.

However, there has been a bit of fortune in this area as well – both in attacking and defending areas.

Spurs have scored seven goals from set-pieces (sixth-most) from an xG of just 4.8 (14th).

Defensively, they’ve conceded the fewest goals from dead ball situations, but their two goals allowed has come from an xG of 4.8, showing vulnerability.

34

projected starting xi

tottenham hotspur

lb

lw

spence

muani

dm cb gk vicario

bentancur

van de ven

cb romero

am

st

simons

richarlison

dm palhinha

rb

rw kudus

porro

DEFENSIVE ENGAGEMENT Tottenham’s low passes per defensive action (PPDA) metric of 5.4 shows they look to regain possession early.

However, this is not a high press, as Spurs deploy a compact mid-block.

Rather than forwards, Tottenham’s midfielders lead the pressure, shown by Spurs ranking first for tackles won in the middle third, while ranking 11th for tackles won in their attacking third.

This pressure is initiated decisively through triggers such as a poor first touch or a midfielder receiving with his back to goal. Spurs are prolific and effective with their pressure, attempting the most tackles in the league at the sixth-best win rate (60.7%).

Tactical changes in Thomas Frank's first season Metric

2024/25

2025/26

Shot attempts

11th

16th

short passes attempted

7th

12th

long passes attempted

17th

5th

att. pen. touches

8th

14th

passes into pen. area

5th

14th

carries into pen. area

7th

12th

progressive carries

4th

9th

fouls drawn

2nd

19th

tackles attempted

10th

1st

tackles won

8th

2nd

att. 3rd tackles

5th

11th

interceptions

7th

16th

35

SUPERSTAR LOANEE Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha has been paramount to Tottenham’s midfield so far this term. Palhinha leads the league in tackles attempted per90 minutes, tackles won per90, and tackles won in both the defensive and middle thirds of the pitch.

Palhinha also has the most successful tackles against dribblers at the 4th-highest success rate (76.5%). In addition to his defensive work, Palhinha has played a large role in Tottenham’s build-up play.

He ranks eighth amongst all midfielders for touches in the defensive third, and is first for both key passes and chances created via defensive action.

This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

36

tottenham hotspur

spurs flashback 2012/13

STREETS WON’T FORGET: Mousa Dembélé A player who represented both today’s opponents and our next visitors to Selhurst Park, Fulham, Dembélé is held in high regard by both sets of supporters.

HOME KIT - our verdict: Under Armour made some moves into football kit manufacturing in the early 2010s – and this is probably as good as it gets. A simple, but stylish design with a button-up collar and embroidered cloth badge. This shirt just screams Gareth Bale being very, very good at football.

Being ranked 91st in The Guardian’s list of the 100 best current footballers in 2012, might not sound the most thrilling of accolades, but at the time showed what ability he had.

Although playing as an attacking midfielder early on in his career, Dembélé would become an efficient deep-lying playmaker in North London.

Adept at dribbling out of tight situations, the Belgian international was a genuine baller. Part of the Red Devils so called ‘golden generation’, he won 82 caps for his country across 12 years, playing at both the 2014 and 2018 World Cup. He departed Tottenham in January 2019, moving to Chinese side Beijing Guoan – later retiring in

away kit - our verdict: We can understand why Tottenham fans liked this at the time. But it’s just a tad dull looking back. Then again, they won 10 from 19 league away games this year, so it proved something of a lucky charm.

37

2022. But his ability on the ball and technical excellence means won’t be forgotten easily by the Spurs’ faithful.

tottenham hotspur

BOTH SIDES of THE FENCE Andros Townsend Andros Townsend’s senior career began at Tottenham Hotspur, joining the academy as a youngster in 2000.

He progressed steadily through the youth ranks, making his senior debut in 2009 while on loan at Yeovil Town.

Over the next few years, Townsend went on a series of loans to clubs including the Glovers, Leyton Orient, and MK Dons, honing the pace, dribbling, and powerful left foot that would define his career.

He debuted for Tottenham in January 2011, scoring in an FA Cup tie against Charlton and earning Player of the Match. His Premier League debut followed the next year, amid further loans to Ipswich, Watford, Millwall, Leeds, Birmingham, and QPR. The attack-minded winger finally broke into the Spurs first team in the 2013/14 season. While competition for places was fierce, he made nearly 70 appearances across the next two seasons.

Townsend also earned 13 England caps between 2013 and 2016, scoring three goals, most memorably a debut strike against Montenegro in a World Cup qualifier.

In January 2016, after struggling for regular game time at Tottenham and falling out with manager Mauricio Pochettino, Townsend moved to Newcastle United.

He made an immediate impact – on his home debut, he earned a standing ovation after a Man of the Match performance against West Brom that helped Newcastle climb out of the relegation zone. Despite his efforts, the Magpies were relegated, and Townsend moved on that summer.

His next stop was Palace, where he would enjoy the most consistent and memorable chapter of his career.

Over five seasons at Selhurst Park, he made 185 appearances, scoring 16 goals, with many moments of individual brilliance.

Palace fans quickly took to his commitment, tireless work rate, and spectacular goals.

Townsend’s most iconic moment came in December 2018 against Manchester City. With a stunning 30-yard volley at the Etihad, he helped Palace secure a remarkable 3–2 victory – a goal that later won Premier League Goal of the Season, earned a Puskas Award nomination, and is still celebrated as one of the finest strikes in the club’s history.

After leaving Palace, Townsend enjoyed successful, albeit brief, spells with Everton and Luton Town before taking his career overseas to Antalyaspor.

In 2025, at the age of 34, he joined Thai top-flight side Kanchanaburi Power.

Across Tottenham, Palace, and all his previous clubs, Townsend is fondly remembered for moments of sheer brilliance – bursts of pace, curling strikes, with an ability to change games in an instant.

38

2000

Joins Tottenham Hotspur Academy as a youngster.

2009

Makes senior debut while on loan at Yeovil Town.

2009/10

Gains experience through loan spells at Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient, and MK Dons.

2011

Debuts for Tottenham senior team in FA Cup tie vs Charlton, scoring and earning Man of the Match.

2012

Makes Premier League debut for Tottenham, amid further loans to Ipswich, Watford, Millwall, Leeds, Birmingham, and QPR.

2013/14

Breaks into Tottenham first team.

2013-16

Earns 13 England caps, scoring three goals, including a debut strike vs Montenegro.

2016

Moves to Newcastle United; impresses on debut with Player of the Match performance, but club is relegated.

2016

Signs for Palace, where he makes 185 appearances and scores 16 goals across five seasons.

2018

Scores a stunning 30-yard volley vs Manchester City, winning Premier League Goal of the Season and earning a Puskas Award nomination.

2021

Released by Palace and signs for Everton.

2021

Released by Everton, joins newly promoted Premier League side Luton Town.

2024

Transfers to Turkish club Antalyaspor.

2025

Joins Thai top-flight side Kanchanaburi Power at age 34.

tottenham hotspur

WHen we last met

0-2 spurs √ palace Sunday, 11th May, 2025 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

1 henderson

26

5

6

richards

LACROIX

guÉhi

12

20

18

3

MUñOZ

wharton

kamada

mitchell

10

7 SARR

eze

14 MATETA

21 11

28

kulusevski

tel

odobert

29

30

14

sarr

bentancur

gray

24

33

4

23

spence

davies

danso

porro

31

One week before they would lift the FA Cup at Wembley Palace had another enjoyable, although admittedly slightly less historically significant, trip to North London.

The Eagles dominated Tottenham on their own patch to secure a comfortable win in our penultimate away game of the season.

Despite having momentum from the cup run, Palace were actually on a run of five league games without victory going into this one.

But they played with confidence and flair throughout. Ismaila Sarr netted from Daniel Muñoz's cross inside 10 minutes only for it to be chalked off for offside, before Muñoz rattled the crossbar.

Maxence Lacroix also had the ball in net, but it was disallowed after the ball hit Marc Guehi's arm on its way in.

But Palace were a constant threat and eventually got the reward on the stroke of half-time. Muñoz crossed to give Ebere Eze the simplest of tasks. He tucked home from close range and the Eagles were in front.

And the same player would take the game away from the hosts just three minutes into the second-half.

Eze played Sarr through before side-footing the return pass into goal.

Spurs rarely threatened after, as Oliver Glasner’s side made a statement of intent ahead of the FA Cup final.

The three points saw us match our record points tally in the Premier League, which would then be broken after collecting four more in our final two games against Wolves and Liverpool.

39

kinsky

the scorers ebere eze - 45' 48'

MATCH STATS 48%

Possession

52%

8

Total shots

23

1

Shots on target

10

4

Corners

8

12

Fouls

10

west ham united

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

40

08/01/2025 09:51

tottenham hotspur

HEAD TO HEAD

marc

Guéhi age

25

pos

def

micky

25/26

nat

21

Goals

26

28.08

Expected Goals

16.36

7

Clean Sheets

5

van de ven age

24

pos

def

nat

PL Apps

16

65

Corners

96

PL Apps

16

Goals

2

47

Blocks

42

Goals

3

Assists

2

452

Assists

0

Minutes played

1440

Minutes played

1430

Passes

820

Passes

890

Duels Won

89

Duels Won

49

Fouls

13

Fouls

14

590

Clearances

5

Palace have won their final league game in each of the last four calendar years, never doing so in five in a row before.

23

Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored 23 goals across his last 31 Premier League starts at Selhurst Park, while he scored the game’s only goal in this exact fixture last season.

47

If Adam Wharton is named in the starting XI, he’ll have made more Premier League starts for Palace than any other player while aged 21 or younger (47).

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 how the team can bounce back from Leeds and how he used to get through the Christmas period as a player…

Just like the players and the manager probably didn’t – I certainly didn’t expect the result at Leeds United last weekend. I don’t think many would have.

It just shows you what a tough place to go Elland Road is. We hear a lot of managers right throughout the Premier League this season say that if you’re not quite at it, you’ll get punished. That seems to be what happened to the team at Leeds.

With the amount of games Palace are playing at the moment, perhaps it was always going to be a huge ask. I know Oliver Glasner made changes for the European fixture against KuPS. But even so, they have still have a lot of matches to play in December and it’s hard to

expect them to be at their highest level in every single game.

What I do believe is that this group won’t use that as an excuse.

They’ve shown already this season how they can respond to setbacks.

When they lost at Arsenal a few months ago, they went to Anfield in the next game and smashed Liverpool in the League Cup. Although this programme goes to print before the Arsenal game, I think a cup quarter-final offers a great chance to respond immediately with a big performance.

Today’s game against Tottenham is another good fixture to have. In front of a full crowd at Selhurst Park, you can’t ask for a better way to finish off 2025.

44

It just shows you what a tough place to go Elland Road is. We hear a lot of managers right throughout the Premier League this season say that if you’re not quite at it you’ll get punished.

That seems to be what happened to the team at Leeds

KEVIN PHILLIPS

CHRISTMAS CHAOS I’ll be completely honest, I hated the Boxing Day games as a player! If I was still playing this year, I’d have been secretly delighted there’s only one game in the Premier League, although they’re still playing in the EFL. You just want to be with your family on Christmas Day, celebrating and being able to eat what you want. It’s the one time I didn’t want to be in the training ground, on the grass, preparing for another fixture – particularly if it was a long away day.

I’m jealous of the players this season! Not having to play until the 28th means I’m sure they will have Christmas Day off. When I was playing, we were always told that the tradition would never change.

It’s the one time I didn’t want to be in the training ground, on the grass, preparing for another fixture – particularly if it was a long away day.

I’m jealous of the players this season! Not having to play until the 28th means I’m sure they will have Christmas Day off

Time has shown that isn’t the case. They’ve gone from one extreme to the other, normally it’s a full programme and this year they’ve just got one game in the Premier League.

But the one part I enjoyed was once kick-off arrived. On Boxing Day games, or any of the festive fixtures around Christmas or New Year, I always felt the atmosphere was brilliant. You’d be playing in front of packed houses with everyone full of festive cheer.

TOTTENHAM HARD TO PREDICT Spurs have had an up and down season. They’re a bit all over the place at the minute.

They aren’t consistent from one half to the next, never mind one game.

However, it’ll still be tough today.

They have plenty of attacking quality for manager Thomas Frank to choose from.

But I’m really intrigued to see how Palace react to the Leeds game, both at Arsenal and then again today.

A few players are still missing but Oliver’s team still have the quality needed to take points today

.

45

25 YEARS CHAMPIONING GRASSROOTS Shout it from the terraces, it’s our anniversary! Since 2000, we’ve been transforming lives, giving every community great places to play sport. We're not finished yet, so here's to more game-changing investment.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

46

47

academy

palace academy The Crystal Palace Academy is a place where young talent thrives – and throughout this season’s programme, we’re sitting down with a rising star from the next generation. This week, it’s the turn of inform striker David Angibeaud, who has six goals in seven games...

David Angibeaud my roots I can’t remember exactly what first got me into football, but from a young age it was the sport I fell in love with – alongside a bit of golf. It was always football that kept pulling me back.

The first team I played for was Goose Green. I joined when I was eight but played two years up because I was bigger than everyone my age. I started out at right-back, getting up and down the pitch, then played as a No.10 up until under-16s.

As I grew and my pace developed, I made the switch to striker.

My dad has supported me throughout my journey and still does today. He takes me to training and is always there for me – although that might change once I get my driving licence. Having that support has made a huge difference.

One of the biggest challenges for young footballers is discipline and daily motivation. There are a lot of distractions around you and staying focused isn’t always easy.

age

nationality

18 position

midfielder

So far in my time in red and blue, my best moments have been signing for Palace, winning the Floodlit Cup, earning my scholarship, and scoring consistently this season.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is about how you carry yourself when things go wrong – are you still the same person, or only confident when everything’s going well?

My Inspirations Right now, Rafael Leão is my favourite player and biggest inspiration.

Growing up, it was Didier Drogba – he’s the reason I supported Chelsea.

In terms of who I model my game on,

48

Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands out: tall, technical, and confident.

Outside of football, my biggest inspirations have always been my parents. Watching how hard they work and the values they live by has definitely transferred into how I approach my own life.

my Teammates I get on with everyone at the Academy, from second years to first years. If I had to name a few, Euan Danaher, Chuks Okoli and Sean Somade are all great people to be around.

Jasper Judd is the hardest worker in training – he gives 100% every session. Chuks is definitely a future manager; his understanding of the game is on another level.

Aidan Morgan is the funniest in the dressing room, while I’m probably the one who takes the longest to get ready after a match. If I was stuck on a desert island, I’d take Aidan for entertainment, Stuart Oduro for his intelligence, and Makai BernardFerguson just for the vibes

.

academy

fixtures&results

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

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

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 Tuesday, 23rd December.

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 Our Palace scholars step into the Premier League Inspired Dragons’ Den...

T

hree of our scholars headed into the Dragons’ Den over the festive period – Premier League style.

‘Keeper Harry Whitworth, defender Jacob Fasida and forward Raihaan Anderson spent the afternoon acting as Dragons, judging four groups pitching social action projects – for the chance to represent Crystal Palace at the regional finals.

The event formed part of Carshalton Girls’ Club Day, with participants having worked in groups on mental health-focused social

action projects across a 10-week programme. In a Dragons’ Denstyle format, each group presented their ideas, with one winning team selected to represent Palace and deliver their project.

The activity is part of the Premier League Inspires initiative, a programme that uses football to help young people aged 11-18 develop confidence, life skills and positive attitudes.

Delivered through schools and community settings, the programme combines workshops, mentoring and social action projects, and has already

50

supported more than 30,000 young people nationwide.

The day gave our scholars the opportunity to think creatively, engage with important mental well-being issues and make a positive impact while representing the club.

Proceedings began with a conversation with Hollywood actor and lifelong Palace fan Jim Piddock, before the judging panel – Harry, Jacob, Raihaan, Jim and Karen Stephanou from

academy

the Premier League Charitable Fund – took their seats.

Palace for Life’s Premier League Inspires Education Coordinator, Sheridan Kawaley, briefed the groups, explaining that the Dragons would be looking for originality, realism, strong teamwork and clear presentation skills.

Among the pitches was Stride for the Mind, a fundraising challenge aiming to raise at least £500 for mental health charity Off the Record through a marathon-style walk. Jacob quickly engaged with questions around funding and delivery, prompting further discussion from the panel.

Another group presented a kindness campaign focused on positive community choices, including hospital visits, support for people experiencing homelessness and an inclusive fundraising event. Raihaan, Harry and Jacob asked thoughtful questions around safeguarding, fundraising targets and delivery plans.

The final group focused on PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), outlining its symptoms, statistics and the importance of targeted awareness. Their well-researched and specific approach impressed the panel, earning them the overall win.

After deliberations, all groups received awards for completing the programme, with the scholars proudly presenting them.

Reflecting on the experience, Raihaan said: “It’s good to give back to the community, especially because we’ve been there once. I enjoyed seeing their ideas – they had some really strong social action plans.”

.

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 Tuesday, 23 December. rd

51

6

WOMEN

palace women After a long spell on the sidelines, Palace Women’s 2023/24 Player’s Player of the Season is finally playing regularly again...

s

hanade Hopcroft played 27 games in that outstanding promotion-winning campaign, scoring six times and recording three assists.

Ahead of the festive period she sat down to talk about her return to playing regularly, her wondergoal against Birmingham, and what kept her going during those days on the sidelines.

Her campaign in the Women’s Super League last year was heavily disrupted by injury; she only made three appearances from the bench all season.

But she signed a new short-term Palace contract in September and hasn’t looked back since.

Hopcroft has made nine appearances for Palace in all competitions so far, including three starts in the WSL2.

She played 80 minutes against Birmingham in Palace Women’s final home league game before Christmas, where the Eagles won 3-0 against one of the division’s in-form teams.

Hopcroft scored the pick of the goals with a long-range effort from outside the box.

Talking through her goal, Hopcroft said: “It was really nice to get on the scoresheet. I absolutely

loved all the girls’ reactions as well.

That was amazing.

“It meant a lot to me as well because my mum was there so yeah, that was a special moment for me, for sure.”

Before Birmingham, her last goal for Palace came against Palace’s recent FA Cup opponents Lewes.

Similar to her goal against the Blues, it was a stunning effort from outside the box that ended up winning the Barclays Women’s Championship Goal of the Month award for April 2024.

The midfielder also spoke on the significance of the win over Birmingham, and what it showed about the team.

“The game against Birmingham was such a big win for us in many ways. One being that we’re building together each game and it’s really starting to show.

“And another being that, you know, we’re showing that we can compete and win against top teams, which felt really, really good and has for the past few weeks, especially because we’re starting to feel that togetherness on the field as well as off,” she said.

It’s clear that things are starting to click for Palace Women.

52

I couldn’t tell you how good it feels to be playing again. I feel like it’s been so long and sometimes it’s so easy to get frustrated because of how much I love the game

It was a tricky start to the campaign, where they only won one of their first seven games. But they have found form since.

Palace’s recent FA Cup win away at Lewes marked their fourth win in a row, a run where they scored nine and only conceded one goal.

Hopcroft has been a big part of this recent success, playing at least 45 minutes in the wins over Ipswich, Leicester City and Birmingham City.

She has already surpassed her appearances tally from last season and looks to be back to her best in the middle of the park.

Hopcroft opened up about how it feels to be playing again, and what got her through those tougher times.

WOMEN

She said: “I couldn’t tell you how good it feels to be playing again. I feel like it’s been so long and sometimes it’s so easy to get frustrated because of how much I love the game.

“Not knowing when I was going to be back was frustrating.

“I really struggled at times, especially because there was other things going on in my life while I was injured but I found motivation through my other teammates.

“That was a big one especially, seeing Elise [Hughes] and how hard she was working to get back from her own injury.

“It was one of the reasons that made me realise how important the work to get back is.

“And I honestly tried everything, tried reading, listening to podcasts. But a big thing for me was taking any amount of progression as a win.

“I had to just try not to look too far ahead as well. But, yeah, I’m so happy to be back.

“And it feels really good.

Really, really good.”

Palace Women now have a short winter break until the New Year, when Hopcroft and the squad will return to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on the 11th January.

Jo Potter’s side will then be looking to keep their good form going in 2026, with the target of an immediate return to the Women’s Super League still within their grasp

.

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 Sun 11

Sheffield United

TBC

Chelsea

Sun 25

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 Tuesday, 23rd December.

53

PALACE FOR LIFE

palace for life It’s Christmas time at the Palace for Life foundation and to celebrate the festive season one of Palace’s standout performers in 2025 headed to the annual Christmas Grotto...

p

alace centre-back Maxence Lacroix joined children and families at our third annual Christmas Grotto, helping see in the festive season while supporting those who need it most.

On the 16th of December, Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, alongside 74 South London children from two partnering schools, visited our Grotto as part of our work supporting young South Londoners during the festive period.

54

donate to palace for life below

PALACE FOR LIFE

Maxence got stuck in with calling the numbers for bingo, playing pin the carrot on the snowman as well as giving Santa a helping hand in giving out presents!

After the tradition began in 2022, the Grotto was something that we couldn’t resist holding every year.

A big reason for that is that some local families continue to be deeply affected by the cost of living crisis and cannot afford to provide a special Christmas for their children. Every child who attends the Grotto receive a present and a £20 ALDI voucher to help with the big Christmas shop.

This forms part of our wider work supporting more than 18,000 young people each year and we can’t wait to continue our work in 2026 and beyond

.

Donate to Palace for Life by scanning the QR code below.

55

KICK OFF YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY

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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 less than 12 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 heading to the land of La Dolce Vita…

eagle in focus

italy attilio lombardo A hugely popular figure in South London, Lombardo was a marquee signing when first arriving from Juventus.

Quickly known affectionately as the “Bald Eagle”, Lombardo was not only loved as a player, but later became temporary player-manager at Selhurst Park.

He scored on his debut against Everton – a 2-1 win at Goodison Park on the opening day of the 1997/98 season as Palace returned to the top-flight.

In what eventually proved a topsy-turvy season back in the Premier League, Lombardo provided multiple moments of inspiration on the pitch, including goals at Leeds United and, of course, Wimbledon, to see his side sit tenth in November.

58

The surprise departure of Steve Coppell mid-season saw the 32-yearold offered the opportunity to become player-manager.

Never an easy job combining playing with leading the group, one of Lombardo’s finest hours at Palace came in his second game in charge. The Italian named himself in the starting XI against Newcastle United, and duly opening the scoring at St James’ Park with an outside-of-the-boot finish to set Palace on their way to a 2-1 win.

Ultimately unable to keep the team in the Premier League that season, Lombardo remained in SE25 despite Palace’s drop in division.

He would leave for Lazio midway through the following campaign, signed by future England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, but remains a Selhurst Park favourite.

international eagles

Road to the 2026 World Cup

population

59,000,000

Italy are looking to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup finals in 12 years after incredibly failing to reach either Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022.

Since winning the tournament in 2006, the Azzuri haven’t even reached the knockout stage, falling in the group stage in both 2010 and 2014. It’s been a dark run for one of the biggest football nations on the planet – further complicated by winning Euro 2020 during this period.

If they are to return to the biggest tournament on the planet, they will have done it the hard way.

Capital

rome

Spoken Language

italian Currency

euro

favourite dish

Tagliatelle al Ragù 59

Italy face Northern Ireland at home in one of the UEFA playoff semi-finals in March. Win that and they will face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina for a place at the finals.

60

PALACE HISTORY

61

IAN KING

fa cup archives

palace 8 Harwich & 2 Parkeston Saturday, 16th November 1963

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, one of Palace’s biggest ever wins in the competition…

starting 01

Bill Glazier

02

John Sewell

03

Don Townsend

04

Bert Howe

05

Brian Wood

06

Fred Lucas

07

Eddie Werge

08

Bobby Kellard

09

Cliff Holton

10

Peter Burridge

11

Ronnie Allen

f

or this issue I am looking at what remains the only time in club’s professional era, so far at least, that Palace have netted eight goals in a single FA Cup tie.

The unlucky team on the receiving end were Eastern Counties League outfit Harwich & Parkeston who had travelled to Selhurst Park for this First Round tie. It attracted the biggest crowd of the round with 15,759 attending,

62

which included 700 supporters of the Essex club.

At the time Palace were second in Division Three, only behind Coventry City, and on a run of five successive victories. Come the season end both clubs would be promoted to Division Two. Any thoughts of a ‘giant-killing’ by the Shrimpers, who had not conceded a goal in their previous four games,

IAN KING

ended after just 25 seconds. Cliff Holton imperiously strode through the opposition defence and squared the ball for Peter Burridge to net the opening goal.

After that the first-half was mainly one-way traffic and on 15 minutes a shot by Ronnie Allen took a slight deflection on its way into the net and around the half-hour mark Holton opened his account, coolly controlling the ball before scoring.

Just before half-time Holton got his second as he stuck out his boot to steer in a cross from Bobby Kellard.

After the break a Burridge header hit the crossbar, Allen added his second with a low shot inside the post to rack up a five-goal advantage.

With the Palace defenders having a relatively easy time Roger Stevens let them know Harwich still had something to offer, drawing two good saves from Bill Glazier. The same player then headed home from a corner, giving the visiting fans something to cheer.

But Palace stepped it up again almost immediately when Bert Howe scored his first goal for the Glaziers.

Once again, Harwich replied as Stevens headed past Glazier again, but in the final five minutes John Sewell claimed his first goal for Palace with a pot shot and Holton completed his hattrick to claim the £7 match ball.

Had it not been for Ron Mitchell in the visitors goal it could have been double figures, but still stands as our biggest haul in the FA Cup. Sadly it was not the start of a lengthy cup run. Instead, Palace got a taste of being on the wrong end of a Cup upset in the very next round, losing 1-3 on the sloping Huish ground of Yeovil Town.

PLAYER IN FOCUS cliff holton Born in 1929 in Oxford, Holton joined Crystal Palace in December 1962 from Northampton Town having already tasted success with Watford and notably 11 years with Arsenal.

At the time Palace were at a low ebb in Division Three with manager Arthur Rowe in ill health and replaced by the forthright Dick Graham.

Holton had a magnificent physique, commanding presence with a lethal shot while keeping an immaculate appearance – in one particular game during the ‘Big Freeze’ he wore yellow gloves.

His debut came in a home game against Millwall on a freezing Boxing Day helping the team to their best result so far that season – a 3-0 victory.

When returning to his former club Watford near the end of the season, Cliff rattled in a hat-trick including a freekick from 40 yards.

Sticking with the same small squad of players, the club was soon challenging the top of the Division from the start of the 1963/64 campaign and a run of eight victories and a draw in February and March

63

propelled the club to the top of the table, but a disappointing end meant that Palace finished as runners-up.

Holton chipped in with another twenty League goals and adding in that hat-trick in the FA Cup ensured his place as leading goalscorer.

Back in Division Two; Cliff was again amongst the goals, albeit with the lesser amount of 17.

But this helped the club end in a respectable seventh place, along with a FA Cup run to the sixth round for the first time in 58 years, losing at home to Leeds in front of a ground record of 45,384.

At the end of that season Holton returned to Watford, having accumulated a total of 49 League and Cup goals in 112 appearances.

His two hat-tricks in the FA Cup are yet to be bettered by another Palace player.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

campaign capsule Throughout 2025/26, we’ll be revisiting some iconic seasons during Crystal Palace’s history. Today, a look back on when Palace successfully escaped Division Two via a dramatic play-off route…

t

he 1988/89 season remains one of the most memorable campaigns in Crystal Palace’s storied history, a year defined by resilience, excitement, and, ultimately, the sweet taste of promotion to the top flight.

Under the stewardship of Steve Coppell, Palace twice recovered from setbacks in the play-offs to secure their place in the old First Division, capping a season that had begun with a mixture of cautious optimism and bold moves in the transfer market.

Off the pitch, Coppell had opted to reshape the squad at the start of the 1988/89 season. Record appearance holder Jim Cannon was released, with Jeff Hopkins joining from Fulham. Tony Finnigan departed for Blackburn, Ken O’Doherty moved to Huddersfield, while Mark Harris arrived from Wokingham and ‘keeper Brian Parkin from Crewe.

Midfielder Dave Madden joined from Reading and soon became a vital figure in the Eagles’ campaign. The squad also strengthened with the signings of Alex Dyer from Hull and Rudi Hedman from Colchester, alongside winger Eddie McGoldrick from Northampton.

88/ 89

seasonfacts

3rd

league position

manager(s)

Steve Coppell top goalscorer

ian wright

The season began with a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea and that set the tone as Palace struggled for consistency early on, with a home defeat to Watford followed by four straight draws.

October brought a run of league victories against Plymouth, Ipswich, Bradford, Hull, and Oxford, tempered by a 5-4 thriller defeat to Blackburn.

Meanwhile Palace’s cup fortunes were mixed: knocked out of the Littlewoods Cup by Bristol City but enjoying success in the Full Members (Simod) Cup with victories over Walsall and Southampton.

64

33goals

By December, the Eagles were ninth in the table, with wins over Birmingham and Oldham and draws against Manchester City and Leeds.

The FA Cup saw a quick exit to Stoke, though the Full Members Cup provided further highlights, with victories over Luton and Middlesbrough.

The squad’s unbeaten run in February, featuring wins over Ipswich and Bradford and a draw with Blackburn, lifted the Eagles to seventh in the league.

March and April would prove pivotal to the play-off surge. After a mixed start to the former, Palace strung together victories against Sunderland, Watford, and Brighton, the latter game notable for a Football League record five penalties awarded, with Ian Wright and Mark Bright both scoring from the spot.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

Eight fixtures in April yielded six wins, leaving Palace in fourth place heading into the final month of the season.

May was a rollercoaster. Early draws with Manchester City and Leicester left the Eagles in fifth, but a decisive 4-1 win over relegated Birmingham secured a play-off spot.

Palace ultimately finished the Division Two season in third place behind Chelsea and Manchester City, earning a spot in the end-of-season play-offs.

For a squad that had narrowly missed out on the top six for the previous three seasons, it was a just reward for perseverance and steady improvement. The semi-final first leg took the Eagles to sixth-placed Swindon Town.

A makeshift back four – Palace were without Gary O’Reilly and Gavin Nebbeling – held firm for most of the game, only to be undone by an unfortunate own goal from Jeff Hopkins, giving the Robins a slight advantage.

The atmosphere at Selhurst Park for the second leg was electric.

Bright quickly levelled the aggregate score before Wright, his prolific strike partner, netted the winner to send the Eagles into the two-legged play-off final against Blackburn Rovers.

The first leg at Ewood Park had been a repeat of an earlier high-scoring encounter, with Blackburn claiming a 3-1 victory, though Eddie McGoldrick’s goal offered a glimmer of hope for Palace and would eventually prove vital.

Back in front of 30,000 partisan fans in SE25, Palace faced the daunting task of overturning a two-goal deficit.

The Eagles of course rose to the occasion. After just 16 minutes, Alan Pardew’s exquisite outside-foot cross found Wright, who swept home to ignite the crowd.

Early in the second half, McGoldrick’s dangerous run into the box earned a penalty, expertly converted by Dave Madden, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way. Keeper Perry Suckling also made a crucial save

to keep Palace on level terms. With the tie deadlocked at 3-3 on aggregate, extra time beckoned.

In the 117th minute, Wright rose unmarked to glance home McGoldrick’s precise cross, sending Selhurst Park into raptures and sparking a pitch invasion as Palace secured promotion to the top-flight, and for the first time via the play-offs.

memorable match

3 Madden, Wright (2)

0 Saturday, 3rd June 1989

leaguetable pos

club

p

w

d

l

gf

ga

gd

pts

1

chelsea (p)

46

29

12

5

96

50

46

99

2

manchester city (p)

46

23

13

10

77

53

24

82

3

crystal palace (p)

46

23

12

11

71

49

22

81

4

watford

46

22

12

12

74

48

26

78

5

blackburn rovers

46

22

11

13

74

59

15

77

6

swindon town

46

20

16

10

68

53

15

76

65

‘It’ is discrimination, in all its forms.

Racism. Homophobia, Misogyny. Disablism.

If you have seen it or heard it, follow the QR code to report it to Kick It Out. Together, we can put an end to it.

Take action today at kickitout.org 66

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

“A great moment for Uche after scoring on his first start at Selhurst Park.“

68

BEHIND THE LENS

02

“The ‘hero’ of 2025 on the touchline against Manchester City.”

“It was nice to capture, Oliver telling the group about Dean Henderson becoming a father and congratulating him.”

69

03

commentator’s corner 1-0 A moment captured in time – we look back on iconic commentary lines from some of Palace’s most memorable matches...

palace √ norwich city Saturday, 9th April 2016 / Selhurst Park

daniel mann

It’s Puncheon...

IT’S BEAUTIFUL! The moment After a flying start to the 2015/16 season – Palace were fifth in the table on New Year’s Day – the Eagles had hit the buffers.

Or at least they had in the Premier League. Alan Pardew’s side were making fine progress in that season’s FA Cup – having defeated title chasing Tottenham on their own patch to secure a place in the last four.

But league form seriously suffered and as the run-in approached Palace were in dire straits.

By the time struggling Norwich City turned up to Selhurst Park in April, Palace were spiralling towards the relegation places – going 14 games without a win.

A tense afternoon in South London needed inspiration. Thankfully, the Eagles found it.

70

The game was not a classic, but it was set-up for a hero to step up, and was won by a moment of magic.

Jason Puncheon picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and curled an inch-perfect effort past the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner, to spark euphoric celebrations around Selhurst Park.

The commentary line summed it up, with beautiful simplicity: ‘It’s Puncheon… it’s beautiful!” Daniel Mann roared.

It didn’t mathematically secure safety. But those inside the stadium that day knew the importance of Puncheon’s divine intervention.

Norwich were all but condemned to the drop, while the Eagles could partially relax over relegation fears and focus on the FA Cup. It was a goal that summed up Puncheon’s ability to turn a game on his own. And the same player would score at Wembley just a few weeks later in the FA Cup final.

THE Commentator Daniel Mann has worked for Sky Sports as a football commentator since first joining 2006. He has been behind the microphone on live Premier League football, as well as UEFA Champions League, the Football League, League Cup, several European national team fixtures and Coppa Italia matches.

Mann first began his career in 1999 with Liverpool commercial station Radio City as a news presenter and football commentator.

He has since become one of the sought-after voices for televised football in the UK and beyond, having worked as a freelance commentator for Al-Jazeera Sport (UEFA EURO 2012), the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) in Australia in 2009 and Eurosport (2006-’09).

Mann has also covered multiple World Cups for ESPN

.

71

EAGLE ARCADE

eagle arcade

9 letters armstrong routledge

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 Spurs into the puzzle?

f

r

y

e

r

s

8 letters adebayor campbell townsend 7 letters bostock iversen 6 letters austin davids fryers

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

Enjoy vacated

2025-

2

Codi knurled

20002001

3

Rodd wantonness

20162021

today’smascots age: 9

age: 12

age: 9

age: 8

age: 10

age: 13

jaxon kerr

archie finan

oliver taylor

annabel leigh

lewis leigh

ralph hale

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

2-0

4-0

2-1

3-1

2-1

2-1

age: 12

age: 11

age: 10

age: 12

age: 10

age: 7

charlie melloy

george benham

milo morton

harry burrows

chayce allen

axel berry

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

2-1

3-1

3-1

2-1

2-1

1-2

Who Plays Here?: Leyton Orient – Brisbane Road Spot the Ball: A Un-scramble the Eagle: 1) Jaydee Canvot 2) Neil Ruddock 3) Andros Townsend

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 50th birthday to Mark, we hope you have a fantastic weekend, all our love Carolyn, George, Frank and all your friends and family xxx

My name is Thomas, I’m 5 years old and today is my first ever football game. I’m here with my Grandad, Russell and my favourite player is JP Mateta - BOOM!

Happy Christmas to my beautiful Poppy x Watching the game in Australia with the Melbourne Palace supporters club but our hearts will be at Selhurst. Love Glenn x UTP

Happy 60th birthday Loz from your fellow Jolly Boys. Let’s hope we celebrate with another win!

Big shout to 7-year-old Zac, a 4th generation Eagle attending his first match at Selhurst today with his Mum, Dad and 12-year-old Palace fanatic brother Jake!

74

Happy 60th Birthday Mum! Up the Palace!

Love you always, Nicole, Daniel & Rick xx

FROM THE TERRACES

Happy 18th Joseph love you lots love mummy daddy rose poppy palace Aaron ruby fiona nanny bubbles nanny grandad Rory oli Emily and Jimmy xxxx

26-07-1930 – 02-10-2025. Reginald Glennon. Wonderful father and grandfather. Lifelong Palace fan. Died knowing Palace were on a 19-game unbeaten streak!

Happy 9th Birthday Ben. Have the best day celebrating at Selhurst. Lots of love Mum, Dad and Sophia xxx

Rest in peace Kevin Goodey, recently passed away at the age of 70.

Condolences to eldest son Nicholas and all the family.

In loving memory of Norman Paice.

Life-long palace fan who passed away on 6th November after a short illness. He travelled home and away for many years supporting the Palace and was wearing his shirt right until the end. Fly high dad.

Happy 36th birthday to our amazing dad and husband - Kris! We love you! - from Boris, Gabriela and Ilona (your Queen)!

We were saddened to hear Howard Marriott, passed away on the 22nd November 2025. Our condolences to his friends and family.

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

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

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 20:00 16:30

W W W L D L

0-1 1-2 0-3 0-3 2-2 4-1

5th 4th League phase (9th) 6th League phase (10th) 8th

Thu 1 Sun 4 Wed 7

Fulham Newcastle United Aston Villa

17:30 15:00 19:30

Sat 10

Macclesfield

12:15

Sat 17 Sun 25

Sunderland Chelsea

15:00 14:00

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

march

Wed 4 Sat 14 Sat 21

Tottenham Hotspur Leeds United Manchester City

20:00 15:00 15:00

april

Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25

Newcastle United West Ham United Liverpool

15:00 15:00 15:00

Sat 2 Sat 9 Sun 17 Sun 24

Bournemouth Everton Brentford Arsenal

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

january

Date

may

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 Matheus França 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

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

17

12

3

2

31

10

21

39

2

manchester city

17

12

1

4

41

16

25

37

3

aston villa

17

11

3

3

27

18

9

36

4

chelsea

17

8

5

4

29

17

12

29

5

liverpool

17

9

2

6

28

25

3

29

6

sunderland

17

7

6

4

19

17

2

27

7

manchester united

17

7

5

5

31

28

3

26

8

crystal palace

17

7

5

5

21

19

2

26

9

brighton & hove albion

17

6

6

5

25

23

2

24

10

everton

17

7

3

7

18

20

-2

24

11

newcastle united

17

6

5

6

23

22

1

23

12

brentford

17

7

2

8

24

25

-1

23

13

fulham

17

7

2

8

24

26

-2

23

14

tottenham hotspur

17

6

4

7

26

23

3

22

15

bournemouth

17

5

7

5

26

29

-3

22

16

leeds united

17

5

4

8

24

31

-7

19

17

nottingham forest

17

5

3

9

17

26

-9

18

18

west ham united

17

3

4

10

19

35

-16

13

19

burnley

17

3

2

12

19

34

-15

11

20

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

17

0

2

15

9

37

-28

2

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Tuesday, 23rd December.

MATCHWeek18 fri 26 dec 20:00

sat 27 dec 15:00

old trafford

anfield

sat 27 dec 12:30

sat 27 dec 15:00

the city ground

london stadium

sat 27 dec 15:00

sat 27 dec 17:30

emirates stadium

london stadium

sat 27 dec 15:00

sun 28 dec 14:00

gtech community stadium

stadium of light

sat 27 dec 15:00

sun 28 dec 16:30

turf moor

selhurst park

78

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Crystal palace f.c.

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Dean HENDERSON (GK) Daniel MUÑOZ Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Yéremy PINO 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

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tottenham hotspur f.c.

J. Gillett S. Ledger M. Scholes D. England J. Bell M. Perry

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Guglielmo VICARIO (GK) Radu DRӐGUȘIN Kevin DANSO João PALHINHA Xavi SIMONS Yves BISSOUMA RICHARLISON James MADDISON Mathys TEL Destiny UDOGIE Archie GRAY Lucas BERGVALL Cristian ROMERO Dominic SOLANKE Mohammed KUDUS Dejan KULUSEVSKI Brennan JOHNSON Pedro PORRO Djed SPENCE Kota TAKAI Wilson ODOBERT Pape Matar SARR Rodrigo BENTANCUR Antonín KINSKÝ (GK) Ben DAVIES Micky VAN DE VEN Randal KOLO MUANI Brandon AUSTIN (GK) Dane SCARLETT