Palace v Manchester Utd matchday programme 2526

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Crystal Palace √ manchester united sun 30 nov 2025 | 12:00pm 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

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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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briefing

weekly briefing

Scan this QR code to quickly, safely and easily report worries, concerns or abuse. You can even do so anonymously.

On this day 30 november 2001 Welcome back to Selhurst Park for today’s match, the first we have hosted in SE25 in three weeks.

Following today’s visit of Manchester United – there are still two big fixtures here before Christmas. We welcome Manchester City to South London in two weeks, while tickets remain on sale for our final UEFA Conference League game in the league phase against KuPS Kuopio on Thursday, 18th December.

Head to cpfc.co.uk/tickets for the latest information.

Today’s fixture also sees Crystal Palace, once again, along with Transport for London, back the White Ribbon campaign, which is working to tackle violence against women and

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girls – and recognised with activities from 25th November – white ribbon day – through to 10th December.

Crystal Palace, along with all London Premier League clubs, signed the Women’s Safety Charter in 2024 to protect supporters and ensure our venues are safe environments for women and girls. Both TFL representatives and The Women of SE25 supporters group will be in the Fanzone before kick-off today, engaging with supporters providing support and advice on being an effective ally. For more information on TFL’s work with White Ribbon UK, please turn to page 57. As ever you can also scan the QR code on this page to safely report concerns or abuse.

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burnley Premier League (a)

Fulham Premier League (A), CPFC Women √ Birmingham City (H)

shelbourne conference league (a)

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05

Palace appoint Trevor Francis as the new first-team manager.

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our first game since the international break – and welcome to Ruben Amorim, and his Manchester United players and staff, for this afternoon’s game.

T

hese notes will go to print before our game in Strasbourg on Thursday night, but I want to start by thanking those of you who have travelled over to watch us in France and hope you had a safe and pleasant trip.

It’s always nice to win after the international break. But last Saturday’s victory at Wolves was particularly important for us.

Sometimes when you play a team who have had a difficult start at the bottom of the league, everybody expects you to win. These can often be the most difficult games. But I think we played well. Of course, there are still areas for us to try and improve, particularly in the final third. But we scored goals in the right moments.

Our goals were two great strikes. Credit again to the coaches who adjusted our set-plays at halftime, and to Daniel for his technique on the first goal. Then we were all so pleased to see Yéremy get his first in the Premier League. It was a good all-round performance from him and the goal was his reward. When he celebrated all the substitutes ran to

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everybody expects you to win. These can often be the most difficult games. But I think we played well. Of course, there are still areas for us to try and improve, particularly in the final third

Manager

him – I think JP ran from 50 yards away to join in, again it shows the togetherness in this group.

It was great to see so many of our players represent their country over the recent international window.

The next one is not until March, so now we have a good run of staying together. The next month, in particular, will be extremely busy – but this is

The next month, in particular, will be extremely busy – but this is what everyone at this club wants – to be in every competition, going as far as we possibly can.

We always want to show our personality and put in the best performance every single game

what everyone at this club wants – to be in every competition, going as far as we possibly can. We always want to show our personality and put in the best performance every single game.

And we’ve also shown that when we need to make changes, as we did against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, we can still put out a team capable

of getting a great result. Sometimes you are forced to change, like when Marc was out against Brighton and Jaydee came in and did really well, helping us keep our level high. We are enjoying this schedule and will enjoy the next week.

We’ve all been looking forward to what should be a great game against Manchester United this afternoon. We had an excellent win away against them last season, but they have improved since under Ruben. They are coming here off the back of a loss on Monday, but once again it was another typical round of Premier League fixtures where every team can beat everyone. A lot of matches were decided by small margins, and that was certainly the case in their game with Everton.

They have some new players in attack following the summer transfer market. Watching them, it’s also clear their players are getting used to their system of play.

It’s a really interesting game for us. A nice challenge against an opponent who use a similar system. I don’t think they’ll be many surprises, and it could again come down to fine margins. So your support today will be hugely important. Together we can put in the performance we are capable of and continue our progress. I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon and hope you enjoy the day

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It’s a really interesting game for us. A nice challenge against an opponent who use a similar system. I don’t think they’ll be many surprises, and it could again come down to fine margins. So your support today will be hugely important.

Together we can put in the performance we are capable of and continue our progress

Captain

marc Guéhi Welcome back to Selhurst Park where we’re all looking forward to today’s game against Manchester United.

I

t’s great to be back on home turf today. We’ve had a long gap since our last game here against Brighton before the international window. I thought the lads were fantastic in digging in for a point against a difficult opposition that day. We all know the importance of respecting the draw in this league and it could prove a valuable point come the end of the season. Well done as well to Jaydee who came into the defence and put in an excellent performance. That just shows the depth that we now have throughout our squad and we’ll need it, particularly over the next six weeks with a game every few days.

At Wolves last weekend, we were made to really work hard for three points, but in the end I thought we deserved the victory. They had have had a difficult start to the season, but as we know wins away from home in this league don’t come easy. To get a third Premier League clean sheet in-a-row is another really good achievement and shows the team takes pride in keeping it tight at the back.

My congratulations to all the boys who represented their country

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the lads were fantastic in digging in for a point against a difficult opposition.

We all know the importance of respecting the draw in this league and that could prove a valuable point come the end of the season

Captain

To be unbeaten in 12 Premier League home games – a stretch covering much of this year – is a great run for us. But a large part of that, of course, comes from the support and energy you bring from the stands

over the international break. It was particularly great to see Dean and Adam starting together for England against Albania. Hopefully we’re all able to be on the plane to North America together next summer and represent our country in the biggest international tournament.

It was particularly great to see Dean and Adam starting together for England against Albania.

Hopefully we’re all able to be on the plane to North America together next summer and represent our country in the biggest international tournament Today, we are faced with a Manchester United side who have been in decent form lately. They obviously had a setback on Monday night against Everton at home, but overall this season they’ve looked a strong unit. We all know they have a squad packed with top class players and that we’ll need to play at our maximum level to get another good result.

To be unbeaten in 12 Premier League home games – a stretch covering much of this year – is a great run for us. But a large part of that, of course, comes from the support and energy you bring from the stands. I know you will give us your full backing this Sunday lunchtime as we fight for another big result here at Selhurst Park

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chairman

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

I

t was great to see the fighting spirit of the team on display away at Wolves last weekend, as Oliver and his players secured another excellent result. The support up at Molineux on a crisp winter afternoon was also great to see. Thank you to everyone who travelled up to the Midlands – and to those of you out in Strasbourg on Thursday night for the next step in our European adventure.

This is our first home match since the November international break, giving me a chance to offer my congratulations to everyone who featured for their national teams.

Playing at international level is an enormous honour and reflects well on everyone at the club. I was pleased to see so many players excel. A special mention to Yéremy, Ismaïla and JeanPhilippe who helped their respective countries qualify for next summer’s World Cup in North America. Fingers crossed Justin is able to join them with Northern Ireland following the play-offs. Well done to Adam as well for making his first start with England.

I’m proud of the success we’ve had across the club recently. Our Women’s side have had a great few weeks.

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The support up at Molineux on a crisp winter afternoon was also great to see. Thank you to everyone who travelled up to the Midlands – and to those of you out in Strasbourg on Thursday night

Chairman

Jo’s team picked up a really important win in the league on the road at Ipswich a fortnight ago. Then, in a League Cup group-stage decider, they went to top-flight Leicester City and won 3-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals. That of course means we’ll have a chance to reach the last four in a few weeks’ time when we host Arsenal.

Tickets are on sale for the team’s final league home match of 2025 against Birmingham City next week, on Sunday 7th December, and, as ever, I urge as many of you as possible to get down to Sutton and get behind Jo’s team. There will also be plenty of festive activities going on around the ground before the game, so do get involved if you can make it.

Jo’s team picked up a really important win in the league on the road at Ipswich a fortnight ago.

Then, in a League Cup group-stage decider, they went to topflight Leicester City and won 3-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals Congratulations, as well, to the Under-18s and their Head Coach Javier Alonso, who have also progressed in a cup competition – reaching the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup after a 4-0 win against Chelsea.

It’s been a strong start to the season

We’ve had some special games against Manchester United here in recent years and I know everyone will come together this afternoon and positively support Oliver’s team, hopefully making this another one to remember

for our Academy at all levels. Long may it continue – and remember, you can watch more Academy fixtures than ever before on Palace TV+ this season.

Head to the website to see details of upcoming fixtures available to watch.

Supporters should also keep any eye out for our Black Friday offers at the Club Shop, which are available through to Monday – with up to 70% off. Head online, or in-store, to find out more.

Turning attention back towards today, it’s the start of another busy seven days, with Premier League trips to Burnley and Fulham following today’s fixture. We’ve had some special games against Manchester United here in recent years and I know everyone will come together this afternoon and positively support Oliver’s team, hopefully making this another one to remember.

Up the Palace

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MAXENCE

Since moving to South London exactly 15 months ago today, Maxence Lacroix has made himself an indispensable figure in Crystal Palace’s team, helping the Eagles to trophies along the way. Now he has his sights firmly set on more silverware…

Interview: Jack Lacey-Hatton 12

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maxence lacroix

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t’s fair to say Maxence Lacroix has achieved a lot in his eight years as a professional.

In fact more specifically – he’s achieved a lot in just a year-anda-bit at Crystal Palace.

Lacroix arrived in South London as a player with Champions League experience, a France youth international and someone who had built a strong reputation in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.

But even knowing his undoubted quality, few could have predicted the impact he has had both on the defence, and the wider team.

Lacroix, along with skipper Marc Guéhi and USA international Chris Richards, has been a model of consistency at the back.

The three make up a formidable trio. Even when an opposition forward manages to get past one or two of them, the third man will inevitably step in.

When you watch this team – and particularly that defensive triangle – week in, week out, you see a hunger for clean sheets.

It goes someway to explaining why Lacroix is often seen fist pumping and saluting the fans at the end of big victories this season. Just like last weekend’s win at Wolves.

Every win, every clean sheet, is to be savoured.

“My relationship with the fans I think is quite good,” Lacroix says as he begins to reflect on his time with Palace so far.

“In my mind when I first arrived, I always was thinking, it’s not only the actual team who I’m working with.

“It’s also the people around the team – and that includes the supporters.

My relationship with the fans I think is quite good, In my mind when I first arrived, I always was thinking, it’s not only the actual team who I’m working with.

It’s also the people around the team – and that includes the supporters. I have a lot of respect for them, for the people who follow us at every single game

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“I have a lot of respect for them, for the people who follow us at every single game. So I think creating a good relationship with them and that [celebrating following wins] is a way of giving back what they gave us.

“They always give us that extra energy.”

Indeed, it was Lacroix’s words that became one of the defining images of that glorious Saturday afternoon back in May, when Palace wrote their greatest chapter, so far, in club history.

The tifo didn’t lie. Wembley did indeed shake and it was beautiful.

Understandably perhaps, many of the memories from that incredible day will be post-match, the celebrations, who you hugged and cried with when that full-time whistle went – and for many, who you wanted to be there to hug but weren’t able to.

Chris richards

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some people were like, ‘look it’s what you said’ 16

maxence lacroix Lacroix was able to have his family there that day, with his father at the forefront of moments he will treasure for the rest of his career, and beyond.

“I remember us praying together on the pitch with the cup,” he recalls. “We won it by the grace of God, so that was a very powerful moment. When you saw the fans after it was emotional.

“After that I gave the trophy to my father and he took it and started jumping up and down.

“Security said to me, ‘no, you have to bring the trophy back!’ I was scared he was just going to run off with it. But having those moments with him, it was powerful.”

But as well as the post-match joy, the atmosphere the players walked into, before a ball was even kicked, will stick in the minds of everyone there.

Looking at that pre-match display must have been a surreal experience for the Frenchman.

“To be honest, I didn’t see it [the tifo] straight away,” he said. “But then after some people were like, ‘look it’s what you said.’

“I was like, ‘oh my days!’ I couldn’t believe it. I checked it a few times to make sure it was real.

“The funny thing is that before the Community Shield I was asked a lot ‘will Wembley shake again?’

“And every time I’d say, ‘yes, you watch it’s going to shake again!

“Every time we get to Wembley I have to say it. Even in the finals of the Euro in 2028, when I want to be with the national team, I will say ‘Wembley is going to shake!’”

That brings us neatly to subject of international football.

I remember us praying together on the pitch with the cup, We won it by the grace of God, so that was a very powerful moment.

When you saw the fans after it was emotional. After that I gave the trophy to my father and he took it and started jumping up and down.

Security said to me, ‘no, you have to bring the trophy back!’

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Lacroix previously spent time at the prestigious Clairefontaine academy, one of the best in the world, responsible for a vast number of French players involved in the World Cup triumphs of both 1998 and 2018.

A year before the latter win, Lacroix was representing Les Bleus at the Under-17 World Cup. He has also won caps at U18 and U20 level, with new Palace teammate Jaydee Canvot currently on a similar pathway.

Fellow Eagle Jean-Philippe Mateta has shown recently that it is possible to break into a France squad brimming with talent, with Didier Deschamps’ team having just booked their place at the World Cup finals earlier this month.

Understandably, the centreback is not reticent on his own international ambitions, particularly with that tournament now firmly on the horizon.

maxence lacroix “Personally, this season I want to play the best football I can,” he says. “And hopefully that means I can compete for a place at the World Cup. “Of course that has to be the aim. Because if we have good results and we play well, like JP [Mateta] has shown, you can earn your place.

“If you are in form you can compete with the guys who are already in the national team. And we have a big competition with the World Cup this year.

“I want to do it – and I believe I can do it.”

Physically imposing, with a steely determination to his game, it’s perhaps a surprise that Lacroix hasn’t scored more goals in red and blue, despite his primary duties coming at the other end of the pitch.

On his 61st Palace appearance against AZ Alkmaar earlier this month, his second goal arrived, the first having come against Manchester City nearly a year ago.

The Alkmaar strike made you wonder he hadn’t been amongst the goals more. It was a striker’s finish.

One that fellow Frenchman Mateta would have been proud of.

“It’s something I had thought about,” he adds. “Before Alkmaar it had been a while since I scored with my foot.

“I was happy to score and I think I can definitely score more.

“That one I was really happy about, because my family were there. I’m glad people could see I can still score.

“When you’re playing as a youngster, all you want to do is score goals. I remember the first coach

hopefully that means I can compete for a place at the World Cup. Of course that has to be the aim. Because if we have good results and we play well, like JP has shown, you can earn your place.

If you are in form you can compete with the guys who are already in the national team. I want to do it – and I believe I can do it

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who said to me ‘you have to be centre-back’, and I was like ‘how will I score goals?’

“I was actually a goalkeeper when I was really young, because my father was a goalkeeper, so he told me to go in goal. But I wanted to score goals and that’s quite difficult when you’re stuck as a goalkeeper.”

That’s not to say Lacroix didn’t hone his finishing as a junior.

“Thankfully I was really tall and quick so I was then used as a striker. I was actually quite good for a few years.

“Then when I was 15, I moved slowly moved back through the positions. I didn’t have the flair; I wasn’t able to score every time.

I was happy to score and I think I can definitely score more 19

every single player is ready to compete 20

maxence lacroix “I played as a ‘10’, then a ‘No. 6’. Eventually I moved back to centreback. I guess I should be glad I didn’t end up as a goalkeeper.”

His dad may have originally wanted the young Maxence between the posts, but it was the sacrifices of both of his parents that gave Lacroix a chance to make it as a professional.

That achievement alone is not one taken for granted by the man now proudly wearing the number five shirt for the Eagles.

“I come from a really small village,” he adds. “Where nobody else has then made it to professional football.

“And it wasn’t easy. It was difficult to go to the training ground.

My training ground was 30 minutes by car from where I live.

“My mum couldn’t drive me to the training ground. But she knew it was important, so she would ask friends to take me.

“Only after that time did some people then spot that I had quality.

Then the decision was made for me to go to Bordeaux, the nearest big city and ever since I’ve been able to make my journey.”

Quite the journey it’s been. But one that still has more to give.

When sitting with Lacroix in the relatively calm surroundings of the first-team training ground, you encounter a confident, easy-going person, but also sense his aspirations to achieve more.

So what does Lacroix want to have done when the end of May rolls around and the season has concluded?

“To be honest, I want to win another trophy with Palace this

To be honest, I want to win another trophy with Palace this year, Everyone sees that we can do something in every single competition, and we all believe that. In the Premier League, in the Carabao Cup, in the FA Cup again, and in the Conference League

year,” he says. “Everyone sees that we can do something in every single competition, and we all believe that.

In the Premier League, in the Carabao Cup, in the FA Cup again, and in the Conference League.

“The Conference League is new to us. But everyone has really embraced it. I feel like every single player is ready to compete. We’ve got plenty of games to play, but everyone is happy with that. I know we can do it.”

And based on what we’ve seen so far this season, who’s to say that Lacroix and his teammates won’t be lifting more silverware come the end of the season

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captain

SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

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

follow-up

followup q&A

with Maxence lacroix

Two lucky fan token holders from our partner Socios – Luke Vidler and Daniel Stannard – were invited along to the interview to ask Maxence some of their own questions…

Is the FA Cup win the greatest achievement in your career so far?

In my football career, of course, it’s my biggest achievement because we won a trophy. But, to be honest, I think to sign as a professional football player where I’m from, it was also really hard. So just to become a professional was a huge achievement.

What is it like to play under Oliver Glasner?

It’s a pleasure because he tries his best to give us what he’s done and the experiences he has seen in his career. He helps us to grow as players. This is what I always say to people. He knows how to bring the best from every player. This is why a small percentage of improvements from me… from every single player, it makes us a good group. And it allows us to get big achievements in life, as we did last season.

Describe that initial feeling when the full-time whistle went in the FA Cup Final?

If I had to only use one word I would just say happiness. It was the one emotion that took over. When you work so hard to win something, and you have it, you’re just happy.

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Which striker that you’ve faced in your career has given you the toughest challenge so far?

I would say Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

When I played against him, it was a really good battle. But his movement and knowing where the goal was all the time made it really difficult. He is good at finding the gaps.

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LANDMARK ANFIELD WIN The highlight of Amorim’s tenure so far is undoubtedly October’s away win at Anfield against fierce rivals Liverpool.

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10th

Points

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Top Scorer Bryan Mbeumo

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Most Assists Bruno Fernandes

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away

Although Manchester United’s start to 2025/26 was far from flawless, manager Amorim appears to be more settled in the role than he was at the end of last season.

His first term in the Old Trafford hotseat ended with the Red Devils at a low ebb. A 15th-place finish in the Premier League was their lowest in the top-flight since they were relegated in 1973/74.

A meek Europa League final loss to Tottenham in Bilbao followed. Both major indicators of the scale of the task facing Amorim. A re-build was clearly needed but it will take time.

Yet, just over three months into the new season, things have looked reasonably positive so far for the 13time champions.

New forward signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have all looked smart recruits. In addition, players seem more accustomed to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 set-up.

Defender Harry Maguire, a player who himself has received plenty of criticism in recent years, headed a superb winner in front of the travelling support, as United outplayed and outfought the reigning Premier League champions.

33-year-old Casemiro was also written off by many over the last 18 months, but has shone recently in midfield alongside in-form skipper Bruno Fernandes.

There have still been some poor performances, including a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at Grimsby Town, which indirectly led to André Onana’s exit as goalkeeper. Senne Lammens currently holds the first-choice goalkeeper position and has looked a reliable option in the early stages of his United career.

A 3-1 defeat at Brentford also highlighted major defensive frailties.

But taking 18 points from 11 games before the November international break was a decent return.

Amorim has also won at the Etihad Stadium, during his first year in charge, earning him a decent level of favour from United’s hardcore match-going support.

The Portuguese coach will be expected to take the Red Devils back into Europe next season, ideally in the Champions League. It's a challenge, but certainly possible.

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AMORIM SETTLING IN -

this season

third

With Ruben Amorim now in the hotseat at Old Trafford for over a year – progress appears to be on the horizon for Manchester United, but will this prove a lasting change or another false dawn?

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0-1 manchester united √ everton Monday, 24th November / Old Trafford

“They were the better team with 11 players and 10. I felt we were not there with the same intensity. They deserved the win. The other team helped us with the sending off. We need to do [more] in every moment.

If they have 10 let's push them to the final third.”

Ruben Amorim

Substitutes

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diallo

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zirkzee

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dorgu

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WHAT HAPPENED Manchester United were unable to break down 10-man Everton at Old Trafford, suffering a first home league defeat since the opening day of the season.

Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking team-mate Michael Keane after just 13 minutes. But United were unable to take advantage of the chaos in the opposition ranks.

Everton then went in front when Kiernan DewsburyHall surged to the edge of the area, sending a curling effort past goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the top corner.

United swarmed all over their opponents in the secondhalf but the equaliser would not come, with Jordan Pickford making a number of excellent saves. The result means United come in today’s game two points behind Palace.

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manchester united

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 Alex Ferguson’s talented side made English football history…

Manchester United 1998/99 Until their noisy neighbours Manchester City matched the feat a few years ago, Manchester United’s treble-winning season of 1998/99 stood alone as the greatest achievement in English club history.

And even though, City’s campaign was hugely impressive, United will always hold the distinction of being the first Premier League side to do it.

It’s often forgotten that the Red Devils came into that season looking vulnerable. Arsenal had claimed the double the previous season, after overhauling United’s lead at the top, with Arsene Wenger changing the dynamic of the Premier League. The Gunners then smashed United 3-0 in the Charity Shield at Wembley at the start of the season to reassert their dominance.

Alex Ferguson had even come close to walking out in the off-season after Chief Executive Martin Edwards questioned his commitment to the club following the trophyless campaign.

Veteran pair Brian McClair and Gary Pallister both left, while Roy Keane was only just returning to fitness after injury meant he missed most of the previous season.

However, the arrivals of new defensive lynchpin Jaap Stam, lively forward Dwight Yorke and Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist would significantly strengthen Ferguson’s squad.

Rather than dominate from the off, United’s treble win is remarkable due to the number of near misses that came along the way.

In the Premier League they started slowly, going 2-0 down to Leicester City at home on the opening

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day, before a David Beckham-inspired fightback saw them rescue a point.

A 3-0 thrashing at Arsenal in September left United in 10th, while they only managed to reach the knockouts of the Champions League after a thrilling 3-3 draw in Barcelona saw them sneak a top-two group stage finish.

The Red Devils were also perilously close to elimination in the FA Cup, trailing Liverpool in the fourth round until a dramatic late turnaround

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in the 88th minute – when Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjær both struck at the Stretford End. An unbeaten run would last from a Boxing Day win over Nottingham Forest until the very end of the season in all competitions.

With Keane back to his very best and Paul Scholes hitting double figures in his goal return, United had the best midfield in Europe – Beckham and Ryan Giggs enjoying their peak years out wide.

A FA Cup semi-final win over Arsenal is the standout game of the campaign, 10-man United going through after Giggs’ memorable winner, running from the halfway line before slamming a shot past David Seaman.

Juventus were seen off in an equally dramatic European Cup semifinal, Keane producing an inspirational performance despite him and Scholes receiving yellow cards that meant they were suspended for the final.

It meant that United’s season would be defined across 10 memorable days in May. Ferguson’s side fell behind to Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season, which meant Arsenal could have pinched the title.

But Beckham levelled before half-time, before a wonderful lob from Andy Cole ensured step one was complete, United regaining the league championship.

Newcastle United were then defeated in the FA Cup final a week later, Keane going off injured only for his replacement Teddy Sheringham to put in a man of the match display, scoring and assisting as United eased to a 2-0 win.

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That meant history could be achieved if they could see off Bayern Munich in Barcelona. But for the vast majority of the final, United looked firmly second best.

Bayern took the lead in the 6th minute and hit the woodwork twice, dominating proceedings. United struggled, with Scholes and Keane’s absence keenly felt.

Yet Ferguson introduced Sheringham and Solskjær from the bench – with both scoring in the dying moments of injury time.

United had pulled off yet another dramatic rescue to seal the treble. A perfect tribute on what would have been Sir Matt Busby’s 90th birthday – and were European champions for the second time.

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23 2025

gk from

After Andre Onana was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, following two disappointing seasons in goal, Belgian stopper Lammens joined Manchester United from Royal Antwerp in September.

A Belgium youth international, who was called up to the senior squad for the first time in March 2025, Lammens played 64 games for Royal Antwerp and helped them win the Belgian Super Cup in 2023.

He held the record for keeping the most clean sheets in the Belgian Pro League in 2024/25 and has signed a contract that runs until June 2030.

Dermot

Mee

from

45

age

joined

23 academy

def Noussair

03

Mazraoui age

joined

28 2024 30

from

gk tom

22

heaton age

joined

39 2021

def diogo

dalot age

02 joined

26 2018

def harry

from

from

05

maguire age

joined

32 2019

from

manchester united

06

def Lisandro

Martinez age

joined

27 2022

def Matthijs

04

de Ligt age

joined

26 2024

De Ligt’s rapid rise to prominence came at a young age, becoming the youngest player to appear in a European final when he started the Europa League showpiece for Ajax against United, aged just 17 back in 2017.

He moved to Juventus for €75 million while still a teenager, winning the title before being bought by Bayern Munich two years later. His former coach at Ajax, Erik ten Hag then signed him for United in the summer of 2024.

13

def Patrick

Dorgu age

from

joined

21 2025

def Luke

shaw age

from

from

23 joined

30 2014 31

from

def Tyrell

Malacia age

12

joined

26 2022

15

def leny

Yoro age

joined

20 2024

def Ayden

from

from

26

heaven age

joined

19 2025

from

manchester united

33

def tyler

Fredricson age

joined

20 academy

mid mason

mount age

07

joined

26 2023

mid Manuel

from

25

Ugarte age

joined

24 2024

from

def Diego

Leon age

35 joined

18 2025

mid Bruno

from

08

Fernandes age

joined

31 2020

mid kobbie

from

37

Mainoo age

joined

20 academy 32

18

mid -

Casemiro age

joined

33 2022

from

The highly-decorated midfielder has won three La Ligas and five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. However, Casemiro’s move to Manchester in the summer of 2022 was heavily scrutinised, after the Red Devils decided to seal his signature with a four-year contract.

Although it would be fair to describe his spell in England as ‘mixed’ so far, he has been one of United’s best players so far this season. Ruben Amirom’s 3-4-3 system, rather than isolate the Brazilian in a two-man midfield, is instead bringing out his best game.

manchester united

38

mid jack

Fletcher age

18

joined

academy

fwd Joshua

Zirkzee age

joined

24 2024

fwd Benjamin

Sesko age

11 from

30

joined

22 2025

from

10

fwd Mathues

Cunha age

joined

26 2025

fwd Bryan

Mbeumo age

19

joined

26 2025

fwd Chido

Obi age

from

joined

33

amad

Diallo age

joined

16

23 2021

from

from

32

17 2024

fwd

from

Amad had played just five professional games before United committed to bringing him to England from Atalanta, such was their faith in the thenteenager’s talent and potential.

He made a name for himself with a dramatic 121st minute winner in the FA Cup against fierce rivals Liverpool, always enough to endear a player to the Stretford End. In the early part of 2025/26, the Ivory Coast international has struck up a good understanding with new United forwards, Bryan Mbeumo and Mathues Cunha.

manchester united

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. Today he examines - Manchester United...

DEFENSIVE SET-UP Ruben Amorim’s men will set up in a 3-4-2-1 with a high line, but with a patient approach.

Manchester United normally wait until the ball is played into the middle third of the pitch to apply pressure. Of their 18 tackles per match, eight come from the middle third, the second most in league.

They do not often press high but are quite effective when they do. While they’ve only forced 9 shots from high turnovers (15th in league), they’ve scored twice (joint-second).

United rank 17th in the Premier League in expected goals allowed (xGA) per match and 13th in goals allowed.

This is, in part, due to allowing a league-worst 0.13 non-penalty expected goals per shot (NPxG/shot), a measure showing average shot quality.

Many of these quality chances have come from counter attacks, where the Red Devils concede the most league goals. United are also weak when defending set pieces, ranking 16th in goals allowed.

Shot-placing & Shot-stopping abilities shown through expected goals on target (xGOT) xG

xGOT

xG-xGOT

First 6 league matches

12.2

7.9

-4.30

GA

xGOT conceded

GA-xGOT

11

9.4

-1.60

xG

xGOT

xG-xGOT

Last 5 league matches

6.2

10.1

3.90

GA

xGOT conceded

GA-xGOT

7

8.5

1.50

34

IN-POSSESSION United boast a potent attack, ranking high in shots (fourth), goals (seventh), and xG (fifth).

They operate quickly (seventh in direct speed, 16th in passes per sequence) and directly (second in through balls, second in crosses into the penalty area).

The Red Devils tend to initiate attacks from their left flank but prefer finishing from the right. 18% of their shots come from their right channel, the most of any Premier League club.

projected starting xi

manchester united

13 23

dorgu

shaw

31

4

lammens

de ligt

15

19 mbeumo

8 fernandes

10 cunha

18 casemiro

16

yoro

3

amad

mazraoui

A TALE OF TWO HALVES..

OR IS IT? In their opening six matches, Manchester United earned seven points (1.2 per match) while scoring seven and conceding 11. Over their past five league matches, they earned 11 points (2.2 per match), scoring 12 and conceding seven.

Oddly, Manchester United’s xG metrics show that they were playing better overall in their opening half. Instead, what has changed is goalkeeping & shot placement. One metric can explain both: expected goals on target (xGOT). xGOT is the “post-shot” version of xG and, therefore, measures quality of shot placement.

If xGOT is higher than xG, a player increased his chances of scoring by where he placed his shot. If xGOT is lower, it shows the opposite.

Over their opening six matches, United’s xGOT was quite low – decreasing to the tune of nearly 1 expected goal per match. But that

has flipped recently, with xGOT vastly increasing in their previous five matches.

This metric can also be used to assess shot-stopping ability.

Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir conceded 11 goals while facing 9.4 xGOT, an underperformance of 1.6. This figure was 21st of 24 league goalkeepers, so a positive change was made. Senne Lammens was named starter and has conceded just seven goals from an 8.5 xGOT. Lammens’ 0.3 goals prevented per match is second in the league – only to Dean Henderson.

As detailed and complex as this football can be made, sometimes it comes down to the simplest things.

Manchester United improved their shotplacement and with their shot-stopping.

Scoring more goals and conceding less is quite literally what this game is about. And this is why United have enjoyed a better start to 2025/26 than they did the previous season.

35

PLAYER TO WATCH: Bruno Fernandes While Bryan Mbeumo’s goals have been pivotal, Bruno Fernandes remains the heartbeat of this team. The Portuguese midfielder leads the club in touches and passes, and ranks high in the Premier League for both key passes (first) and shot-creating actions (second).

36

manchester united

united flashback 2003/04

STREETS WON’T FORGET: Kléberson -

HOME KIT - our verdict: Nothing quite says 2000s-kit like having Vodafone as a sponsor. United wore this for two seasons between 2002 and 2004, but you can see why. A minimalist yet effective design, it really hits the mark.

away kit - our verdict: In contention for one of the plainest away kits in Premier League history. But after some baffling designs in the nineties, that was probably just what United’s players wanted. Something about it just screams Roy Keane.

37

2003 was the summer that Manchester United made a signing that would come to define the club’s next decade – Cristiano Ronaldo joining from Sporting Lisbon. However, at the time the future superstar’s arrival was not the signing to generate the most excitement. That tag went to Brazilian Kléberson.

Ever since impressing when he helped his country to the 2002 World Cup finals, the midfielder had most of the top clubs in Europe chasing his signature. United won the race, with Alex Ferguson declaring at his unveiling that one of the reasons he sold Juan Sebastián Verón was because he knew Kléberson was arriving.

Sadly, his stay would not prove as lengthy as originally hoped. Injured on only his second appearance, he didn’t make his first start for United until mid-November of his first campaign when he scored in a win over Blackburn. Kléberson would ultimately leave England after only two seasons, but at his best for Brazil he was undoubtedly a baller.

manchester united

BOTH SIDES of THE FENCE Aaron Wan-Bissaka One of the most talented graduates of the Palace Academy in recent times, Wan-Bissaka spent over a decade in South London before then moving to today’s opponents.

First joining as an 11-year-old, he was initially a talented winger, who idolised Brazil legend Ronaldinho, and who like his hero was capable of beating opponents with relative ease.

But it was at full-back where he would eventually break through into the first team, signing a professional contract in 2016.

After initially featuring as a wingback in pre-season under Frank de Boer, a full Premier League appearance arrived in 2018, by which time Roy Hodgson was in the managerial hotseat. Wan-Bissaka made his first-team debut in a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in February, and then played all four matches in March to win Palace’s Player of the Month award.

By the following season, WanBissaka was not only a fully-fledged full-back, but also one of the best in the country. His performances earned him both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season titles.

Perhaps not surprisingly it also earned him the attention of other clubs, and he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2019, as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær pushed to recruit the best young British players in the country.

Wan-Bissaka was the most expensive non-capped English player in history at the time of the move, with United reportedly paying an initial £45million. He continued to impress, although the Red Devils enjoyed a below-par season as a team, the fullback made his mark with the highest number of tackles in the entire league.

He scored twice in the 2020/21 season – his effort against Newcastle United the first senior goal of his professional career.

After Wan-Bissaka missed the majority of the first half of the 2022/23 season through illness and injury, Diego Dalot cemented himself as first choice right-back at his expense.

He did feature in 30 games in all competitions for United the following season, featuring in a less familiar left-back role when visiting former club Palace towards the end of the campaign, a game the Eagles would win 4-0.

A move to West Ham followed in the summer and his first season in East London proved a success, WanBissaka featuring in all but two of the Hammers’ league games last season and winning their 'Hammer of the Year' award.

English-born, but of Congolese descent, he represented the Three Lions at various youth levels, but earlier this year switched his international allegiance to DR Congo.

38

2009

First joins Palace’s Academy

2016

Signs first professional contract with Palace

2018

Makes his Eagles debut during Premier League game with Tottenham

2018/19

Is named Palace’s Player of the Year

2019

Features for England at Under-21 European Championships

2019

Moves to Manchester United after signing five-year contract

2020

Scores first senior goal during 4-1 victory at Newcastle

2024

Leaves Manchester United to join West Ham

2024

Wins the 'Hammer of the Year' award

manchester united

WHen we last met

0-2 manchester united √ palace 2nd February 2025 / Old Trafford

1 henderson

26

5

6

richards

LACROIX

guÉhi

12

19

8

3

MUñOZ

hughes

lerma

mitchell

18

7 SARR

kamada

14 MATETA

37

16

49

mainoo

diallo

garnacho

3

25

8

2

mazraoui

ugarte

fernandes

dalot

15 yoro

5 maguire

6 martinez

23 onana

the scorers Jean-Philippe Mateta - 64', 89'

Jean-Philippe Mateta's secondhalf double gave Crystal Palace a fourth victory in six seasons away at Old Trafford.

Manchester United dominated possession, but the Eagles produced a ruthless performance to earn the three points.

Palace were already looking dangerous before the introduction of Ebere Eze, who was originally meant to be missing the game due to a foot injury.

He delivered a dream free-kick for the opening goal, which caused chaos in the United penalty area.

Maxence Lacroix's header

came back off the bar but, with Andre Onana at full stretch, the Cameroon international keeper was unable to prevent Mateta turning the bouncing ball into an empty net.

Mateta then killed the game in the dying minutes when he tapped home Daniel Muñoz's accurate low cross.

39

MATCH STATS 34%

Possession

66%

2

Shot on target

3

0

Corners

11

13

Fouls

12

11

Total shots

17

west ham united

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

40

08/01/2025 09:51

manchester united

HEAD TO HEAD

adam

wharton

-

25/26

Casemiro

16

Goals

19

20.56

Expected Goals

20.13

6

Clean Sheets

1

10

107

Total Shots

138

PL Apps

Goals

0

635

Duels Won

633

Goals

3

Expected assists

1.91

274

Expected assists

0.49

Minutes played

789

Minutes played

678

Passes

290

Passes

355

Yellow Cards

1

Yellow Cards

4

Through balls

6

Through balls

4

age

21

pos

mid

PL Apps

nat

398

Clearances

04

Palacer are unbeaten in the last four Premier League meetings with Manchester United (W3, D1).

2020

The year the last time Manchester United won away at Selhurst Park in the Premier League

14

The Eagles are chasing a 14th win over the Red Devils in club history

Delivered by:

41

age

33

pos

mid

nat

11

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 what he expects from today’s opponents and who shined over the international break…

Wolves win could prove huge Last Saturday’s victory away at Wolves could prove a big one for Palace.

Particularly if the team can now get some momentum going into a busy December run. With the Premier League so tight at the moment, a few wins on the bounce will push you up into the Champions League places.

A lot of people might have expected Wolves, in the predicament they’re in, to be an easy target. But I’ve seen them live a couple of times this season and they’re not playing bad stuff, they just can’t seem to score goals. In that scenario, you just want everyone to be wary of falling into the trap of thinking ‘this should be an easy win.’ Going to Molineux is never easy – particularly when they’ve just got a new manager.

I’m sure Oliver Glasner will have been very pleased to see such a professional performance. Wolves had some chances, but Palace were clinical and, overall, the better team won the game. It’s a game you just want to get through unscathed, and the lads managed to dig out an excellent result.

Yéremy Pino’s goal was a moment of real class. It shows his pedigree as a player, the way he adjusted his feet, that takes real quality. That type of goal, as a forward player, will give him huge confidence. You could see what the moment meant to him as well, running over to celebrate with the fans.

I actually scored a similar goal myself at the same end of Molineux during my time at West Brom, bending it into the top corner – so I had a little smile when I saw Yéremy’s effort!

44

I’m sure Oliver Glasner will have been very pleased to see such a professional performance.

Wolves had some chances, but Palace were clinical and, overall, the better team won the game.

It’s a game you just want to get through unscathed, and the lads managed to dig out an excellent result

KEVIN PHILLIPS

Adam has a great chance with England Over the last international break it was great to see Adam Wharton get his first England start. He’s been in and around the squad for a while now, but you need to start a game to really show the manager what you can do.

There’s obviously huge competition in the middle of the park. Elliot Anderson, who has come in and done exceptionally well at Nottingham Forest, is another option.

I could even see Jude Bellingham playing a bit deeper next summer.

But Adam is in great form and will have done his chances no harm with that performance. I’m delighted for him, he always looks to play forward and although the competition is strong, he gives Thomas Tuchel a different option.

Let’s hope we see him in an England shirt again before the summer, so he can nail down his place in that World Cup squad.

You just never know what you're going to get with Manchester United at the moment. Before the international break things looked much better for Ruben Amorim’s side, and the new signings had improved the team.

But they probably had their worst performance of the season so far on Monday night

Manchester United clash a good opportunity You just never know what you're going to get with Manchester United at the moment. Before the international break things looked much better for Ruben Amorim’s side, and the new signings had improved the team.

But they probably had their worst performance of the season so far on Monday night against Everton. They’ve got some very good footballers, and I’m sure they’ll be keen to respond after such a disappointing result.

But I’d make Palace favourites for this one. This team isn’t conceding goals at the moment and going forward, against United, you just know you’ll get chances at some stage.

The players will be in confident mood and I fancy Palace to get a result 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 – so we’re sitting down, in every issue this season, to meet a star of the next generation. This week, it’s the turn of U18s ‘keeper Thiago Speroni – son of Palace legend Julian...

thiago speroni age

my roots I started playing football simply because I loved it. Ever since I can remember, the game has been a part of my life. My dad – Julian Speroni – was a professional ‘keeper, so of course I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

The first team I ever played for was Holland Sports, a grassroots club in Oxted, Surrey. I was eight-yearsold, and funny enough, I used to play as both a striker and a ‘keeper. I’d spend the first-half in goal, then go up front for the second. Eventually, I committed to being a ‘keeper, which my dad wasn’t too surprised about.

One of the biggest challenges young players face right now is confidence. You see loads of academy players getting chances with the first team – like Max Dowman, who’s still only 15 – and it can make older players panic a bit. They worry, they lose belief. Confidence is a massive thing in football.

My best moment so far has definitely been signing my scholarship

with Palace over the summer. That meant everything to me. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? That would be to keep your head. Staying calm and focused makes such a difference.

My Inspirations My dad has obviously always been my main inspiration. Watching him in goal for Palace while I was growing up had a huge impact on me. When I was younger, I looked up to a mix of outfielders and ‘keepers.

As a kid, I did love Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. As I got older, I started paying more attention to goalkeepers like Alisson and Ederson.

My dad became really hands-on as I started to take goalkeeping seriously, training with me every day and teaching me what the position really demands.

I think I share similar qualities with Alisson – especially shotstopping and coming out well in onev-one situations. With Ederson, I’m always trying to copy his technique and distribution.

48

nationality

17 position

goalkeeper my Teammates My best friend in the Academy is Donte Martin – we get on really well and spend a lot of time together. The hardest worker in training? I’d like to think that’s me. I always push myself.

David Angibeaud is better than he realises. He’s a really talented player, but sometimes he just needs to believe in himself more.

Jacob Fasida is the one I can imagine being a future manager. He just gives off that impression in the way he talks and carries himself.

The funniest in the dressing room is definitely Dots [Lamidi]. He’s just very funny.

Donte takes the longest to get ready after matches – no competition there.

If I had to pick three teammates to be stuck on a desert island with, I’d take Donte, Jack Mason… and probably Charlie Walker-Smith

.

academy

fixtures&results

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

ips

8

7

1

0

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

SEPTEMBER

10

lei

9

4

2

3

2

14

wol

8

4

2

2

2

14

Tue 2

Bromley

D

3-3

Tue 16

AFC Wimbledon

L

3-1

Sat 13

Ipswich Town

W

8-0

11

3-2

Sat 20

Reading

W

2-0

12

cry

8

4

2

2

1

14

Sat 27

Aston Villa

L

3-1

13

avl

9

4

1

4

-1

13

14

ars

8

3

3

2

1

12

15

eve

9

4

0

5

-1

12

16

lee

8

3

2

3

2

11

17

nor

8

3

2

3

-1

11

18

bir

9

3

2

4

-5

11

19

mci

8

3

1

4

2

10

20

nfo

9

3

1

5

-1

10

21

liv

9

3

1

5

-2

10

22

bla

9

2

2

5

-6

8

23

new

9

2

2

5

-8

8

24

sun

8

2

1

5

-3

7

4

-2

6

Mon 22 Leeds United Sat 27

Manchester United

W L

4-1

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

Sat 4

Sheffield United

W

1-3

Mon 6

Birmingham City

W

3-1

Sat 18

Fulham

W

4-0

Tue 21

Stevenage

L

5-2

Sat 25

Brighton & Hove Albion

L

0-4

Mon 27 Newcastle United

L

0-2

NOVEMBER

Fri 31

W

0-2

Sat 1

Leicester City

W

4-2

Sat 8

West Ham United

L

3-2

Sat 22

Chelsea

W

4-0

Sat 29

Southampton

Aston Villa

NOVEMBER Tue 4

Valencia

L

0-1

Fri 7

Stoke City

D

2-2

DECEMBER

Wed 12 Juventus

W

3-1

Sat 6

Arsenal

25

mid

8

1

3

Wed 26 Nordsjælland

W

3-2

Sat 13

Norwich City

26

bur

9

2

0

7

-6

6

27

wba

9

1

3

5

-11

6

JANUARY

JANUARY Sat 10 Fri 16

Chelsea Nottingham Forest

Sat 17

West Bromwich Albion

28

der

9

1

1

7

-12

4

Sat 24

Chelsea

29

rea

8

0

3

5

-14

3

Sat 31

Birmingham City

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

cry

10

6

0

4

16

18

2

tot

9

5

2

2

14

17

3

sou

8

5

1

2

7

16 15

Wed 21 Borussia M’gladbach

FEBRUARY

Mon 26 Derby County

Sat 7

Ipswich Town

Fri 30

Sat 14

Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 21

Leicester City

Sat 28

West Ham United

Ipswich Town

FEBRUARY Mon 9

Middlesbrough

MARCH

4

che

7

4

3

0

14

Sat 7

Aston Villa

Mon 23 West Ham United

5

lei

9

5

0

4

3

5

Sat 14

Reading

6

avl

9

5

0

4

-1

15

MARCH

Tue 17

Fulham

7

wba

9

4

2

3

6

14

Mon 2

Sat 21

Brighton & Hove Albion

8

ars

9

4

2

3

0

14

9

whu

9

4

1

4

-1

13

10

ful

8

4

0

4

-2

12

11

bha

9

3

2

4

3

11

12

rea

9

3

2

4

-4

11

13

bir

10

3

1

6

-20

10

14

nor

9

1

3

5

-7

6

15

ips

10

1

1

8

-28

4

Mon 16 Fulham

Fri 6

Sunderland Blackburn Rovers

Mon 16 Wolves Sun 22

Liverpool

APRIL Sat 11

Southampton

Sat 18

Arsenal

Sat 25

Norwich City

APRIL

MAY

Mon 13 Arsenal

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 27th November.

49

academy

palace academy It’s been an exciting few weeks for the Crystal Palace Academy, the U21s delivered a statement win over Juventus, the U18s topped their Premier League Cup group, and four Academy players impressed on the international stage. Here are the key storylines…

U21s make a statement If ever the young Eagles needed to announce themselves in the Premier League International Cup, they did it in style with a 3–1 win over Italian giants Juventus at the VBS Community Stadium.

From the first whistle, Palace played with confidence that suggested the badge on the opposition shirt didn’t faze them one bit.

Adler Nascimento opened the scoring after just 11 minutes with

a perfectly cushioned volley from a tight angle. Seb Williams followed with a crisp finish to double the lead, and U18s star Benji Casey – now steadily establishing himself in the U21s – coolly slotted home his first goal for Darren Powell’s side before the half was out.

The second-half was tighter, and although Juventus pulled one back late on, Palace maintained their defensive resolve – George King’s superb goal-line block epitomising our refusal to yield.

The win leaves the young Eagles fifth in Group B, with manager Powell beaming: “There aren’t many times you get to play Juventus – so enjoy it, get close to them, and play football. We really did that.”

Casey, delighted with his breakthrough for the U21s, added: “I’ve been wanting this for a long time… I kept believing. It’s finally come – I’m really happy.”

U18s conquer the ‘Group of Death’ Meanwhile, the U18s faced a mustwin clash with Chelsea in the Premier League Cup, knowing only the group winners would advance from a group also containing Manchester City and Sheffield United.

And the young Eagles rose to the challenge in impressive fashion, delivering a commanding 4–0 victory at Copers Cope.

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academy

David Angibeaud capitalised on a defensive error to break the deadlock, Bernard-Ferguson added a looping strike just before halftime, and Stuart Oduro’s flowing team goal early in the second half made it three.

Donte Martin sealed the win late on, allowing Palace to finish level on points with City, topping Group D thanks to a superior goal difference.

Head coach Javier Alonso said: “It was a really tough group…

I’m delighted with the team’s performance and to go through.”

Young Eagles flying high on international duty The November international window brought further milestones.

Young goalkeeper Owen Goodman earned his first senior call-up for Canada – a huge moment after a year of rapid development while on loan at AFC Wimbledon and now Huddersfield Town.

U21s wing-back Joél DrakesThomas impressed with England Under-17s in their European Qualifiers and camp in Dubai.

He featured in all three fixtures, grabbed an assist, and shined throughout.

Matteo Dashi played every match for Albania Under-19s in their European qualifying campaign, earning a start against Ukraine, while U18s centre-back Charlie Walker-Smith represented Wales Under-19s in a tournament designed to replicate next year’s European Championship on home soil

.

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS COLLMAN

Name

apps goals

Raihaan ANDERSON

3

David ANGIBEAUD

13

4

Mylo BERNARD

3

1

Asher AGBINONE

10

Dean BENAMAR

3

Luke BROWNE

12

Rylan BROWNLIE

1

Sebastian BONSO-AMAKO

6

Rio CARDINES

3

Makai BERNARD-FERGUSON

12

6

Benji CASEY

9

Benji CASEY

9

13

Matteo DASHI

3

Euan DANAHER

11

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

7

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

2

2

Jacob FASIDA

8

1

Khyan FRAZER-WILLIAMS

10

Ajean-Ray GREAVES

7

Marcus HILL (GK)

3

Jasper JUDD

12

Oladotun LAMIDI

7

Donte MARTIN

13

2

Dean BENAMAR 1

2

Craig FARQUHAR Jacob FASIDA

6

Joe GIBBARD

9

Jake GRANTE

9 2

Zack HENRY Marcus HILL (GK) Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

4

Mofe JEMIDE

11

Jasper JUDD

1

George KING

8

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

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

12

Sebastian WILLIAMS

10

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

9

4

Jack MASON (GK)

2

1

Jayden McDONALD

2

Aiden MORGAN

2

Joshua MUWANA Stuart ODURO

2

Chuks OKOLI

13

8

Jerome OSEI KYREMEH

12

2

Daniel OWOADE

3

Remi AHAZIE-SHITTU

1

Sean SOMADE

13

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 27 November. th

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1

WOMEN

palace women As the standard of Women’s football in England improves every year, adaptability is key. Few players at Crystal Palace Women have showcased this quality more clearly than Chloë Arthur, who continues to be a driving force for the Eagles, as her role on the pitch evolves...

s

ince arriving in 2022, Arthur has been known as a tenacious presence in midfield. However, this season has seen her embracing a deeper defensive role in certain fixtures, a positional switch that speaks volumes about her commitment to the collective success of the squad.

For Arthur, the challenge has been a welcome one, using her experience to gain a tactical edge from the back.

Talking about this adjustment, she explains how much she has relished the move.

Arthur said: “In all honesty, I enjoy the defensive side of the game so dropping into a deeper role is something I’ve enjoyed doing.

“It’s definitely something to adapt to and learn but there are similar qualities required in both the midfield and the back-line.”

The understanding of what the backline requires has been developed through her years spent in the middle of the park.

She said: “Having played in midfield I can now understand how

they would think and would want to receive the ball from the defence.”

Arthur’s flexibility comes at a crucial time. The Barclays Women’s Super League 2 is a division that refuses to stand still. This season the quality and intensity has gone up a level.

Having been part of the set-up that secured promotion in the 2023/24 season, Arthur has witnessed firsthand the league’s improvements.

“In terms of the quality of the WSL2, it gets stronger every year and that should never be underestimated.

“It’s important for this to happen, it pushes the women’s game on more and more every year and it makes it more competitive,” she said.

It’s a high-octane environment and means that every fixture is a battle – every point is priceless.

“Top of the table could play the bottom of the table and you never know what is going to happen, it makes it exciting but it’s also frustrating not to pick up points,” Arthur reflects.

Despite the fine margins that have defined the start of their campaign, the focus remains on progression.

52

Football is a game where things can change so quickly, which is what we are striving to do to get further up the table.

We have an incredible team where we want to finish as high as possible

Speaking about Palace’s tricky start in the league, she said: “In terms of league position it’s not where we want to be as a team.

“Football is a game where things can change so quickly, which is what we are striving to do to get further up the table.

“We have an incredible team, and we want to finish as high as possible.”

That team saw three Scotland internationals join Arthur in South London. Kirsty Howat, Jamie-Lee

WOMEN

Napier, and Emma Watson all signing for the Eagles in the summer, meaning there were a few more familiar faces in the dressing room.

Talking about her compatriots, she said: “It’s always nice to have more Scots in the team, we just get each other – there’s no language barrier!

“They have settled in really well and always give 100%. You can see from their performances that they want the best for the team and want to win.”

With 35 caps for Scotland herself, Arthur keeps a keen eye on the national team’s progress, particularly as they focus on the long road to qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For a nation of their size, Scotland continue to punch above their weight. That in itself is a source of immense pride for the midfielder.

She said: “I’m always supporting our national team even if it’s from afar, for such a small country, we have quality players who have achieved so much in the game alongside some young talent, so it’s a perfect mix.

“As a nation we’ve always been a team who could be seen as the underdog but who are never easy to play against.

“It’s exciting seeing our national team on the biggest stage and having been amongst that I’d love nothing more than to see Scotland be at another major tournament!”

.

fixtures&results

playerstats Name

Home Away FA Cup League Cup SEPTEMBER

apps goals

Eve ANNETS (GK)

3 4

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

12

Lola BROWN

1

My CATO

7

Aimee EVERETT

7

Josie GREEN

4

Shanade HOPCROFT

8

Kirsty HOWAT

12

Elise HUGHES

12

1

12

3

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

11

december

Hayley NOLAN

12

Sun 7

Birmingham City

Indiah-Paige RILEY

5

Sun 14

Lewes

Molly-Mae SHARPE

5

Isabella SIBLEY

4

january Sun 11

Sheffield United

Sun 25

Durham

february Sun 1

Southampton

Sun 8

Bristol City

Sun 15

Birmingham City

2

5

1

Allyson SWABY

9

1

Justine VANHAEVERMAET

12

3

Emma WATSON

8

2

Ashleigh WEERDEN

12

3

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

9

march Sun 15

Nottingham Forest

Sun 22

Newcastle United

Sun 29

Charlton Athletic

april Sun 5

Ipswich Town

Sun 26

Sunderland

may Sun 3

Portsmouth

TBC TBC

Arsenal

TBC

Bristol City

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

cha

9

7

2

0

9

23

2

bir

9

6

1

2

15

19

3

bri

9

5

1

3

6

16

4

new

9

3

4

2

3

13

5

nfo

9

4

1

4

-2

13

6

sou

9

3

3

3

5

12

7

shu

9

3

3

3

-3

12

8

cry

9

2

4

3

-1

10

9

dur

9

2

3

4

1

9

10

sun

9

2

3

4

-2

9

11

por

9

3

0

6

-11

9

12

ips

9

1

1

7

-20

4

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 27th November.

53

PALACE FOR LIFE

palace for life

donate to palace for life below

Pass it forward this Giving Tuesday: Giving Tuesday, on 2nd December, is a global day of giving, a chance for people everywhere to support the causes that mean the most to them...

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his Giving Tuesday, Palace for Life are encouraging Palace fans and supporters to pass it forward, to give someone else the kind of chance they may once have had.

As the official charity of Crystal Palace, we’re all about helping young people across South London through free football, mentoring and support into work – whatever helps them move forward in life.

We’ll keep doing it, we always will. But we need your help to reach even more young people.

If you’ve ever had someone back you in life, this Giving Tuesday is your chance to do the same for a young person growing up in South London.

This could mean helping a young person get back into education, find a job or play football and make friends in a safe environment every week.

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we need your help to reach even more young people. If you’ve ever had someone back you in life, this Giving Tuesday is your chance to do the same for a young person growing up in South London

PALACE FOR LIFE

where could my donation go?

The money you donate this Giving Tuesday could go towards: •

•

•

Putting on more one to one mentoring sessions for young people struggling with their mental health.

Supporting our employment team with putting on short courses with qualifications for young people.

Providing equipment for young people to play football for free, every single week.

We support over 18,000 young people annually, creating life-changing opportunities, especially for those in the most deprived areas of South London.

why us?

Young people face a variety of complex challenges in south London; from unemployment, mental health issues and a lack of support services. By using the appeal of Crystal Palace F.C., we’re able to reach young people who may unreachable to traditional support services

.

donate now Your support will change lives. To make a one-off donation this Giving Tuesday, please scan the QR code.

55

KICK OFF YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY

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Join a community of 40+ million users worldwide

Official Trading Partner of Crystal Palace FC

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform.

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.

C

rystal Palace have teamed up with Transport for London to back the White Ribbon campaign, which is working to tackle violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in England and Wales engaging men and boys to prevent male violence against women and girls. Allyship is a central message of White Ribbon; it represents men challenging sexism in the attitudes and behaviours that they witness and becoming White Ribbon Ambassadors to create a more equal and safer society.

Transport for London (TfL) has been a White Ribbon accredited organisation since 2022 but has been working for many years to tackle violence against women and girls on its public transport networks and in taxis and private hire vehicles. The safety and security of its customers and staff is its top priority and violence of any kind won’t be tolerated. TfL is working with the police to prevent

offences, target offenders and pursue them through the courts. In addition, TfL is making it easier for customers to report incidents so that action can be taken and are calling on Londoners to be active bystanders and look out for each other by ‘acting like a friend’.

TfL’s action to tackle violence against women and girls is supported by its growing network of White Ribbon male allies who continue to help raise awareness of this important issues and call out harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls.

This White Ribbon Day, TfL, White Ribbon UK and Crystal Palace F.C. are highlighting the importance of speaking up in everyday situations; by calling out sexist jokes or catcalling, you help stop behaviours that can escalate into violence.

TFL will be will be joining us in the Fanzone today to engage with fans and provide support and advice on being an effective ally, with a pitch side Q&A to follow at half-time during today’s game

.

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TfL, White Ribbon UK and Crystal Palace F.C. are highlighting the importance of speaking up in everyday situations; by calling out sexist jokes or catcalling, you help stop behaviours that can escalate into violence Scan the QR codes to find out how you can create a safer transport network for everyone and how you can be an effective ally.

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.

In this issue we head to the west part of Africa and Senegal…

senegal

eagle in focus

ismaÏla sarr Having now scored 50 goals in English football, Ismaïla Sarr is one of the most successful Senegalese players in Premier League history.

The pacey wide man first attracted attention from major clubs after a successful spell with Rennes, helping them to a historic Coupe de France triumph in 2018/19 – scoring the winning spot kick in a penalty shoot-out win over PSG. Moving to Watford in 2019, he would prove an instant success.

Despite Sarr adapting quickly, the Hornets were relegated. However, he chose to stick around the following season and was voted the club’s Player of the Season, as Watford won promotion at the first attempt.

He joined Marseille in 2023 and contributed significantly as the French side reached the Europa League semifinals, registering two goals and three assists during their run.

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Sarr then joined Palace in 2024, replacing Michael Olise who had departed for Bayern Munich, subsequently inheriting the No. 7 shirt for the Eagles.

Sarr was present in every Premier League matchday squad during his first season at the club, playing all 38 games, while also featuring in a further nine cup ties.

He scored 11 goals across all competitions, including a brace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final – with eight additional assists.

On the international scene, Sarr has been one of Senegal’s most consistent performers since first making his senior debut back in 2016.

He started all three group games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia – and repeated the feat at the next finals four years later, as Senegal reached the Round of 16 in Qatar. That same tournament saw Sarr score his first finals goal, in a win over Ecuador.

Sarr was also part of the squad that won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in their history in 2021.

international eagles

Road to the 2026 World Cup

population

19,000,000

Senegal have already secured World Cup qualification for next summer’s finals in North America – the third straight tournament they will appear in.

The Lions of Teranga secured their place during the October international window, during which time Sarr registered two goals, an assist and his 75th cap.

Emphatic wins over South Sudan and Mauritania – 5-0 and 4-0 respectively – sealed top

Capital

dakar Spoken Languages

french Currency

west african cfa franc favourite dish

Thieboudienne Average flight time from London

10 hours

(including stop)

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spot in Group B and with it the prize of automatic qualification.

Senegal conceded just three goals along the way, pointing towards a strong team who have the capability to go far in North America.

Their best run at a World Cup finals to date remains 2002, when Bruno Metsu’s team reached the last eight and memorably defeated holders France in the opening game of the tournament.

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PALACE HISTORY

61

IAN KING

fa cup archives

palace 2 kettering 0 town Saturday, 24th November 1928

Following on from last season’s glorious FA Cup Final triumph at Wembley, historian Ian King takes a look at Crystal Palace’s history through the lens of 19 classic cup ties. In this issue, a look back at when a talented non-league side came to Selhurst Park…

starting 01

Billy Callender

02

Tom Crilly

03

Stan Charlton

04

Jimmy Hamilton

05

Jimmy Wilde

06

Bobby Greener

07

Albert Harry

08

Harry Havelock

09

Tom Walsh

10

Hubert Butler

11

George Clarke

o

n occasions when a League club meets another from a lower or non-League in the FA Cup, no matter the result, a player from the opposition will often attract the eye of the manager and this was the case when Kettering Town visited Selhurst Park in 1928. Only this time, Palace would actually sign five of their squad over the following months.

One in particular would go on to write himself permanently into the Palace record books and have a significant impact on club history.

The 1928/29 season in Division Three South included a 17-match unbeaten run for Palace in both

62

League and Cup, from November 1928 to February 1929, but ended in disappointment as the only promotion place available was ceded to Charlton on goal average.

The second game in this run was an FA Cup tie at home to Kettering Town, then champions of the Southern League and were continually applying for election to the Football League.

The Glaziers were struggling with injuries so gave a debut to defender Jimmy Wilde, a recruit from the Army who only signed professional forms a week before, but would go on to be a Palace stalwart for the next nine years.

IAN KING

winds plays a part On a bitterly cold afternoon, a strong and gusty wind blowing down the ground towards the Park Road terrace made passing football a challenge.

The Poppies started at a fair pace trying to upset the home team, but slowly Palace got to grips with their non-league opponents. So much so that it came as no surprise when Hubert Butler shot home from an unmarked position just before the break.

The second-half began with the band playing the national anthem as the 13,000 crowd realised this meant the King’s health had improved, cheering in response.

Palace now had the wind behind them but with the score at 1-0 it was still a nervy affair. Matters were settled 11 minutes from time as George Clarke took a pass in his stride and fired a fast shot past James Imrie in the Poppies goal.

The cup tie had been navigated but the story didn’t end there. The Palace hierarchy taking note of the Kettering players, as in March 1929, following a 0-8 defeat for the reserves, three were signed including goalkeeper Imrie, winger George Charlesworth and inside-left James Dunsire.

The trio all featured in the next reserve game, before making their first team debuts in the following month.

Two more joined them in the summer from Kettering. Central defender George Barrie, who would have to wait until the following April to make his full Palace debut, and forward Peter Simpson of whom one report stated at the time “that ere long he may reach first team standard”.

PLAYER IN FOCUS peter simpson Simpson was born in 1904 in Leith, Edinburgh and began his football career with local clubs until he moved south to join Kettering Town in 1926.

With Kettering, his goals enabled the non-league outfit claim the Southern League championship for two successive seasons, and although he did not score in the aforementioned cup tie, it was his all-round play that caught the attention of Palace.

He was only 5’9 and weighed just under 12 stone, not the build for a typical centreforward of that era. That said, Simpson knew how to use his physicality. His regular trick was to be able to shield the ball, pass it out to the wings and then go for the return pass, he was also able to spot an opening and move quickly to it.

Signed by Palace in the summer of 1929, he began in the reserves but after a string of disappointing results for the first team, Simpson was handed his full debut against Norwich on 14th September and duly claimed a hat-trick.

By the end of that season Peter had netted 36 goals from 34 League games, aided from the wings by Albert Harry and George

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Clarke and the three continued as a trio for the next two seasons.

In 1930/31 it got even better for Simpson as he ended the campaign with 46 League goals and eight FA Cup goals including six of the seven goals scored against Exeter City in October 1930.

Unfortunately, Palace let goals in that cost them promotion and from 1932 injuries began to hamper Simpson’s appearances – although he continued to be the club’s leading goalscorer for five successive seasons.

At the end of the 1934/35 season Peter moved to West Ham and later played for Reading, naturally scoring for them at Selhurst Park.

His Palace record could well never be beaten – 153 goals in 180 League games and a further 12 in 15 FA Cup ties. In retirement he remained in South London, running a newsagent’s in West Croydon.

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 broke the glass ceiling to reach the top-flight for the first time in club history...

p

rior to the 1968/69 season, Crystal Palace had been toiling in the fourth tier of English football only ten years earlier.

But one of the most successful seasons in club history would see them mixing at the top of the game for the first time, only 12 months later.

The appointment of charismatic manager Bertram ‘Bert’ Head in 1966 was the true catalyst for the Palace’s elevation to the top tier.

The Somerset-born former defender had already formed a sterling reputation in the managerial game after a modest playing career with both Torquay United and Bury.

After a successful spell at Swindon Town, Head was working at former club Bury before Palace came calling, with Bury’s chairman surmising at the time of the deal: “We’ve lost, and you’ve got, the best manager in the business.”

After respectable finishes of 11th, seventh and 11th again in the proceeding seasons, things finally came together for Head – despite having limited resources.

The Glaziers would rely on a particularly strong spine to compete with the best in the league. Fans of the time will not need reminding

68/ 69

seasonfacts

2nd

league position

manager(s)

Bert Head top goalscorer

cliff jackson

the impact Steve Kember had, while centre-half Alan Stephenson and goalkeeper John Jackson were dependable figures at the back.

Meanwhile, Cliff Jackson and Bobby Woodruff were both regularly amongst the goals, the pair each reaching double figures in league goals alone – with the former top scoring with 17 in all competitions.

Palace set their stall out with a flying start, taking maximum points from their first three games and scoring nine goals along the way.

A 3-0 defeat at Blackpool at the end of October left the Glaziers in a

64

17goals congested promotion-chasing pack, lying eighth in the league.

But Head’s team responded magnificently the following month, winning four games on the trot which left them joint-top with South London rivals Millwall.

It still looked like it would go to the wire the other side of the New Year. Palace drew 2-2 at Bolton, before a second defeat of the season to Blackpool left them in fifth place.

However, that would start a remarkable run over the next 16 league games, with Palace not losing again for the rest of the season.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

The crowing moment of the campaign came in March. Facing Brian Clough’s Derby County – who were clear at the top of the league and would eventually be champions – Palace put in a superb away day performance.

The Glaziers would hang on for a nail-biting 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from Woodruff. The goalscorer later recalled, “a win up there would be such a vital one for our group of players.

“We completely outplayed them and even though I got the goal on the night the referee cancelled out a couple more!

“Even so it was such an important result because other people started taking notice of what we were capable of.”

Back-to-back goalless draws with Huddersfield and Preston all but confirmed a top-two finish and promotion with two games to play.

In the penultimate match of the season, an expectant Selhurst Park, packed with 36,126 supporters saw

Fulham make the short trip south, the visitors having just been relegated for a second season running.

Fellow South Londoners Charlton were still in contention and could have caught Palace had they taken maximum points.

Expectation abounded - but the Glaziers were soon left stunned.

With the hosts struggling to find their rhythm, both Brian Dear and Frank Large struck for Fulham prior to halftime, with former Palace forward Johnny Byrne also starring for the visitors in what would prove his lastever game in English football, and against his boyhood side to boot.

After the agony, the ecstasy: the comeback – and the original Palace promotion party.

With Kember striking early in the second-half, Mark Lazarus dragged Palace back into the game, before Jackson sealed a dramatic victory. Crystal Palace were a topflight club, and did it in style.

News also filtered through to Selhurst Park that Charlton had also

suffered defeat – for a near-perfect afternoon.

Palace would follow it up with another win away to Blackburn to close out the season the following week, making it 22 league wins for the season in total.

It was enough to make history; Head having taken the club to heights never previously reached.

memorable match

0 1 Woodruff Wednesday, 5th March 1969

leaguetable pos

club

Division Two 1968/69 (two points per win)

p

w

d

l

gf

ga

gd

pts

1

derby county (p)

42

26

11

5

65

32

33

63

2

crystal palace (p)

42

22

12

8

70

47

23

56

3

charlton athletic

42

18

14

10

61

52

9

50

4

middlesbrough

42

19

11

12

58

49

9

49

5

cardiff city

42

20

7

15

67

54

13

47

65

BUDDS.COM

OWN AN EAGLE’S MATCH-WORN SHIRT

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

“Oliver’s juggling skills are unmatched!”

68

BEHIND THE LENS

02

“A great goal from Dani, but the celebration featured a lovely tribute to his late friend. A special moment.”

“A Brighton game always has an extra energy to it in the stands. This was no different.”

69

03

commentator’s corner 5-0 A moment captured in time – we look back on iconic commentary lines from some of Palace’s most memorable matches...

palace √ manchester united Saturday, 16th December 1972 / Selhurst Park

brian moore

And this will be their greatest afternoon.

Here’s Rogers - will this be five?

it’s going to be five. iT IS FIVE!

The moment Palace’s most famous – and surely comprehensive – win over Manchester United, at least until May 2024 when Oliver Glasner’s team did their best to rival it with a 4-0 hammering.

In the 1972/73 season saw both Palace and the Red Devils struggling at the wrong end of the top-flight when the two sides met at Selhurst Park.

Although the visitors had endured a disappointing start to the campaign, they had still won the European Cup just four years earlier – and could call upon the likes of Denis Law and Brian Kidd in their squad.

That genuine star quality, combined with the fact Palace sat bottom of the table, meant few fancied the hosts.

But it would prove an afternoon never to be forgotten by the 39,484

70

packed inside Selhurst as Bert Head’s team ran rampant.

Paddy Mulligan opened the scoring in the 10th minute by driving the ball past United keeper Alex Stepney from a tight angle, and three minutes from half-time Palace doubled their advantage when the full-back completed an unlikely brace – the only goals during his time in SE25.

A minute into the second half it was 3-0 when Don Rogers rounded Stepney – “Rodgers, in a way, doing a Pelé,” roared Brian Moore on the commentary. Not a bad comparison for a player in 1972, or any era, to receive.

Late on, debutant Alan Whittle added a fourth, with a wonderful curling finish, United were simply blown away.

But it was another wonderful solo goal by Rogers that brought the famous commentary line in question from Brian Moore – as well as adding further gloss to the scoreline.

After rounding Stepney for the second time and feinting to put off the chasing United defenders, Rogers slammed the ball home to complete the perfect afternoon.

At the time it was Palace’s joint-highest top-flight victory. Rogers would later describe the performance as “probably his best game ever.”

Speaking on the 50th anniversary of the win in 2022, the man of the moment said: “If I’m feeling a bit down or on my own, there are nine minutes on YouTube if I can find it, and I’ll watch that. Nine minutes of it.

It makes me feel good.”

It’s a game that those lucky enough to witness still talk about as one of the finest Selhurst Park has seen, in over a century of hosting football.

The fifth goal was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. And helped Moore deliver an iconic line still fondly remembered to this day.

The Commentator: brian moore For a certain generation, Moore’s voice will be associated with ITV football coverage more than any other.

He was known as the commercial broadcasters ‘voice of football’, first joining ITV in 1968 and hosting their World Cup coverage just two years later.

Covering every FA Cup final between 1969 and 1988 for ITV – back in the era where they were easily the most watched game of the club season – Moore had a reputation for smooth, precise, commentary, which still contained a natural excitement and emotion.

71

He also worked on 14 major international tournaments, with his last coming at the 1998 World Cup. Moore covered the final when France defeated Brazil 3-0, but his favourite experience as commentator was England’s defeat by Argentina in the same tournament – a match that he later said “had everything.”

Moore retired following the finals and sadly died three years later in 2001 at the age of 69.

Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper and sports commentator Bob Wilson gave a fitting tribute: “I don’t think there is anyone in the world of football, and football is a big world, who had a bad word to say about him.”

.

EAGLE ARCADE

eagle arcade

11 letters fosu-mensah wan-bissaka

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 8 names to have played for both Palace and Manchester United into the puzzle?

9 letters henderson johnstone 8 letters campbell 7 letters butland 6 letters fryers 4 letters zaha

z a h a

who plays here?

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

72

EAGLE ARCADE

spottheball

un-scramble theeagle 1

down maratha

2024-

2

dare jowl

20122025

3

Curcio cheekduo

19981999

today’smascots age: 12

age: 10

age: 12

age: 10

age: 11

age: 11

Belle Johnson

lenny wilson

alf clooney

Henry Storrs

Ralph Storrs

Freddie Peters

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

3-1

2-0

3-1

2-1

2-0

2-1

age: 6

age: 7

age: 9

age: 10

age: 5

age: 11

Reuben Kensit

Wilfred Kensit

Haris Ahmad

Ilyas Ahmad

Ruairi Boyd

Klaye Osborn

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

prediction:

2-0

2-1

3-2

2-1

0-3

1-3

Who Plays Here?: Wolves – Molineux Spot the Ball: B Un-scramble the Eagle: 1) Adam Wharton 2) Joel Ward 3) Cheick Doucouré

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 75th Birthday to Peter Rayner, a lifelong Palace fan. We hope you had a great birthday, it’s not been a great year apart from Palace winning the Cup! So roll on 2026! Lots of love his loving wife Sue and two sons Paul and Jack.

Happy 6th birthday Arlo Roux. Lots of love Mummy, Daddy & Teddy x

Happy 7th Birthday to Freddie, who’s a huge CPFC! Have the best day and enjoy the game! Love Mummy and Uncle Dean!

Happy 12th Birthday to Torin — a true Eagles superfan and talented Langton Green Knights footballer! Have an amazing day cheering on Palace with Dad — your passion shines on and off the pitch!

74

Happy 40th Birthday to Katie Blake.

Lifelong fan and season ticket holder.

With love from all her family and friends. Hope you have a great day and 3 points for the Palace.

FROM THE TERRACES

Our Aunt, Janet Lloyd (78), died on 01/11/2025. Avid match-going fan since 1982, 4-3s vs Liverpool & Millwall plus THAT Blackburn win were her favs! Love always, Paul & Martin

Hi James. Have an AMAZING time at the match today! Cheer loudly! Don’t rub it in too much when your team gives Dad’s team a bit of a pastin’ ... but you will, won’t ya? Seriously though, enjoy every minute and make some epic memories with Dad. Love from us all xxx

Palace season ticket holder, Barry Shergold passed away on 27/10/2025. Loving husband to Toni and father to Lisa, Fiona and Karina.

He will be missed.

Michael John Holiday, 07.06.34 to 30.10.25. A lifelong Palace fan and long time season ticket holder who passed his love of Palace to his 2 sons, Chris and Paul, and his grandson Michael. Will always be missed, RIP Dad xxx

Dianne Sullivan – Now you have eternal peace. You’ll always be a part of Palace and Palace was a part of you. Love from all your family and friends

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

may

april

march

february

january

december

november

october

SEPtember

august

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

Opposition

attendance/KICK-OFF

Sun 10

Liverpool

82,645

W

2-2 (3-2)

Sun 17

Chelsea

39,678

D

0-0

12th

Thu 21

Fredrikstad

23,013

W

1-0

Play-offs

Sun 24

Nottingham Forest

24,876

D

1-1

14th

Thu 28 Sun 31

Fredrikstad Aston Villa

10,016 41,036

D W

0-0 0-3

Play-offs 8th

Sat 13

Sunderland

25,154

D

0-0

9th

Tue 16

Millwall

16,754

W

1-1 (4-2)

Third round

Sat 20 Sat 27

West Ham United Liverpool

62,455 25,118

W W

1-2 2-1

5th 3rd

Thu 2

Dynamo Kyiv

6,839

W

0-2

League phase (7th)

Sun 5

Everton

51,770

L

2-1

6th

Sat 18

Bournemouth

25,125

D

3-3

8th

Thu 23

AEK Larnaca

23,038

L

0-1

League phase (16th)

Sun 26 Wed 29

Arsenal Liverpool

60,103 60,420

L W

1-0 0-3

10th Fourth round

Sat 1

Brentford

25,083

W

2-0

9th

Thu 6

AZ Alkmaar

21,459

W

3-1

League phase (9th)

Sun 9

Brighton & Hove Albion

24,326

D

0-0

10th

Sat 22

Wolverhampton Wanderers

29,976

W

0-2

5th

Thu 27 Sun 30

RC Strasbourg Manchester United

20:00 12:00

Wed 3

Burnley

19:30

Sun 7

Fulham

16:30

Thu 11

Shelbourne FC

20:00

Sun 14

Manchester City

14:00

Thu 18

KuPS Kuopio

20:00

Sat 20

Leeds United

20:00

Tue 23 Sun 28

Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur

20:00 16:30

Thu 1

Fulham

17:30

Sun 4

Newcastle United

15:00

Wed 7

Aston Villa

19:30

Sat 17 Sun 25

Sunderland Chelsea

15:00 14:00

Sun 1

Nottingham Forest

14:00

Sat 7

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Wed 11

Burnley

20:00

Sat 21 Sat 28

Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester United

15:00 15:00

Wed 4

Tottenham Hotspur

20:00

Sat 14 Sat 21

Leeds United Manchester City

15:00 15:00

Sat 11

Newcastle United

15:00

Sat 18 Sat 25

West Ham United Liverpool

15:00 15:00

Sat 2

Bournemouth

15:00

Sat 9

Everton

15:00

Sun 17 Sun 24

Brentford Arsenal

15:00 16:00

76

Result

Position Final

Daniel Muñoz Tyrick Mitchell Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Yéremy Pino Matheus França Christantus Uche Jean-Philippe Mateta Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes Adam Wharton Romain Esse Jaydee Canvot

Naouirou Ahamada Remi Matthews Chadi Riad

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

77

Rio Cardines

Justin Devenny

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Walter Benítez

Kaden Rodney

Caleb Kporha

Cheick Doucouré

Chris Richards

Borna Sosa

Dean Henderson

fixtures & results

premier league

leaguetable pos

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Club arsenal

12

9

2

1

24

6

18

29

2

chelsea

12

7

2

3

23

11

12

23

3

manchester city

12

7

1

4

24

10

14

22

4

aston villa

12

6

3

3

15

11

4

21

5

crystal palace

12

5

5

2

16

9

7

20

6

brighton & hove albion

12

5

4

3

19

16

3

19

7

sunderland

12

5

4

3

14

11

3

19

8

bournemouth

12

5

4

3

19

20

-1

19

9

tottenham hotspur

12

5

3

4

20

14

6

18

10

manchester united

12

5

3

4

19

19

0

18

11

everton

12

5

3

4

13

13

0

18

12

liverpool

12

6

0

6

18

20

-2

18

13

brentford

12

5

1

6

18

19

-1

16

14

newcastle united

12

4

3

5

13

15

-2

15

15

fulham

12

4

2

6

13

16

-3

14

16

nottingham forest

12

3

3

6

13

20

-7

12

17

west ham united

12

3

2

7

15

25

-10

11

18

leeds united

12

3

2

7

11

22

-11

11

19

burnley

12

3

1

8

14

24

-10

10

20

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

12

0

2

10

7

27

-20

2

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 27th November.

MATCHWeek13 sat 29 nov 15:00

sun 30 nov 12:00

gtech community stadium

selhurst park

sat 29 nov 15:00

sun 30 nov 14:05

etihad stadium

villa park

sat 29 nov 15:00

sun 30 nov 14:05

stadium of light

the city ground

sat 29 nov 17:30

sun 30 nov 14:05

hill dickinson stadium

london stadium

sat 29 nov 20:00

sun 30 nov 16:30

tottenham hotspur stadium

stamford bridge

78

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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

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manchester united f.c.

R. Jones N. Davies S. Long A. Madley M. Donohue T. Wood

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Altay BAYINDIR (GK) Diogo DALOT Noussair MAZRAOUI Matthijs DE LIGT Harry MAGUIRE Lisandro MARTÍNEZ Mason MOUNT Bruno FERNANDES Matheus CUNHA Joshua ZIRKZEE Tyrell MALACIA Patrick DORGU Leny YORO Amad DIALLO CASEMIRO Bryan MBEUMO Tom HEATON (GK) Luke SHAW Manuel UGARTE Ayden HEAVEN Benjamin ŠEŠKO Senne LAMMENS (GK) Chido OBI Tyler FREDRICSON Diego LEÓN Kobbie MAINOO Shea LACEY