Arsenal WFC v Crystal Palace Review

Photo Credit: Arsenal FC

LINE UPs:

Arsenal: Van Domselaar (GK), Fox (Reid, 82), Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Cooney-Cross, Caldentey, Little (Wälti, 72) , Maanum (Foord, 57), Mead (Kafaji, 72), Russo

Sheffield Utd: Yañez (GK), Woodham (Larkin, 84), Veje, Everett, Nolan, Green (Sharpe, 68), Gejl (Weerden, 57), Potter (Gibbons, 84), Cato, Stengel, Blanchard

The year starts with another win underArsenal's belt.n This London derby ended with a dominant 5-0 victory for the North London club over South London rivals Crystal Palace. It marked the Eagles' fourth defeat in a city derby this season.

Although the final scoreline was decisive, there were phases during the match where both teams were evenly matched in terms of pace and enthusiasm. The Gunners made a strong start, opening the scoring early. Arsenal’s No. 6, Leah Williamson, found the net after a well-taken right-wing corner from Katie McCabe in the 6th minute. This marked Williamson’s first WSL goal since 2023 and earned her the Player of the Match award.

Crystal Palace responded with determination, fighting for what would have been only their second win of the season. For much of the first half, the teams were level, with the Eagles even creating a promising breakthrough through My Cato in the 35th minute. Unfortunately for the visitors, the opportunity didn’t result in a goal.

While the first half was competitive, Crystal Palace struggled to maintain their performance in the second half, particularly after the 63rd minute. Arsenal capitalized on their opponents’ defensive difficulties, with Alessia Russo doubling the lead after a shot by Caitlin Foord was saved by Yanez. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper couldn’t control the ball, allowing Arsenal’s No. 23 to finish it off.

Shortly after, in the 67th minute, Russo turned provider, assisting Beth Mead to make it 3-0. A challenge against Foord in the 74th minute led to a penalty, which Mariona Caldentey converted confidently, extending Arsenal’s lead to 4-0. The Spaniard then capped off the match in the 96th minute with her second goal, sealing a 5-0 victory.

Although the scoreline reflects Arsenal's dominance, Crystal Palace deserved credit for their first-half performance, which should have earned them at least one goal. However, Arsenal’s  quality proved too much. The statistics further highlighted the stark difference between the teams: Crystal Palace managed only three shots on goal, compared to Arsenal’s 24. Ball possession also heavily favored the Gunners, with 77% compared to Palace’s 23%.

After the match, Leah Williamson reflected on the team’s performance, telling Arsenal.com:

“It helps that we have a fit squad and quality across that. Renée has used it as an opportunity to implement a bit more of her style as well and different things, so you’ve seen it all today, which was good. We were fit enough to push each other.”

With this result, Renée Slegers, the newly appointed permanent head coach of the North London team, secured her 11th win in 12 matches. Arsenal WFC now sits in second place in the table, just seven points behind Chelsea FC Women. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace remains in 12th place and faces the threat of relegation, sitting just one point behind 11th-placed Leicester City.