Crystal Palace v Everton Saturday 26th September 2020 // 3pm
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Directors Steve Parish, Chairman David Blitzer, Joshua Harris Chief Executive Phil Alexander
palace √ everton
Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director
26.09.20
Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell
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Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning
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luka milivojevic
Scott Guyett
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steve parish
Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal
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darren ambrose
Academy Director
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junior eagles
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Daniel storey
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alfie matthews
Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott
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Commercial Director Barry Webber Operations Director Sharon Lacey Head of Consumer Sales Mike Pink Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production
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James Woodroof Head of CRM & Campaigns Tom McGuiness Editor Dan Blazer Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas Contributors Ben Mountain, Ian King, Daniel Storey, Darren Ambrose, Grace Cullen, Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Pinnacle, Rex Features Printer Bishops Printers
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palace for life
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1990/91 season
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paddy m©carthy
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annabel johnson
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fixtures & results
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premier league
62 contents
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official matchday programme
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H
ello and welcome to an old friend from Italy, Carlo Ancelotti, his staff and players from Everton and to each of you reading
this. I hope you are all well and enjoying the season so far. We have certainly enjoyed a strong start to this campaign; the players and I could not have hoped for a better two opening results.
Everyone in the team should feel immensely proud of their performances
Both Southampton and Manchester United looked particularly stern opposition on paper and we knew we’d be starting in the toughest
football is determined to win each match they
possible way when the fixture schedule came
play. But that was a setback we had to absorb
out. But the manner in which the team handled
and use to motivate us in accomplishing our
each match – especially the United game –
league goals. I am sure you will have noticed
should fill the players with confidence. I was
that at Old Trafford.
delighted with the execution of our gameplan
With our injury crisis as it is, in particular
and to see everything we worked on pre-match
with five defenders absent, our squad does
and in training bear fruit on the pitch when it
not permit enough rotation for us to be able to
really counts. Everyone in the team should feel
consistently play three games in a week.
immensely proud of their performances. Another man who should rightly feel proud
On the subject of our goals for the season, I can say the squad are as grounded and focused
this week is Wilf Zaha. He earned the captaincy
as ever. They and I are fully aware of the hurdle
in the absence of our regular options, but took
we must overcome today and the difficulties we
their place very well. Wilf’s leadership qualities
shall face over a 38-game season. Every match
come from his commitment to Crystal Palace and
is a chance for us to secure the points that will
his professionalism, making him a well-suited
ensure Crystal Palace is a top-flight club for the
and deserving captain for that match. I imagine
following season. Until we are mathematically
captaining his team to victory, against the club
safe, that is all every game can be.
he departed several years ago and scoring two goals, must have been a good feeling. I was also highly impressed by players such
We sit in a strong place, however, to achieve this aim sooner rather than later, with an improved squad, some players returning or
as Mamadou Sakho and Jeffrey Schlupp, who
having returned from injury and the wind in our
have overcome injuries to return to their typical
sails from two successive victories. We must not
high standards lately. For Mamadou in particular
allow that momentum to fade.
to play such an exacting game after so little preparation is a tremendous achievement. Of course, I cannot discuss our recent
So we will compete with the usual desire and determination against an in-form Everton side, and I hope that you will see another
results without commenting on our exit from the
performance to be proud of from everyone in
League Cup. We were disappointed to lose that
the team.
penalty shootout because every professional in
Enjoy the game.
The manager
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official matchday programme
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i hope it isn’t too long until we hear you inside our home soon
I
t was important for me to get 90 minutes
the growth in our squad over the summer.
in the Bournemouth game as I continue
The club have done an amazing job in the
my return to fitness. But of course I was
transfer window and have brought in exactly
disappointed not to go through, especially after our back four, who had never played together before, impressively secured a clean sheet. The penalty shootout was one like I had
what we needed. Today’s opponents Everton are another side who have had a good transfer window, with the likes of James Rodríguez and Allan
never experienced before; I don’t believe
coming in. They, too, have also started the
I have ever had to take a second penalty
season well, meaning the game will be an
in a shootout. If I were to review my miss,
interesting one and high on quality.
then perhaps my focus dropped slightly as
It was understandable to read the news
we were all standing on the pitch for a long
this week that plans to slowly bring back
time and when taking penalties, you need
fans into our home of Selhurst from October
everything to be at 100%.
have been postponed for the time being.
The level of the penalties taken were
But that doesn’t make the decision an easy
fantastic. For me, Kells’ penalty was the best
one to take. It was disappointing news for
one. But it’s a shame nobody will remember
everyone: for the fans who want to return
it because the result is what matters and
and cheer us on and also for the players who
that’s what people recall.
want to celebrate with you and have you
In my absence, Scott and Wilfried have taken the armband. I have said many
drive us on when needed. We understand, though, that the people
times we have a lot of good characters in
who make these decisions also wanted
our group, and it shows with two different
to have fans back in stadiums next month.
captains leading us to two excellent
But their first priority is the whole country’s
league results.
safety and we accept this hard decision and
Since I last spoke to you, Michy Batshuayi has returned and settled in again very well. He is a good striker and to have someone of his quality on the bench as an option in our first two leagues games shows
continue to hope it isn’t too long until we hear you inside our home soon. For now, though, continue to cheer us on from the safety of your own homes and… Make some noise!
The captain
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i’d like to congratulate Roy & the squad for this magnificent start
T
hank you for buying this matchday
Due to print deadlines for the last
programme for the visit of Everton
programme, I didn’t have the opportunity to
today. Wherever you are in the world,
formally welcome Michy back to the club.
I hope you enjoy the game and know that we
It is fantastic to have him back with us after
all appreciate your continued support.
such a successful first spell, and I wish
What a phenomenal start to the season!
him all the best for the season ahead. I’m
The performances against Southampton
really pleased with this window to date, with
and away at Manchester United fully justify
Nathan, Ebere and Michy adding real quality
the maximum points return, and I’d like to
and depth to the squad.
congratulate Roy and the squad for this magnificent start. At Old Trafford, Wilf captained the club
We are working extremely closely with the Premier League and relevant authorities on getting fans back into stadiums, but as
for the first time and put in a Man of the
I’m sure you appreciate, this is an ever-
Match performance, Jeff marked his 100th
changing situation. When that time comes,
Palace game with an assist, Andros also
we will be ready and will do our utmost to
just passed 150 games in red and blue, and
get as many of our Season Ticket holders
today Joel could make his 250th for the club.
back as possible.
Joel has been magnificent since joining us
Thank you to everyone who has
eight years ago, a true club servant, and I
purchased; as and when it’s possible to have
know how proud he will be of this landmark.
fans back we want to ensure we can fill the
Congratulations, Joel.
stadium to whatever capacity is permitted
As the Academy buildings and pitches
with ease, so the commitment so many
continue to develop as a backdrop to our
of you have made means a tremendous
first ever Category 1 Premier League games,
amount.
I was delighted to see that our Under-18s won their season-opener at Southampton,
Up the Palace.
and our Under-23s secured a point against West Bromwich Albion, with recent addition Scott Banks scoring twice in a 3-3 thriller. Exciting times ahead!
The chairman
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official matchday programme
11 James McCarthy will be facing several familiar faces today, including his closest friend, SÊamus Coleman. Here, with Dan Blazer, the midfielder talks about what that will be like, the Eagles’ start to the new season and their recent change in formation.
main interview
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henever you catch James McCarthy at the Crystal Palace Training
Ground, you will invariably be bumping into a friendly and laid back person. Therefore, it’s hard not to let out a chuckle at the fierce battle in the middle of the park that rumbled on in Palace’s season-opener against Southampton between Jamesy and James Ward-Prowse. McCarthy’s performance was one of several that stood out, with Roy Hodgson’s charges clearly keen to address their postlockdown form at the end of the 2019/20 season. Despite the quick turnaround between campaigns and playing behind closed doors, McCarthy’s excitement for the new season was still clear for all to see. “It’s always good to get the season underway,” he says. “It’s what you look forward to after a few games in pre-season; it’s what you have been working towards.” Palace’s clean-sheet-victory was not only well-deserved for the 90 minutes the Eagles put in but was also a just reward for the hard work the squad and coaching staff put in during the brief summer break to start the new season with a new formation. The Eagles’ switch to 4-4-2 was noticeable throughout preseason, with several variations of a front two tested. Of course,
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with the added impetus on the final third, it puts greater pressure on McCarthy and his midfield teammates. But that is something the No.22 welcomes and understands is needed for the good of the team. “It allows us to have more up top with Wilf [Zaha] through the middle, Jordan [Ayew] through the middle. We’ve got a lot of options now with Michy [Batshuayi] coming in, and Christian [Benteke] and Connor [Wickham] are on their way back. “It’s a man less in midfield. But we’ve been working on it in pre-season - that extra man up top gives us that extra goal threat.” That extra goal threat arrived in the form of an excellent Zaha volley off the back of a sumptuous assist from Andros Townsend, who was clearly enjoying the space the new formation offered him (with a little help from the generosity of Southampton’s left-back, Ryan Bertrand, and the space he offered our winger). “We worked hard on what
It’s a man less in midfield. But we’ve been working on it in pre-season - that extra man up top gives us that extra goal threat
they were going to do and the style of play they wanted to play,” McCarthy begins to detail the Saints win. “It was always going to be tough. We know they’re a good side and last season they had one of the best away records; the thirdbest in the league. “It was a good battle for each and every one of us. We had to make sure we started off well,
main interview
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especially with the end of last season not being good enough from each and every one of us. And we knew that. We worked hard in pre-season to put things right on the opening day.” No matter the work put in, in pre-season there is no preparation that can ready a side for a penalty shootout, and especially one of the calibre that unfolded at the Vitality stadium last week. “It was crazy,” McCarthy says. “We were unlucky in the end and it’s always going to be tough when
It’s a good changing room. You can see we are a close-knit bunch. We’ve got a good group of youngsters coming through and a lot of experienced pros. It’s a bit of mixture that works well
it goes to penalties.” That night, McCarthy was an unused substitute, but if he’d been
McCarthy knows well, having left Merseyside
on the pitch, he wouldn’t have been
for south London just over 12 months ago. “I’m
shooting his arm up to be in the
enjoying it. I’ve settled in well with the lads; it is a
first few – and given the standard
good place to be,” he says.
of the strikes, that’s fair enough: “I
“It’s a good changing room. You can see
think I would’ve let the other boys
we are a close-knit bunch. We’ve got a good
do the business with the top five; I
group of youngsters coming through and a lot
would’ve hung back a little bit.”
of experienced pros. It’s a bit of mixture that
Despite the squad’s desire for Carabao Cup success –
works well.” McCarthy does admit that it will be good
“Obviously you want to get a
seeing a few from his old changing room today,
good cup run in and go all the
though: “It’s good to see familiar faces,” he says.
way” – with the scheduling for
“It’s always nice to see the lads because I was
this season in particular, a bit of
there for almost six years.
perspective is needed.
“But once you are out on that pitch, you have
“We had a big game at the
not got any friends to be honest. It’s about doing
weekend, and then to get ourselves
everything you can for the team you are playing
going again on Tuesday night
for. Making sure you are doing all you can to stop
against Bournemouth who are
what they are doing.”
still a good side was challenging;
Everton arrive at Selhurst Park with
they’ve got a lot of Premier League
three high-profile summer signings in James
players there.”
Rodríguez, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Allan.
Today’s opponents are ones
official matchday programme
And based on their opening-day victory over
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main interview
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Tottenham Hotspur, those arrivals have settled in quickly. McCarthy knows, with those additions and Carlo Ancelotti now at the helm, that it will be a different game from the 0-0 draw in SE25 that played as last season’s opener. “It’s always going to be a tough game against Everton,” he admits. “When you see the signings they have made and they have started the season strongly as well.” Despite all the expensive summer signings, impressively, Séamus Coleman – in his 12th
He was the captain for Wigan at times. I was a youngster back then but I remember how he looked after the younger lads and made sure we are all good
season with the club - remains the Toffees’ first-choice right-back. Coleman is someone McCarthy knows well at club and international
but there’s another name that stands out in
level, and revealed in this interview
McCarthy’s top 10 list of players he has played
that he’s his “best mate.”
with: Emmerson Boyce and McCarthy clocked up
“We came through the Republic
99 appearances together whilst at Wigan Athletic
of Ireland age groups so I’ve
– and even had two joint-goal participations
always stayed in contact. And then
(layman terms: one assisted the other).
obviously the Everton move. But we
The relevance is questionable but the
catch up when we can, especially
Palace link is strong, and so we had to ask our
when going away with Ireland.
central midfielder about our former player.
“He’s a top, top professional;
“He was the captain for Wigan at times. I
a good player. On the opening
was a youngster back then but I remember how
weekend of the season you can see
he looked after the younger lads and made sure
he is still a top player.”
we are all good.”
Coleman is in fact the player
It sounds simple and perhaps clichéd but
McCarthy has played the second-
the above quote from McCarthy on his former
most games with, chalking up
captain comes up regularly when chatting to
10,828 minutes together across 138
former players, which is impressive off the back
matches. But the Everton full-back
of just a two-year stay with Palace.
is pipped to the top spot by, you’ve guessed it, James McArthur. We know all about the James’s relationship on and off the pitch,
Boyce arrived in south London as a gap filler for Danny Butterfield but left as Palace’s Player of the Year. Who knows what’s next for McCarthy.
main interview
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Top bins eberechi eze
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Copers cope
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Club legend Darren Ambrose has gone from the squad list on the back page to guest columnist. The Eagles icon will be bringing you his opinions, insight and never-told-before stories throughout the 2020/21 season.
darren ambrose
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Eberechi Eze “I think he is going to have a fantastic career here”
I’m now a regular on Darren Bent’s Boot Room on talkSPORT on Sunday evenings, and last week I was down at the Palace Training Ground interviewing Eberechi Eze for the show. What a guy Eze is; he is humble, down to earth and he is excited for his future and the future of Crystal Palace. Even in the short amount of time we saw him against Southampton, and the 90 minutes against Bournemouth, it’s clear he is a very, very talented young man and I think he is going to have a fantastic career here.
Playing tennis with Julián Speroni I was at BOXPARK Croydon hosting the opening game against Southampton and the atmosphere then was great. And what a way to start in what I would call a typical Roy Hodgson performance. Vicente was rightfully named Man of the Match for that game, and it’s great to see VG carry on like he has done throughout his time here – if it wasn’t Jordan as Player of the Season last time, then it was Vicente for me. VG reminds me of Julián Speroni in the way he is underrated outside of Palace. But I do wonder if Guaita is as good at tennis as Jules is. We went down to Devon for a preseason with Neil Warnock and Jules was my roommate. Anyway, he asked me if I played tennis. My reply was a cocksure: ‘Do I?!’ I was very confident I’d smash him around the court.
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Jules’ reply was: “Okay, I’m average. Let’s have a game.” Well he certainly
in my career, which was for Palace. Ben Watson had left when I joined
wasn’t average - it was like having Rafael
and Neil Warnock took me aside
Nadal out there! We played five sets and
and told me I’d be stepping up from
I didn’t win one game.
12-yards going forward.
When Jules says he is average at
It was against Barnsley just before
something he means he is exceptional. I
Christmas 2009 and Victor Moses
wish I’d known that before.
was brought down inside the first few seconds of the game. For some reason, in my head I thought: ‘aim for the top corner’ and I’ve never done that before. I ended up hitting the bar and it went over. I had a stinker of a game after that as I had never been used to that sinking feeling.
Playing against your former club James McCarthy could potentially play against his former club today, and it’s always a bit of a weird one. But it really does come down to how you left your former side.
The first penalty miss of my career… and it was for Palace
For me, when I left Charlton Athletic for Palace I got a bit of stick and it didn’t help when I scored more in one season here than I did in four seasons for Charlton. On the flipside, I left Palace to go
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in
to Birmingham City but I had a good
terms of both sides’ calibre of penalties
relationship with everyone, so when
in the League Cup last week. Mamadou
I came back to Selhurst with my new
Sakho’s in particular was like a modern-
side, the fans were singing my name to
day Alan Shearer.
come on.
I was gutted for Wayne when he
When I did come on, Birmingham
missed because speaking to people at
were 4-0 up but when I got the ball the
the club, there isn’t anyone at Palace
Palace fans were screaming for me to
who strikes the ball better. And it
shoot. That was an interesting one, but
reminded me of the first penalty I missed
it meant a lot.
darren ambrose
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© 2020 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Official FIFA licensed product. © FIFA and FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Electronic Arts Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. “2”, “PlayStation”, “DUALSHOCK”, “KHJL”, “Ø” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All titles, content, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SEE www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-21/game-and-offer-disclaimers FOR DETAILS.
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Quizzes, Games & MORE! Junior EAgles
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School In Focus Palace for Life coach, Anton Dawkins, works at St Chad’s Catholic Primary School five days a week as the school’s PE teacher. “Coach Anton plays an important role within the daily life of St Chad’s school. His natural optimism and enthusiasm for sport and developing both positive physical and mental health is infectious. From Nursery to Year 6, his well-planned and structured sessions allow the children to acquire, develo, and refine their skills. He makes the sessions fun and accessible to all abilities. It is brilliant to see our children out enjoying sport again!” Jenny Mooney, Deputy Head Teacher
Guess who
Badge jumble
Can you guess the four players in this face
Can you guess the four clubs from these
mash-up?
mixed up badges?
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02
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04
01
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29 Check out the answers at the bottom of this page!
wordsearch
spot the difference
Can you find the seven hidden football-themed
Can you find the five differences in these
words below?
two Wilfried Zaha pictures?
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Seven words to find:
Hodgson, London, penalty, foul, referee, Eze, kick-off Now make a sentence using all of the words you’ve found!
answers
Y T L A N
from James Ward-Prowse’s armband 5. ‘A’ in Zaha is missing.
L H
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Wilfried Zaha’s boot has changed colour 4. ‘Captain’ wording missing N
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shirt 2. Kit manufacturer missing from James Ward-Prowse’s shirt 3. 4. Aston Villa. Spot The Difference: 1. Badge missing from Danny Ings’
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Junior EAgles
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Christian Benteke . Badge Jumble: 1. Arsenal 2. Everton 3. Newcastle Guess Who: 1. Michy Batshuayi 2. Joel Ward 3. Vicente Guaita 4.
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Calling Eagles fans: this is where
To Angela and Aaron, Happy
Celebrating one month of being
we are heading. Keep faith! COYP!
Birthday. Best wishes Anthony
married, after our recent wedding at Selhurst Park. Anthony
Three-year-old Mia celebrating
Happy Birthday Amie. Hoping
To my dear sister Pat, who
the opening game of the
for a return to what we call
passed away on 13/04/2020.
season. Up the Palace.
home very soon. Kieran
You’ll never walk alone.
Junior Eagle Nellie May Mann
Happy 70th to my dad, Roger
Happy 8th Birthday to Jamie
born 29.06.20 to extremely proud
Dickson, for 6th September.
Woo for October 1st. Hopefully
parents Richard and Dani. She
A lifelong fan, I know he
you will be allowed back at
is excited to join her Grandad
can’t wait for fans to return,
Selhurst Park soon. Love
Perry, Uncle Perry and the
a match commentator for
Mummy, Daddy, Smokey,
rest of her red and blue family
Hospital Radio Mayday, now
Shadow and Willow xx
and friends in the Homesdale
disabled fans, since 1984.
when she’s big enough!
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My one-year-old Freddie
Happy 26th Birthday Ben!
Happy 12th Birthday Chester! Lots
Fazzino’s first football
Let’s hope Palace give you a
of love Mum, Neil & Millie xxx
training session. COYP!
birthday win! Love from Mum, Dad, Savannah & Wilf.
Happy 4th Birthday Sophie.
Happy Birthday to my
Conan Fergus Podsiadly:
Lots of love from Mum, Dad,
beautiful wife Jennifer. Have
Palace through and through
Nanny, Grandad, Gran, Uncle
a lovely day. Another three
since 2020! Love Dad
Steve and Uncle Danny.
points to Palace please!
Wishing all the players good
C’mon you Eagles! Hoping
Happy Birthday Amie from
luck against Everton. From
my favourite player Guaita
everyone at Crystal Palace
Tommy Leonard, age 5.
keeps a clean sheet today.
Send your message (max 25 words) with a picture to programme@cpfc.co.uk for a chance to be in a future edition. messageboard
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Est.
1878 opposition
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everton f match preview Crystal Palace are winless in each of their last 11 Premier League games against Everton – failing to score in six - since a 3-2 win at Goodison Park in September, 2014. Former Eagle and current Toffee, Yannick Bolasie, scored Palace’s result-deciding third on that day. Each of the last three Premier League games at Selhurst Park between Crystal Palace and Everton have ended level, including back-to-back 0-0 draws most recently. Indeed, the Toffees have only suffered one defeat in 11 visits to the Eagles in the Premier League (W5 D5), 0-1 in October 1994. Other than Goodison Park, Everton have
Carlo Ancelotti
The quality of James makes him play easy. His football is not so complicated because when he gets space he likes to use his quality on passes and when he has no space and is under pressure he tries to play simple.
kept more Premier League clean sheets at Selhurst Park than any other venue (nine), with six of those coming in their last seven
last three
visits to the stadium. Today will be the 20th time Roy Hodgson has taken charge against Everton – jointmost with Tottenham Hotspur. The Eagles
5-2
W {H) 19.09.20
3-0
W {H) 16.09.20
0-1
W {A) 13.09.20
manager has won four and drawn the same number in his career so far. Both sides arrive with in-form frontmen: Wilfried Zaha starting the season with three Premier League goals in two games, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin has four. Furthermore, with Christian Benteke recently returning from training Palace possess a striker who enjoys playing against Everton, with six goals and one assist in 12 appearances.
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f.c.
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Nil Satis nisi optimum Nothing but the best is good enough
premier league wins
all-timers Leon Osman
156
Tim Howard
148
Leighton Baines
140
Phil Jagielka
133
68
Duncan Ferguson
60
Tim Cahill
56
Kevin Campbell
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premier league goals
Romelu Lukaku
last time out 1 23 13 5 12 16 6 21 19 9 7
Pickford Coleman Mina Keane Digne DoucourĂŠ Allan Gomes RodrĂguez Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
5-2 1
13
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5
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6 16
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9
7 opposition
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player profile
36
Age
26
Height
1.85m
Joined
15th June, 2017
Debut
August, 2017 v Stoke City
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Sunderland & Everton
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jordan pickford POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
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The Toffees’ No.1 has played in every Premier League game since joining from Sunderland in 2017, which is an impressive feat considering Everton have had six managers (including caretakers) during his time at Goodison Park.
João Virgínia
Jonas Lössl
POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL
POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
02 147 apps 38 clean sheets official matchday programme
Jonjoe KENNY
Mason HOLGATE
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
04
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Michael KEANE
Lucas Digne
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE
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12
44 apps 08 clean sheets
13 08 Yerry MINA
Séamus Coleman
Fabian Delph
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: COLOMBIA
player profile
The former Barcelona centre-back scored three
Age
25
Height
1.95m
the joint-most by a defender
Joined
8th August, 2018
Furthermore, that also makes
Debut
3rd November, 2018 v Brighton & Hove Albion
goals at the 2018 World Cup, in a single World Cup. the Toffees centre-back his country’s second-highest scorer at World Cups overall – three behind teammate James Rodríguez.
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Deportivo Pasto, Santa Fe, Palmeiras, Barcelona & Everton
opposition
38
10
16
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Abdoulaye Doucouré
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ICELAND
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE
21
06
26
André Gomes
tom davies
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
player profile
02 apps 18 Recoveries
Age
29
Height
1.73m
Joined
5th September, 2020
Debut
13th September, 2020 v Tottenham Hotspur
Allan POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: BRAZIL After eight years in Serie A with Udinese and Napoli respectively, the 2019 Copa Amézrica-winner joined his former manager, Carlo Ancelotti, on Merseyside. The midfielder has already showcased he will take no time settling into the top-flight of
PREVIOUS CLUB:
English football with a Man of
Vasco da Gama, Udinese, Napoli & Everton
the Match-performance against Spurs on his debut.
official matchday programme
19
player profile
39
Age
29
Height
1.80m
Joined
7th September, 2020
Debut
13th September, 2020 v Tottenham Hotspur
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Envigado, Banfield, Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid & Everton
07
James Rodríguez POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: COLOMBIA
09
A move from Porto to Monaco for one season set Rodríguez up perfectly to finish the 2014 World Cup as the standout player and top scorer. A high-profile move to Real Madrid followed but after 13 La Liga goals in his debut season,
Richarlison
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: BRAZIL
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
the attacking-midfielder only
11
scored another 16 goals for the Spanish giants in the league over three seasons.
02 apps 01 goal
27
theo walcott
Moise Kean
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ITALY
opposition
40
#22
#16
MŠCarthy
DoucourĂŠ
player comparison
Age 29
position Midfielder
nationality Roi
Age 27
position midfielder
nationality fra
apps
tackles
interceptions
apps
tackles
interceptions
Passes per match
Recoveries
Duels won
yellow cards
Fouls
143
Fouls
235
yellow cards
131
Duels won
421
Recoveries
674
Passes per match
258
42
1,284
1,190
48
309
52
1,019
576
31
145
official matchday programme
41
#2
#23 coleman
player comparison
Age 30
position full-back
nationality eng
Age 31
position full-back
nationality roi
apps
clean sheets
clearances
apps
clean sheets
clearances
% 4
274
483
80%
Errors leading to goal
542
Tackle Success
Tackles
78
Goals Conceded
276
Clearances off the line
Errors leading to goal
796
Tackle Success
Tackles
45
Goals Conceded
Clearances off the line
201
% 2
1
277
480
79%
3
opposition
Statistics shown are all-time Premier League
ward
42
ADAPT
ACCELERATE
TOUCH
LIGHT
SPEED
FINISHING official matchday programme
43
Crystal Palace have kicked off a top-flight campaign with two consecutive victories for the first time in their history. They last won their first three league games in a single season in the 2006/07 Championship campaign.
62
Following their 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend, Everton are looking to win backto-back Premier League games in London for the first time since May 2015.
70 2
3
match facts
31
44
GOALS
376 469 SHOTS
36
52
50
EXPECTED GOALS
44
56
58
GOALS CONCEDED
49
8
AVERAGE POSSESSION %
49
EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST
9
12
SHOT CONVERSION RATE %
7
POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING
10
9
CLEAN SHEETS
6
15
POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING
goal times time
SCORED
CONCEDED
time
SCORED
CONCEDED
0-15
1
7
0-15
9
6
16-30
3
6
16-30
7
7
31-45
6
7
31-45
11
10
46-60
6
13
46-60
5
12
61-75
5
5
61-75
4
9
76-90
10
12
76-90
8
12
opposition
44
what’s the storey @danielstorey85
Guest columnist, Daniel Storey, can heard on The Totally Football Show
area and James goes to the edge
Prepare your central defenders for the aerial battle
of the box for any second balls.
Everton are the best team in
And it’s not just in open play that
the Premier League at scoring
Palace must watch Digne - only
headed goals. While Trent
four players last season created
Alexander-Arnold and Andrew
more chances from set pieces.
Robertson - both prodigious
onrushing Digne on the left. At this point, Richarlison moves from the left wing into the penalty
There are two options for
crossing full-backs - aim their
and seen in the Irish Examiner, the
Roy Hodgson to counteract this
deliveries low for their three
i Paper and many more.
issue. The first would be to ask
forwards to score, Digne
Andros Townsend to pivot to a
often prefers the aerial route.
man-marking role on Digne as
Dominic Calvert-Lewin might
soon as Palace lose possession,
just be the best heading centre
In Lucas Digne, Everton have one
tracking him all the way back
forward in the country and
of the best attacking left-backs
to his own penalty area if the
Richarlison is also excellent in
in the Premier League. Not only
situation requires it. If Zaha starts
the air.
did Digne create the eighth-
as a forward, he could move onto
most chances of any player last
the right and Palace effectively
eight headed goals between
season, he has created more
switch into a 4-5-1 without the
them last season and had 50
than any other defender in
ball. The second would be to
headers at goal. They ranked
Europe’s top five leagues since
leave Townsend higher up the
first and third in the league
arriving at Goodison Park in
pitch and instruct a holding
for headed shots, and those
August, 2018. Only Liverpool’s
midfielder to track Richarlison’s
eight headed goals were
full-back pair crossed more from
runs into the box and leave Ward
more than 12 Premier League
open play of all Premier League
with the task of blocking as many
teams managed in total. Both
defenders last season. With 146,
of Digne’s crosses as possible.
Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin
Beware the crosses from the left
That Everton pair scored
Digne attempted 78 crosses more
managed more individually than
than any Palace player (Wilfried
Palace did as a team (three).
Zaha) and 110 more than any Palace defender (Joel Ward). Everton’s summer signings only make that tactic more obvious. Time and again against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend, James Rodríguez received the ball on the right wing, dribbled inside and curled the ball out to the
official matchday programme
Only Liverpool’s full-back pair crossed more from open play of all Premier League defenders last season
Thankfully, it’s a threat that Palace coped admirably with last season against Everton. In the two league fixtures, Everton managed just three headed attempts, with that average of 1.5 significantly lower than Everton’s season average of 2.7 per game. More of the same is required.
45
Don’t be afraid to shoot A lack of shots was Palace’s most obvious issue last season - only Sheffield United had fewer attempts. But there is an argument for a shooton-sight policy when facing Everton. Last season, only five
Of the 21 goalkeepers to play 15 or more Premier League matches last season, Pickford had the second lowest save percentage at 62.7% (Vicente Guaita ranked fifth at 72.2%)
clubs in the Premier League conceded a higher proportion of their goals from outside the penalty area. That was ostensibly down
How do you analyse a new midfield? If the midfield is the engine room and creative influence of a
to two issues. The first is that
team, playing Everton so early presents a scouting problem
only one club outside the top
for Palace. At Molineux in July, Everton played with a central
seven blocked fewer shots, but
midfield trio of Tom Davies, Anthony Gordon and Gylfi Sigurdsson
that problem was exacerbated
and Carlo Ancelotti lined Everton up as a 3-5-2. Against
by the performance level of
Tottenham on the opening weekend, the midfield three consisted
Jordan Pickford. Of the 21
of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Rodríguez and shifted the
goalkeepers to play 15 or more
shape to 4-3-3 for the new season. It is a completely different
Premier League matches
system with completely different personnel.
last season, Pickford had the
Palace’s analysts will have pored over videos of Everton’s
second lowest save percentage
matches against Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion, but
at 62.7% (Vicente Guaita ranked
that limited data makes it harder to come up with an effective
fifth at 72.2%).
game plan. Hodgson and his coaches will be watching the first
Similarly, Pickford’s expected goals against figure
15 minutes of the match with particular scrutiny to spot any nuances that may have been missed in preparation.
(calculated according to the location of all the shots he faced) was 48.8 but he actually conceded 56 times. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea had a worse difference than his 7.2. Guaita was actually in credit by 8.7 goals, the fourth best of any goalkeeper. The advice is obvious: take shots when you get the chance and you may
Palace’s analysts will have pored over videos of Everton’s matches against Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion, but that limited data makes it harder to come up with an effective game plan
just get a surprise.
daniel storey
46
47
Questions linking Palace and today’s opponents that will test even the biggest Eagles fan. Time to earn your ‘Palace Encyclopaedia’ nickname.
01
06 Former Toffee and Eagle, Kenny Sansom, is
A player for both the south Londoners and
England’s second-most capped full-back.
the Merseysiders, but at which Premier
How many times did the defender represent
League club did Alan Irvine have a brief
the Three Lions?
stint as manager?
07
02
John Oster represented which country at
Which manager brought Marcus Bent to
international level?
Selhurst Park and who sold him?
08 When James Vaughan scored on his Everton debut against Palace in
03
2005, which player did he overtake as
Yannick Bolasie’s first Premier League goal
the Premier League’s youngest ever
came in Palace’s 3-2 victory over who?
goalscorer?
09
04
Steve Coppell made two substitutions in
In 187 Premier League appearances, how
the 1991 Zenith Data Systems trophy final.
many times did Andrew Johnson find the
Who did he bring on for Eric Young and
back of the net?
05
Andy Gray?
10 After moving to Palace for £1million, how
Seven Englishmen started the most recent
much did the Eagles sell Nigel Martyn to
game between Palace and Everton – three
Leeds United for, seven years later?
played for Palace. Can you name them?
answers Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Theo Walcott, James Tomkins, Joel Ward and Gary Cahill. Albion 7 Wales 8 James Milner 9 Eddie McGoldrick and Garry Thompson 10 Jordan Pickford, Michael 1 86 2 Signed by Steve Coppell; sold by Terry Venables 3 Everton 4 51 5 £2.25million 6 7 West Bromwich opposition quiz
48
49
fantasy dinner party
wayne hennessey “I’d have Wayne for the entertainment.”
Michael M©Intrye “He can bring the jokes.”
Crystal Palace players past and present
Fernando Torres
will be inviting guests to dinner each
“He was my idol growing up.”
week, with no restrictions and no judgements on who they choose – after all, Come Dine With Me is always better viewing when personalities and ideologies clash. This week, Connor Wickham brings along a Palace teammate to meet his footballing idol, plus the Eagles striker is looking for some
ickham
business advice before the night draws to a close with a bit of entertainment.
Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos “To understand their minds and how they created some of the biggest businesses in the world. Be nice to pick someone’s brain on something other than football, too.”
To understand their minds and how they created some of the biggest businesses in the world.
fantasy dinner party
BUSINESS CLUB PARTNERS PROCTORS LIMITED
ROADRUNNERS MINICABS
MARBLES LTD
DRAIN DETECTIVES
BROWNHILL INSURANCE GROUP
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WS PLANNING & ARCHITECTURE
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ANGEL PLASTICS LTD
HAINES ENGINEERING LTD
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PREMIER PENSIONS
ready Career s. course ips. nticesh Appre es. Degre
take control. stand out. apply for a course now. LSEC.ac.uk 020 3954 4000
51
Over the road at Copers Cope
alfie matthews Copers Cope Road is home to Palace’s first-team Training Ground and, just a few steps down on the other side of the road, you’ll find the Eagles’ Category 1 Academy complex.
over the road at copers cope
52
A
lfie Matthews is an Eagle after 11 years in Arsenal’s Academy, culminating in the forward now
being able to showcase a WhatsApp profile picture of him and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang training together. “It was unbelievable,” Matthews excitedly says at our reference to his profile photo. “I’d trained with the firstteam squad before but that was with the rest of my squad, too. “This time, though, they just wanted an attacking player. I had played 90 minutes for the Under-23s against West Ham United, and then was told I needed to go over for 15 minutes with the firstteam… 90 minutes later I was having a laugh with them and they were calling me by my name. It was surreal.” It is those stories that make it feel like something of a coup for the south Londoners to bring the England youth international to the Beckenham setup. But then Matthews confirms it feels like one because it is.
we’d played against each other several times over the years. It is great to now train with them because they are great players
official matchday programme
53
“I had interest from a couple of northern clubs and two Serie A teams were actually talking about signing me as a first-team player,” he reveals. Mamma Dough pizza restaurants is about as Serie A as south London gets. But the persistence in which Palace pursued the in-demand striker left Matthews feeling like he and the club could form a partnership as good as Attilio Lombardo and the ’98 shirt. “Gary Issott called my agent a few times and said that the club would be
I’ve changed my game a little bit since I’ve come to Palace; I’ve added a directness to my play, with more emphasis on dribbling and finishing
keen to bring me in,” Matthews says. “The club were keen on me. It was nice to know that they trusted me and I could feel I would be happy here.” It also helped that Matthews knew
“When I came to Palace I think it was
a couple of the other players attending
expected that I would play No.9. But I scored
Palace trials, plus two constant rivals
on my debut as a No.10. I’ve changed my game
over the years who were soon to
a little bit since I’ve come to Palace; I’ve added
become teammates.
a directness to my play, with more emphasis on
“Brandon Aveiro and TQ [Addy] I knew as we’d played against each
dribbling and finishing.” Dribbling is currently down on Football
other several times over the years. It is
Manager as one of the forward’s main attributes,
great to now train with them because
alongside aggression and stamina. They are
they are great players.
playing traits Matthews believes the Sport
“I did wonder if there would be a bit of a rivalry with Brandon and myself playing similar positions. But
Interactive-designed game have correctly observed. “My stamina, at Arsenal, wasn’t utilised as
we get on so well, have a joke with
they wanted the striker to stay up top – in the
each other and it’s great to be with
Olivier Giroud mould. But that’s never been my
him – especially if you’re on his team
game, and that’s why I’ve settled in well at Palace
in training, as you know you’ll win!”
– during pre-season I topped the charts for sprints
Matthews having a similar position to Aveiro is a new development, though, with the transition to more of a No.10 having
and distance covered. “I don’t know why finishing isn’t up there, though…” The upcoming Football Manager 2021 game
happened since arriving with Shaun
might well now have its first hidden gem. But, first,
Derry’s team.
it’ll need to up those finishing stats.
over the road at copers cope
54
55
From current or past employees of the club to unsung heroes, people looking to make a difference to those who have found fame: south London is a special place to live, work and experience.
Voices of south london
56
T
he mantle gently fell on my shoulders,” Ian
This is where journey from
King begins to discuss how his role as Club
fan to well-known Palace figure
Historian came to fruition. “I didn’t go looking
would begin. Ian knew he had
for it - it just sort of happened.” But once the south Londoners grab you, that’s it: “It has always been Palace,” Ian adds. Little did Ian expect when he first visited
to have that collection and confirms: “That’s really where it kicked off.” Over the years, Nigel and
Selhurst Park as a 15-year-old in 1966 to watch
Ian would discuss, research and
his local team, that the very first programme he
talk all things Palace and that is
would purchase would kick-start a collection
why, in 1986, Nigel approached
of hundreds; one that would see him emerge
Ian about contributing to the
as Club Historian following Palace’s centenary
matchday programme.
anniversary 39 years later. It’s amusing hearing Ian comment that his
“Nigel wrote to me and asked if I’d like to contribute a
biggest takeaway from that first trip to Palace’s home in ’66 was that “they [the fans] all seemed to know who everybody was.” Because now, after 34 years and counting of contributing to the matchday programme, launch events for his ‘Crystal Palace: The Complete Record’ in Speroni’s restaurant and hosting former players at home games, Ian is now a well-recognised figure on a matchday himself. But how do you become a Club Historian? It’s doesn’t tend to be a job advert that pops up on LinkedIn.
In the 1920s and 30s the family business had a shop in Whitehorse Lane, and we sold hay to the club for the horse that pulled the rollers.
“In the 1920s and 30s the family business had a shop in Whitehorse Lane,” Ian reveals, “and we sold
section for the programme – I
hay to the club for the horse that pulled the rollers.”
opted to pen a piece on players
“That connection, plus the fact that I’ve always been interested in the history of where I’ve lived, started my interest in researching and understanding the timeline of our club.” A decade or so later in 1977, Ian got to know Reverend Nigel Sands. “Nigel was writing historical bits in the matchday programme and he contacted me one day because someone had given him a collection
who had represented Palace and the day’s opponents.” If Ian King was known as the unofficial go-to man for Palace stats, facts and fascinating, relatively unknown nuggets, it then came to the fore after his retirement. “I was invited to form
of old Palace match reports in scrapbooks and
part of the club’s centenary
wondered if I was interested in acquiring them.”
committee,” he explains, “and
official matchday programme
57
When people ask the club about certain players I do my best to provide an answer. There have been some wonderfully rewarding outcomes
this was followed later by Nigel Sands retiring as Club Chaplain and, in turn, taking a step back as the then-Club Historian.” Growing up in the era when Club Shop merchandise was close to non-existent apart from “bubblegum cards of all players you could collect,” Ian reveals that he later obtained Nigel Sands’ father’s historical scrapbook collection from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Becoming the proud owner of some of the earliest Palace memorabilia was crucial in Ian experiencing his two most enjoyable moments as Club Historian. “There have been so many spin-offs from this role that have been so satisfying,” he proudly says. “When people ask the club about certain players I do my best to provide an answer. There have been some wonderfully rewarding outcomes. “A former player, Peter Berry, had sadly passed away and the family contacted the club to make them aware and asked for any photos of Peter from his playing days. “I was able to trawl through my archive and uncover one photo. The family were so overjoyed that the image actually went on the front of the order of service. “There was also George Whitworth, a player from the 1920s, who I received two enquiries about just a few weeks apart. It was from two different sides of the family that had lost contact and I was able to put them in touch again.” For all those lucky enough to have worked with, listened to or met Ian, those two stories typify him: doing all he can to provide a service for the club and going above and beyond to provide answers for his fellow red and blue supporters. He is also indebted to a group of likeminded Palace supporters to help him. To close, we asked Ian to sum up what being Club Historian for his local club meant: “It’s an honour,” he says.
voices of south london
58
palace for life
T
he impact of COVID-19 has been monumental on teenagers, with many
missing exams and other rites of passage this year. We had to adapt our NCS programme accordingly, but we were still able to welcome almost 40 teenagers to Selhurst Park for team building, workshops and social action projects to benefit the local community. NCS is a youth programme that runs across England and Northern Ireland to engage, unite and empower 15 to 17-year-olds, preparing them to achieve in adult life, regardless of their background. Week one of the Palace for Life NCS programme featured workshops run by the likes of the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Daniel MargoSpabbs Foundation on drug awareness and mental health. There were also sessions on
official matchday programme
I can honestly say that NCS has done wonders to increase his self-esteem and confidence. He has even talked about volunteering in the future with your team, with great enthusiasm
59
public speaking and communication, CV writing and equality and diversity. The impact of the programme has been immediate for some of the young people who took part, with one parent explaining how NCS helped her son who has struggled in the past with anxiety: “I can honestly say that NCS has done wonders to increase his self-esteem and confidence. He has even talked about volunteering in the future with your team, with great enthusiasm. Thank you for changing my son for the better, I am so proud of what he has achieved in such a short time.” During their second week, the young people had the opportunity to plan, create and deliver their very own social action project. Speaking about the experience, 16-year-old David said: “It’s helped open my eyes to what is going on in the community. There are a lot of things happening out there that I didn’t consider before and now I will try and do more in my free time to help contribute.” One of the groups helped to distribute food to vulnerable people, while another of the groups created and provided 50 care packages for young people facing poor mental health. All of the teams also supported in regeneration projects to transform community spaces in the local area. Palace for Life NCS Programme Manager Angelica Nabadda said: “It has been a true pleasure to watch these young people build their confidence and social skills. The social action projects were devised entirely by them and we were really impressed with the passion they showed in wanting to make a real difference in
We hope this season will be all about winning, and this is certainly true when it comes to the Super Draw! A win for fans, who have the chance to win amazing prizes every home game and a win for our community, as proceeds from the Super Draw go towards helping those in the local area who need it most. Prizes up for grabs this season include cash jackpots and exclusive club giveaways.
their community.”
You can play online from £5 per Find out more:
month at palacesuperdraw.com
www.palaceforlife.org / @PalaceForLife
palace for life
GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk
61
game that changed my career 4-2
A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them; hard work rewarded and a dream achieved. However, that footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest
saturday 14th December, 2002, League Two
impact on a player’s career. Throughout this season, we will be talking to past and present Eagles to find out which match has had the biggest bearing on their career.
I would have been 23-years-old. It was a hat-trick of headers! Shock. I would have enjoyed being up front for the next game but there was no talk of that.
This week it is former Palace defender Leon Cort’s turn to relive an unlikely 90 minutes against Boston United, when he found the back of the net three times.
CORT
“I’d probably say a game back in 2002 with Southend. I scored a hat-trick against Boston and we won 4-2. That’s when I really thought to myself: ‘If you dig in and really try to work hard, you can have a decent career for yourself.’ That day, I really thought to myself: ‘You can really do something for yourself.’ “I would have been 23-years-old. It was
a hat-trick of headers! Shock. I would have enjoyed being up front for the next game but there was no talk of that. I think I got sent off in my next game!”
game that changed my career
62 @pnm1979
official matchday programme
63
The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss will review those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and do a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts. This week, Nathan Ferguson models the home kit from the 1980/81 season.
kit or miss
64
1980 T he pinnacle at the centre of
seven seasons in incredible
white shirts, this kit just edges its
contemporaries for red and blue sashes in a golden era for Crystal Palace strips.
Palace kicked off its love affair with
What we like: The whole strip exudes arrogance and, for a team formed by Malcolm Allison and led by Terry Venables, that fit the bill perfectly. It’s even slightly glossy.
the red and blue sash in 1975/76 – first wearing it in a long-sleeved FA Cup outing. The following season saw the Eagles adopt it for their home colours and the design stayed in place for six further
Even better if: Is the collar a little bland? We’re kidding ourselves, this shirt is unbeatable.
campaigns. You can see why. The ‘80/81 kit saw the south Londoners ditch the red detailing around the shirt’s edge in favour of an adidas three-stripe in blue, which continued along the shorts. Befitting of the excitement the ‘80s brought for Palace, this shirt formed its legacy as the Team of the Eighties’ suave stamp. An iconic debut from adidas.
official matchday programme
Wore it best: Vince Hilaire
Story of the season The Team of the Eighties failed to live up to expectations and, at their first full attempt to make their mark on the decade, Palace fell apart. There was an exodus of players, Venable left for
1981 The finest hour: In a season of low points, defeating Dave Sexton’s Manchester United 1-0 at Selhurst Park was a memorable triumph.
QPR, Allison was sacked after a failed rescue, crowds plummeted to their lowest in 13 years and the Eagles were consigned to the second tier for the following eight seasons. But they looked bloody good while it happened.
Where are they now? Palace returned to the white shirt with a red and blue sash after a mistaken change in 1983/84. It lasted three more seasons before appearing only for a brief cameo in 1989/90 and then triumphantly appearing on and off from 2001.
Buyers’ guide: Another tough kit to find, the 1980/81 shirt is perhaps the least buyable of all the classic late ‘70s/early ‘80s outfits. Admiral shirts from the late ‘70s will set you back around £50-80, but websites such as Toffs and Palace’s Club Shop offer replicas for nearer £30. Whisper it, but we recently found an original 1980s light blue away sash… £300 was the (justified?) asking price.
kit or miss
65
66
We’ve made the beer better. Worth a try? Probably. Carlsberg Danish Pilsner. Rebrewed for a crisper taste.
67
Club Historian, Ian King, looks back at the 1990/91 campaign that saw a Wembley return and confirmed Palace, for one season at least, as the third-best club in the country.
1990/91 seaon
68
his side can consider avoiding defeat on the opening day of a new season a satisfactory outcome. Baretti Cup exhaustation would need to be shaken off quickly, with Chelsea arriving at Selhurst Park just three days after the Luton game. It was also the 70th anniversary of Palace’s first game in the Football League, at Merthyr Town in Division Three. Captain Geoff Thomas would be making his 100th league appearance for the Eagles.
T
he season began on Saturday 25th August with a visit to Luton Town's compact Kenilworth Road – a team
the Eagles had faced three times the year previously, in the Simod Cup, the Zenith Data Systems Cup and Division One. The Hatters’ home wasn’t the most welcoming for Steve Coppell’s charges
Competition: Inaugural season of the Football League’s Division Three Date: 28th August, 1920 Attendance: 15,000 (estimate) Result: Merthyr Town 2-1 Crystal Palace Palace goalscorer: George Milligan (in fact, despite his goal Milligan played the next game before never featuring for the Eagles again.
with their artificial pitch, plus the fact no away fans were allowed as a result
Palace lost no time in getting on
of Luton banning them from Kenilworth
the front foot and Andy Gray opened
Road for four seasons after riots with
the scoring when he thrashed home a
Millwall fans before, during and after
penalty kick after just six minutes.
their FA Cup Sixth Round clash. Coppell's summer recruitment paid
The talking point of the game came a few minutes later when Chelsea’s
off when twhen two debutants linked up:
summer signing from Wimbledon, Dennis
Eric Young heading home Glyn Hodges’
Wise, lunged in on Gray with a two-
free-kick on 15 minutes.
footed tackle; Gray retaliated and a melee
That opener saw the Eagles control
unfolded which ended with referee Brian
most of the first-half. However, one
Stevens dismissing both players.
minute before the break Iain Dowie
The Blues had a weak link in
headed in the equaliser. It proved to be the final goal of the
defence that day and Ian Wright sensed it – the Palace striker’s moment came
game, but when you consider that 72
midway through the second-half when
hours earlier Palace were still in Italy
he brought down a crossfield pass from
competing in the Baretti Cup, Coppell and
John Humphrey, fooled Erland Johnsen
official matchday programme
69
Sheffield United came to SE25 for their first trip to Selhurst Park since December, 1987. There was positive pre-match news for Palace with Mark Bright returning from injury and deemed fit enough to make the bench, which meant Garry Thompson deputised again at centreforward. Six minutes before the break the faith in sticking with Thompson was rewarded with the striker scoring the only goal of the game when he headed home John Humphrey’s cross. Despite the slender margain of victory, there were no complaints from Blades’ manager, Dave Bassett: “Palace were more virile than us; they wanted to win the game more,” he admitted in his post-match interview. With seven points from the opening three with a smart turn and flick before lobbing Dave
games Palace had made their best start in
Beasant from 20 yards.
Division One.
Wright enjoyed his time against the Blues, scoring eight goals in 12 games during his career – only against Sheffield Wednesday, Wimbledon, Southampton and Everton did the striker score more.
GARRY THOMPSON
Tony Dorigo reduced the defecit 10 minutes later when the Chelsea man’s 25-yard shot took a deflection to wrong foot Nigel Martyn. However, a reshuffled Palace side - following the sending off - held on for the first victory of the season with manager Steve Coppell praising John Salako and Richard Shaw.
JOINED FROM: Watford DEBUT:
Coppell speaking post-match “I thought Richard [Shaw] had an excellent game when he came into midfield [from leftback] and he covered a lot of ground.”
24th March, 1990, v Aston Villa (H)
John Pemberton was making a quick return
PALACE GOALS:
LEFT FOR: Queens Park Rangers PALACE APPEARANCES: 21
to Selhurst Park when Division One newcomers
4
1990/91 season
70
official matchday programme
71
where we are now as an Academy is the strongest we’ve been
W
e know this season will be
We ended our build-up to the new season
challenging, with every week
with the squad playing 90 minutes against
throwing up new tests for us at
Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Chelsea.
Category 1 level. Plus, with development of
We were then set to face Fulham again, but
the new site in the background, it has been a
this time in our league-opener. Given the
challenge for staff to make sure the squad’s
intricate preparation, it was a shame this
preparation has been as uninterrupted and
clash then had to be postponed. However, that
focused as possible. And it is commendable to
provided us with a chance to put together an
say I believe we have achieved that.
in-house game: first year scholars v second
While we wait for our incredible new Academy complex to be completed, it means our first few games of the season will be
year scholars, and it highlighted how tough team selection will be for me this season. We have a settled team of scholars, which
away from home. This is a challenge but we
meant pre-season didn’t involve any trialists, so
are excited to be going to these top academy
we’ve been working with a consistent group –
sites - it adds to the squad’s development, from
apart from the one or two that have been going
pitting our wits against that level of opponent
to and from the Under-23 and first-team squads.
to the travel. Our pre-season schedule was a
John-Kymani has had a complete preseason with the first-team, and played against
comprehensive one which, giving the
Brentford B. At 17, having signed his first
COVID-19 restrictions, was a major bonus to
professional contract, he is a talent we are
our preparation. It took a lot of phone calls,
excited about and if he can continue to have that
research and logistical work but we played
level of exposure, it will only aid his development.
eight matches in total. We had our usual run-out against Bromley,
The boost from the trust the first-team manager has in John-Kymani, plus Tyrick
which allowed each player to get 45 minutes
starting the season against Southampton for
under their belts before gradually upping their
his first win as a senior player, continues to
game time as we progressed. That game had
give everyone around the Academy a lift.
an added bonus for me as my son played
I have to say that where we are now as an
for Bromley - that said, I kept my mind fully
Academy is the strongest we’ve been since I
focused on Palace’s performance until sat
entered as a coach.
round the dinner table later!
paddy m©carthy
72
official matchday programme
73
another pleasing example that we’ve improved on last season
T
he manager called me during
season we conceded too many goals, and we
lockdown and asked me if I’d like to
are aiming to correct that this time.
captain the club. And although all
It’s clear to us all that we’ve gone up a level.
clichés, it doesn’t make them any less real
In our season-opener against Charlton, although
when I say I was honoured to be asked and
the late equaliser was tough to take, our stats
I’m proud to wear the armband.
for passes and attacks in the final third were the
I’ve been in the women’s game for 10 years
highest they’ve ever been. That performance
now, so I do view myself as a leader due to the
laid down the marker of what we can do and
experience I have, but for Dean to have that
carry forward throughout the rest of the season.
confidence in me and see that, too, meant a lot.
London City Lionesses are a full-time team,
The situation I’ve come in to as captain,
so to get a draw against them, in a different
with seven months between our last game of the
manner – through defensive determination
2019/20 season to our opener against Charlton
– was another pleasing example that we’ve
Athletic earlier this month, is a bizarre one. And
improved on last season. We might perhaps
that has helped me to a certain extent in my
have let that game get away from us last season.
new role, because everyone was returning for
We face Blackburn Rovers tomorrow,
a fresh start and desperate to play, plus we’ve
who were in this league last season. However,
had several new faces join the squad.
they are a bit of an unknown quantity this time
One of those new additions was Chloe
as they’ve had a squad overhaul - when we
Morgan, who communicates with the defence
played them last season, they were physical
extremely well. Furthermore, Lizzie Waldie has
and their game management was fantastic and
come in alongside me in central defence, too;
it ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
she was part of the squad last season but after
This time we will be at home, though,
confident performances in pre-season she was
something we weren’t able to have with
been handed her chance and has taken it.
lockdown preventing Rovers coming to south
In fact, those two have been our Player of
London in the return fixture. I spoke to the girls
the Matches in our two opening games, which
after the London City game, and we want to
is pleasing for us as a defensive unit and helps
make our home of Hayes Lane an intimidating
build confidence throughout the team that the
place to come to; a fortress. It’s off to a good
defence are tighter this time – we know last
start but it must continue tomorrow.
annabel johnson
74
First-team sponsors
Roy Hodgson
Joel Ward
2020/21
Patrick van Aanholt
Luka Milivojevic
James Tomkins
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL 01737 225 711 |
Sponsorship Available
W S PA . C O . U K
logo-crystal-palace-dec-2017.indd 1
29/12/2017 09:17
Scott Dann
Max Meyer
Cheikhou Kouyaté
Jordan Ayew
Andros Townsend
Wilfried Zaha
Mamadou Sakho
Wayne Hennessey
Jeffrey Schlupp
James McArthur
James McCarthy
Michy Batshuayi
Gary Cahill
Eberechi Eze
Vicente Guaita
Martin Kelly
Nathan Ferguson
Jaïro Riedewald
Sponsorship Available
Christian Benteke
Sponsorship Available
Tyrick Mitchell
Sponsorship Available Contact liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk to discuss our player sponsorship packages.
official matchday programme
Sep
oct
nov
dec
jan
1-1
London City Lionesses
Blackburn Rovers
London Bees
Durham
Leicester City
Sheffield United
Coventry United
Liverpool
Lewes
Charlton Athletic
London City Lionesses
Durham
Leicester City
Blackburn Rovers
London Bees
Sat 12
Sun 27
Sun 4
Sun 11
Sun 18
Sun 1
Sun 8
Sun 6
Sun 13
Sun 20
Sun 10
Sun 17
Sun 24
Sun 7
Sun 14
Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City Fulham Newcastle United Middlesbrough Fulham West Bromwich Albion Norwich City Aston Villa Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City
Mon 2 Mon 9 Mon 23 Mon 30 Mon 04 Mon 21 Sun 10 Mon 18 Mon 25 Mon 1 Fri 5 Mon 15 Sun 21 Mon 1 Fri 12 Mon 22 Mon 12
may Sun 2
STATS
Middlesbrough
3-3
Result
Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)
Mon 26
may Mon 3
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Mon 26
Lewes
Burnley
Mon 19
Newcastle United
Aston Villa
Fri 2
Coventry United
Norwich City
Fri 25
Sun 25
West Bromwich Albion
Mon 21
Sheffield United
Opposition
Date
Sun 4
Liverpool
2-2
Result
Opposition
Charlton Athletic
Sun 6
mar Sun 7
feb
apr
Sep oct nov dec JAN FEB MAR APR
Sep oct Nov dec Jan feb MAR APR may
Date Arsenal Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotpsur Brighton & Hove Albion West Bromwich Albion Fulham Southampton Arsenal Fulham Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa
Sat 26 Fri 2 Sat 17 Sat 24 Sat 31 Sat 7 Sat 28 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30 Sat 06 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 17
Sat 8
Sat 1
West Bromwich Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion
Tottenham Hotpsur
Southampton
Sat 19
Sat 24
Opposition
Date
2-1
Result
75
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
Opposition
Result
Position
Sat 12
Southampton
1-0
7th
Tue 15
Bournemouth
0-0
Sat 19
Manchester United
3-1
Sat 26
Everton
Sat 3
Chelsea
Sat 17
Brighton & Hove Albion
Sat 24
Fulham
Sat 31
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat 7
Leeds United
Sat 21
Burnley
Sat 28
Newcastle United
Sat 5
West Bromwich Albion
Sat 12
Tottenham Hotspur
Tue 15
West Ham United
Sat 19
Liverpool
Sat 26
Aston Villa
Mon 28
Leicester City
Sat 2
Sheffield United
Tue 12
Arsenal
Sat 16
Manchester City
Wed 27
West Ham United
Sat 30
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wed 3
Newcastle United
Sat 6
Leeds United
Sat 13
Burnley
Sat 20
Brighton & Hove Albion
Sat 27
Fulham
Sat 6
Tottenham Hotspur
Sat 13
West Bromwich Albion
Sat 20
Manchester United
Sat 3
Everton
Sat 10
Chelsea
Sat 17
Southampton
Sat 24
Leicester City
Sat 1
Manchester City
Sat 8
Sheffield United
Wed 12
Aston Villa
Sat 15
Arsenal
Sun 23
Liverpool
official matchday programme
(10-11)
R2 5th
Andros Townsend
Date
Jordan Ayew
Card Red Card
Cheikhou KouyatĂŠ
Yellow
Max Meyer
Goal(s)
Scott Dann
Unused Sub
James Tomkins
Used Sub
Luka Milivojevic
Started
Patrick van Aanholt
Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture - Palace score shown first.
Joel Ward
76
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Wilfried Zaha Mamadou Sakho Wayne Hennessey Jeffrey Schlupp James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke Connor Wickham James McCarthy Michy Batshuayi Gary Cahill Eberechi Eze Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick John-Kymani Gordon Malachi Boateng JaĂŻro Riedewald Ryan Inniss
77
11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45
Fixtures & results
78
Club
P
W
D
L
F
A
GD Pts
1
Leicester City
2
2
0
0
7
2
5
6
2
Everton
2
2
0
0
6
2
4
6
3
Arsenal
2
2
0
0
5
1
4
6
4
Liverpool
2
2
0
0
6
3
3
6
5
Crystal Palace
2
2
0
0
4
1
3
6
6
Tottenham Hotspur
2
1
0
1
5
3
2
3
7
Manchester City
1
1
0
0
3
1
2
3
8
Brighton & Hove Albion
2
1
0
1
4
3
1
3
9
Aston Villa
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
3
10
Leeds United
2
1
0
1
7
7
0
3
11
Chelsea
2
1
0
1
3
3
0
3
12
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2
1
0
1
3
3
0
3
13
Newcastle United
2
1
0
1
2
3
-1
3
14
Burnley
1
0
0
1
2
4
-2
0
15
Manchester United
1
0
0
1
1
3
-2
0
16
West Ham United
2
0
0
2
1
4
-3
0
17
Sheffield United
2
0
0
2
0
3
-3
0
18
Fulham
2
0
0
2
3
7
-4
0
19
Southampton
2
0
0
2
2
6
-4
0
20
West Bromwich Albion
2
0
0
2
2
8
-6
0
Gameweek 03
premier league
brighton √ man utd
spurs √ newcastle
26th September 12:30
27th September 14:00
palace √ Everton
man city √ leicester
26th September 15:00
27th September 16:30
West brom √ chelsea
west ham √ wolves
26th September 17:30
27th September 19:00
burnley √ southampton
fulham √ aston villa
26th September 20:00
28th September 18:00
Sheffield Utd √ leeds
liverpool √ arsenal
27th September 12:00
28th September 20:15
In our game There’s always room for passion. There’s room for rivalry. There’s room for emotion. But there is no room for racism. If you see it, report it. Download the Kick It Out app, or tell a police officer or steward in the stadium.
Crystal palace f.c. Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO (GK) Wayne HENNESSEY Jeffrey SCHLUPP James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Christian BENTEKE Connor WICKHAM James McCARTHY Michy BATSHUAYI Gary CAHILL Eberechi EZE Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Jarosław JACH Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nathan FERGUSON Nya KIRBY Brandon PIERRICK John-Kymani GORDON Malachi BOATENG Jaïro RIEDEWALD Ryan INNISS
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45
everton F.c. 01 02 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 49
Jordan PICKFORD (GK) Jonjoe KENNY Mason HOLGATE Michael KEANE ALLAN RICHARLISON Fabian DELPH Dominic CALVERT-LEWIN Gylfi SIGURDSSON Theo WALCOTT Lucas DIGNE Yerry MINA Cenk TOSUN Abdoulaye DOUCOURÉ Alex IWOBI Niels NKOUNKOU James RODRÍGUEZ BERNARD André GOMES Séamus COLEMAN Anthony GORDON Jean-Philippe GBAMIN Tom DAVIES Moise KEAN Sandro RAMÍREZ Yannick BOLASIE Muhamed BESIC João VIRGÍNIA (GK) Jarrad BRANTHWAITE Beni BANINGIME Jonas LÖSSL (GK)