Renée Sleger’s first match as the permanent head coach of Arsenal and it ended in a 5-0 victory. The Gunners started off very dominantly but Crystal Palace grew in the game, keeping them from extending their lead in the first half. Substitute Caitlin Foord made all the difference in the second half. There were also minutes for Lia Wälit, Kafaji and Katie Reid. Read our Match Report on Arsenal vs Crystal Palace in the Women’s Super League here.
Match Highlights
- Arsenal win 5-0.
- Brilliant work by goalkeeper Yáñez, keeping Crystal Palace in the game.
- Williamson (Player of the Match) opened the score in the 7th minute.
- Lia Wälti is back.
- Minutes for Kafaji and Katie Reid.
Leah Williamson opening the score in 2025
The Gunners opened strong against Crystal Palace. They were mostly on the visitor’s half, trying to break through the defense early and they succeeded. The first ball found the net when Arsenal earned a corner-kick. Katie McCabe sent her cross into the box and found Leah Williamson, who was there to kick it past goalkeeper Yáñez.
After the goal there was no time to sit back and relax. Arsenal kept the pressure on and stayed high on Crystal Palace’s half. Especially Maanum and Mead found each other without any trouble, they showed some nice one touch football with the odd back-heel. The visitors struggled to come off their half but when they did their attacks ended before they reached the box.
Resilient Crystal Palace is still in the game
Crystal Palace managed their first shot on target, but Van Domselaar was there to make the save. It was Gejl that found some space inside the box. The visitors definitely grew in the game. It was not all Arsenal anymore, so the next step for Crystal Palace was creating their own attacks and pushing through the defense.
Arsenal got away when Stengel sent Cato into the box. McCabe thought Cato was offside and started her run too late while signaling the referee. Cato only managed to deflect the ball instead of aim for goal but was a real chance.
By the end of the first half it was 1-0 – Crystal Palace still very much in the game and Arsenal of course looking to extend their lead.
Arsenal secure the victory in the second half
Arsenal started the way they did in the first half – staying on Crystal Palace’s half and hungry for a goal. The first opportunity was after a few minutes. Kim Little found teammate Fox with enough space to shoot. Yáñez saved and was helped by her defenders to clear the ball.
Both teams are aware something else is needed to break open the game. Maanum makes way for Foord with the Gunners, while on the other side Gejl leaves the pitch and Warden comes in her place.
Caitlin Foord changed the game
It was a good choice by Slegers. Foord’s run into the box from the right side freed up space for her to shoot. Yáñez made the save but Russo was there to slot it into the roof. This opened things up for Arsenal, giving them the confidence to score the 3-0 mere minutes later. This time Russo drove into the box, finding Mead in the centre who put it past the goalkeeper.
Right after the 3-0 it’s finally time for Kafaji – Mead comes off for her and minutes for Lia Wälti who replaced Kim Little.
Caitlin Foord was challenged in the box, ending up on the ground, earning the home team a penalty. Mariona is the designated penalty taker and she scored it confidently. Yáñez did not even move as she knew it was out of her reach.
The last ten minutes – Katie Reid comes on
Slegers was confident enough to bring another one of her younger players, Katie Reid, on the pitch. She replaced Emily Fox. Laura Kaminski brought on Gibbons and Larkin. Crystal Palace did not give up and gave it their all right to the end but it was not enough.
Six minutes were added on, plenty of time to find the net once more and so did Arsenal. Russo’s effort ricocheted off the post, landing in the box – ready for Mariona Caldentey to score her second.
The match ends in a 5-0 victory for Arsenal. This puts them in second place in the table for now. Depending on the result between Manchester City and Manchester United it might stay that way.
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