Arsenal’s Dominant Run Under Slegers Continues Into 2025: A Five-Goal Masterclass.

Arsenal's winning streak carries into 2025 with a dominant 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their first match under Renée Slegers as permanent Head Coach. Fans are optimistic that this strong form will continue throughout the year.

From the get go, Arsenal showed their dominance in the first half, with a large possession in Crystal Palace’s half.

A Katie McCabe corner in the sixth minute connected onto the foot of Leah Williamson, and flicked into the back of the net, past Shae Yañez. This was Williamson’s first goal back for Arsenal since her ACL injury in October 2023. 

Despite the 1-0 lead that Arsenal took early in the first half, Crystal Palace strikers continued their attack, to try and get Palace an equaliser.

Crystal Palace’s strongest opportunity in the first half came from Mille Gejl in the 20th minute, however it was straight into the gloves of Daphne van Domselaar.

At Half Time, Arsenal kept their 1-0 advantage, despite both teams having some good opportunities in both halves.

Half Time: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Emily Fox and Alessia Russo challenged Shae Yáñez and the Crystal Palace defence early on in the second half but despite their best efforts they were still unable to get a second in the back of the net. 

Caitlin Foord, after only being subbed on in the 56th minute, challenged Crystal Palace and was met by the gloves of Shae Yañez.

Despite that, Alessia Russo was able to pick up the ball, and her shot in the top left corner was able to give Arsenal a 2-0 advantage early in the second half. 

Only a few minutes after the second goal, Beth Mead was able to get Arsenal’s third of the afternoon. A powerful moment of play, which came from Kim Little at the back, to Emily Fox on the  right wing, who sent a long ball towards the box, which Russo was able to get to, and assisted Beth Mead’s wonderful shot on goal, which soared past Shae Yáñez.

Caitlin Foord was brought down in the box in the 73rd minute by Annabel Blanchard, and despite Crystal Palace’s complaints, referee Phoebe Cross awarded Arsenal a penalty. 

Mariona Caldentey slotted the ball into the left hand side of the net, whilst Shae Yáñez was rooted in position near the centre of the net. 

Crystal Palace striker Lily Woodham attempted a shot on goal, and despite it being Crystal Palace’s best effort in the second half, no Crystal Palace players were able to get the final touch, and the ball whistled through the six yard box, straight out of play.

Six minutes of added time was announced. During the late seconds of the 94th minute, Russo’s powerful shot on goal was denied by the crossbar, but was met at the feet of Mariona Caldentey, who was able to get her second of the evening, and Arsenal’s fifth of the evening.

Full Time: Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

Teams:

Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Van Domselaar (GK), Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Cooney-Cross, Little(C), Mead, Maanum, Caldentey, Russo.

Crystal Palace (5-4-1): Yañez (GK), Veje, Cato, Everett(C), Blanchard, Green, Nolan, Potter, Gejl, Woodham, Stengel.

Referee: Phoebe Cross