Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Best memory and why?

Could it be anything other than the FA Cup win? The greatest day in the club's history, finally taking home the trophy that had eluded Crystal Palace in the previous two attempts. It is honestly difficult to be affected by any of the downs when you've had that high.

Worst moment and why?

The worst is relative to the best, but perhaps seeing Eberechi Eze walk out at the Emirates and being unveiled as an Arsenal player. It was not unexpected, in fact, he earned a transfer of that calibre, but it was the fact that chapter was over. Thankfully he went out a winner, and is etched into the club's history.

If I could drink a New Year's brew with one member of our squad/management it would be....

Oliver Glasner is the easy answer. However, I am not convinced that even on my best day, I could convince him to stay another season, so to stave off that disappointment, I would bore him with questions about his tactical philosophy - a true busman's holiday for our dear Oliver to be discussing wing-backs.

The thing that's infuriated me in 2025 is...

Infuriate is probably too strong a term, but it would be the summer transfer business. As the year has closed out, I think the gaps in the squad have hampered the team's progress, especially now that injuries and fatigue have caught up with the players. The season has still been entertaining, but it would have just been intriguing to see where they would be now with two or three additional options.

My gut tells me 2026 will bring...

Another final. I'm not willing to give up on the Conference League just yet, despite the difficulties. That does not mean that the team in red and blue will lift that trophy at the final whistle, or that the journey there will be pretty, but the team can get to Leipzig. Failing that, maybe back-to-back FA Cups would be nice, I suppose?

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Fulham at Selhurst Park (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner confirmed Chris Richards will be out of Thursday's match with his "foot too swollen" to wear a protective boot so the following game against Newcastle will also be "quite tight" for him.

• Eddie Nketiah is also unavailable and they are having to be "quite cautious" with the forward but team news remains the same otherwise.

• The Palace boss reflected on an "incredible" 2025 for the Eagles: "For all of us, it was history-making. It was so many emotions and things happened which, I was told, nobody thought would ever happen. We could give a lot of joy and enjoyment and entertainment to our fans. And, yes, maybe, because of the last weeks and our results, it doesn't feel like this. But when we see the whole picture, it was maybe the best year in Crystal Palace history."

• Glasner said "everything is possible" in the January transfer window, which opens on Thursday, adding: "Everything I say today might be wrong in two days. I think most of what I say today will be definitely wrong by the end of the transfer window. I have always positive signs from the club in our talks, and I know all the effort."

• He doesn't feel like it is "a new year start" yet for his side, but he is excited about a less congested schedule from 10 January: "We will have four weeks of training - it feels like a second pre-season. It's the first time for really four months to take a short break and a deep breath and then prepare for the second part. So for me, it's not now new year starts, new season, it's really after the 10th it will feel like a restart."

• On home support: "We know that we can always count on our supporters. I hope they have some pounds left for all the games, to buy the tickets and pay for the away trips, because they're everywhere. Wherever we play, whenever we play - evening, noon, afternoon, midweek, Sunday, bank holidays - they are there. I have a huge appreciation for them. We need them, they know it."

• On facing Fulham so soon after the 2-1 win at Craven Cottage: "Because we have played so many games, it feels so far away. But it is just four weeks. Of course, we watched the game back. I think they can't surprise us. I think we can't surprise them. Let's see."

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Tottenham midfielder Brennan Johnson would be "a steal" for Crystal Palace if he was to complete a move in January.

Following reports on Tuesday a £35m deal had been agreed for the 24-year-old, with Johnson to make a decision once he has held talks about his future, BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast discussed the news.

"Knowing his dad, who I played with at Manchester United, David would have been saying: 'You need to play son, you need games and you need minutes'," ex-England striker Dion Dublin said.

"I like Palace as a football club. The way they are run, I think Steve Parish is a very good owner and he'll spend money where he needs to spend money.

"If they can get Brennan through the door, it's a huge plus point for them. He will make a difference and make Palace better."

Football statistician Statman Dave added: "What Johnson's done at Spurs is score goals. You can't deny that. [He was their] top scorer last season.

"That's the really weird thing. It's weird that he's not been a part of this team this season. Because at the start of the year when they were playing really well, pressing high, being aggressive, he was scoring goals and he's a different profile to a lot of their players.

"He's just a goalscorer. Look at his chance conversion over the past 365 days - scored a chance 36% of the time and that ranks him in the top 1% of players in Europe. He's very effective in that position.

"You think about Palace's system and Ismaila Sarr being that goalscorer from midfield, that's exactly what Brennan Johnson could do for them which will add such depth to their team. For £35m, that's a steal."

Former England striker Ellen White agreed and added: "It just seems strange to me why you would sell someone who was their top goalscorer last season. It just baffles me. Who is in that squad at the moment who will score that amount of goals?

"But it seems he doesn't feel loved. There might be some friction with the manager - he doesn't want to fit him in the system. So I wouldn't blame him at all for going to Palace and wanting to go play football under a manager that seems great - although we also don't know how long he [Oliver Glasner] is going to be there either."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace's form may have tailed off slightly towards the end of 2025 but not even the most optimistic of supporters could have predicted such a successful and memorable year for the club.

A record Premier League points total topped off an unforgettable 2024-25 season where Palace won the FA Cup and secured a place in Europe for the first time.

Relive possibly the greatest day in the Eagles' history when they beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup.

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Crystal Palace beat Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, Millwall and Fulham to reach the semi-final stage of the competition.

They then thumped Aston Villa 3-0 at Wembley to book a place in the all-important final.

Palace had reached the FA Cup final twice in their history – in 1990 and 2016 – losing on both occasions to Manchester United, but this time there was an aura of confidence around the club.

Oliver Glasner had masterminded this special cup run and after Newcastle's Carabao Cup win, it felt like 2025 was to be the year of the underdogs.

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Glasner's side emerged from the Wembley tunnel to a sea of red and blue shirts, flags and a giant tifo.

The fans were up for it and the players really were too.

Eberechi Eze was to be Palace's hero when he crowned a superb counter-attack by sweeping home Daniel Munoz's cross after 16 minutes.

From then on, City dominated possession and Glasner's men gave everything they had to defend their lead.

Dean Henderson made a series of important saves throughout the game, but none more so than Omar Marmoush's penalty after 36 minutes.

Palace held on and the final whistle sparked scenes of ecstasy among their fans as the long wait for major success was over.

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The celebrations continued on the pitch as the players soaked up every moment before and after receiving their winners' medals.

And it was a particularly fine way for captain Joel Ward to bow out after 13 years at the club.

Image source, Getty Images

A bit like London buses - another trophy soon followed.

This time it was the Community Shield in August where Palace beat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties.

That was another momentous day for the club, fans, players and staff.

Some would say 2025 was Crystal Palace's year.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City's Norway winger Oscar Bobb could join Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season, while Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Newcastle are among the clubs also interested in the 22-year-old. (Mail - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool remain interested in signing Palace's England defender Marc Guehi next summer, but he will prioritise a move to Real Madrid, who are also keen on the 25-year-old. (AS - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on Crystal Palace agreeing a £35m deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Brennan Johnson.

Here are some of your comments:

Larry: They wouldn't be committing £35m for Johnson if the manager and staff didn't think he would fit Glasner's system. He has played left side and right side and has a good scoring record.

Al: Would love to see us sign Johnson. A proven player who can play across the front line and, at 24, will only improve with playing time. If we can add a centre-back, right wing-back and a decent number nine, then we might get our season back on track.

Sean: Would be a good signing and good competition for Sarr, as he can often go missing during the odd game or two. However, we could do with a forward who knows how to put the ball in the back of the net!

Steve: This could be a great signing. He's energetic and an excellent player and would fit into the Palace mould under Glasner. Let's hope we sign him and a few more ASAP to kick-start the season again.

George: Brennan Johnson would be a good signing for Palace. Nowhere near as much media noise and pressure as there is at Spurs, so he will potentially thrive as he did at Nottingham Forest. Would give us additional options, allowing rotation up front.

Juan: Big gamble signing Johnson for a big fee, sure he has plenty of potential going forward, but his defensive ability is questionable, which is presumably why Thomas Frank doesn't fancy him.

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Crystal Palace have agreed a deal with Tottenham to sign winger Brennan Johnson for £35m.

However, the 24-year-old has yet to decide his preferred destination, with other potential suitors interested in his signature.

Johnson has scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists in 106 matches for Spurs - including hitting the winner in last season's Europa League final - but has started just six times in the Premier League under Thomas Frank.

Palace fans, would you be keen to sign Johnson? And where would he fit in at Selhurst Park?

Get in touch with your views here

Crystal Palace are plotting a £35m bid for Tottenham's Brennan Johnson. (Mail, external)

Liverpool would prefer to wait until the summer to sign Crystal Palace's 25-year-old England defender Marc Guehi, rather than making a move in January. (Mail - subscription required, external)

Finally, Bournemouth are interested in Leicester City's 21-year-old Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu, who has previously been linked with Palace, Everton and Sunderland. (Mail, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

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David Raya has the most Premier League clean sheets by a goalkeeper in 2025, unsurprisingly so given his involvement in Arsenal's lauded defensive displays over the year.

His 15 clean sheets is one ahead of Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace and Chelsea's Robert Sanchez.

However, none of those three rank in the top six for the percentage of shots saved in the Premier League in 2025. Now-departed Manchester City keeper Ederson leads with 78.1% but he faced considerably fewer shots on target (32) than Sunderland's Robin Roefs, who is second with a 77.5% save percentage from 80 shots.

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

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After arguably the greatest year in the club's history, Crystal Palace will begin 2026 out of form and surrounded by an air of uncertainty.

Boss Oliver Glasner's contract run out in June 2026 and is yet to commit his long-term future to the club and former Palace manager Alan Pardew told Sky Sports that uncertainty is affecting the players.

"There is that situation with the manager - He's obviously suggesting he wants some more players, but his contract is up in the summer and he's probably more important than anything else," Pardew said.

"He's done such a tremendous job. If I was the board I'd be looking to feed him a player or two."

While incomings remain crucial for Glasner, it is uncertain if captain Marc Guehi will see out the rest of the season after informing the club he will not sign a new contract and will leave next year.

Injuries to key defenders Daniel Munoz and Chris Richards along with attacker Ismaila Sarr's departure to the Africa Cup of Nations have put further strain on a modest squad.

Speaking about Palace's performance in Sunday's blank against Tottenham, Pardew added: "They look like the Christmas champagne - they were flat. There was no bounce to them, no spark. It all looked a bit slow and that's the mode they're in at the minute."

No Premier League side has underperformed their expected goals (xG) tally by more than Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season, scoring just 21 times despite an xG value of 29.4, while talisman Jean Philippe Mateta has scored just once in the past eight league games.

"We are the team that are constantly underperforming in scoring goals when we create a lot, but nobody does it on purpose. We need to get this fixed," Glasner said.

"It's not that we don't create the chances, we just miss them right now. The closer we get to the goal, the more nervous we look and the more wrong decisions we make."

But the issues caused by those shortcomings in attack have been further exacerbated by a poor record in defending set-pieces of late.

Remarkably, eight of the past nine goals Crystal Palace have conceded in all competitions have come from set piece situations - including each of the past seven.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Steve: Somehow, it was all too predictable. Go behind, then struggle to create any openings. The run of three defeats is becoming a concern. Jean-Philippe Mateta is a liability, unable to hold up the ball or find the target. Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr are a big loss. The need for additional players of quality is now urgent. Time to stop being prudent and invest in the present - and the future.

Andy: Again we got what we deserved as wasted too many chances. Our wing-backs are not releasing the ball into the box quickly enough and the extra touch often causes us to lose position. I can accept this with Nathaniel Clyne, but Tyrick Mitchell is starting week in week out and was also to blame for Spurs goal as he ducked out of the challenge at the far post. On the whole, our season has gone well, but players must be aware of where they could have been if chances were taken.

Les: Lifeless performance. A lot of uncertainty at the club. We're not going to get relegated so get rid of Oliver Glasner and bring a new manager in to buy the players he wants. Then prepare for next season.

Dave: Palace battled well and made enough chances to take something from the game. But they are struggling on three fronts: Confidence - recent results have knocked the team, especially our attacking players. Uncertainty - not knowing what is happening with the manager won't be helping the team and lastly - injuries. With several key players missing, the team are running low on energy with the extra games. The board should take some accountability for not backing Glasner.

Tottenham fans

Anff: Good win but an average performance. I would like to say a nice confidence booster but I doubt it. Luckily Palace had a bad day. I am properly pleased for Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert looked good.

Mike: We needed three points and got them but Palace could have been out of sight had they taken half of their chances in the first 65 minutes. Our football reminds me of my days playing Sunday League football so I'm not quite sure where Thomas Frank is taking us.

Roger: A very useful three points but hardly convincing and another frustrating and difficult watch. Unfortunately, this type of performance is now becoming the norm. Until a tired Palace ran out of energy, we were again outfought, outthought and outplayed. This team can't tackle, can't pass and can't finish. Generally clueless and gutless. Unless there are some major changes in January we could still be in a relegation fight.

Dan: I really hope Tottenham give Frank at least two transfer windows - the fact is the quality in the side is very poor right now. He is a proven manager, the players are not proven and in general are not doing anything to prove themselves. The (new) board need to back the right horse and see what happens.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham

• Sunderland 1-1 Leeds

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are battling it out for the signature of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, 19, but face competition from La Liga giants, Real Madrid. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

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While Oliver Glasner refused to blame fatigue for his side's comprehensive defeat by promoted Leeds United last week, there can be no doubt that his players are feeling the effects of the hectic schedule created by their first campaign in major European competition.

Having lost their previous two Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 7-1, the Eagles often appeared flat and short on ideas as they searched for a second-half response.

Although they attempted 15 shots, Palace failed to create a single big chance on home soil as they equalled their longest losing run in the competition under Glasner in what was their eighth and final game of an exhausting December.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's failure to make more of two decent first-half chances when his side were in the ascendancy hinted at the loss of sharpness that has caused.

While appearing otherwise solid defensively, set-pieces continue to prove Palace's Achilles heel. Eight of the last nine goals they have conceded in all competitions have come from those situations.

After delivering one of the best years in FA Cup winners Crystal Palace's history, Glasner will now hope the January transfer window can provide his stretched squad with necessary reinforcements.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat by Tottenham: "Very disappointing result. It's a little bit like many games this year, if you don't score you can't win. It's not that we don't create the chances, we just miss them right now, and then we get punished with a set play. It's a little bit the story that happens more or less every game.

"I can't remember that we've dominated Tottenham like we did today - pushing them into their half, creating chances, chances, chances but at the end losing the game. The players gave all of their effort, it looked like everything works but the most important thing, getting the ball into the goal, did not work. That is the most important part in football.

"We can't always need the bench. In the first half an hour we had situations where we not only could score but we arrived in so many dangerous situations but we were taking wrong decisions. We don't have the final pass, we don't have the final shot and all this stuff.

"All of the patterns we are talking about and training are there but the closer we get to the goal the more nervous we look and the more wrong decisions we make. We see who scored our goals in the last couple of games and very often it was a defender from a set play.

"We need the support. We know we are missing a few players who are always involved in our goals - Daniel Munoz, Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada. I see the effort but to be honest the finishing quality was not there today."

On January reinforcements: "Let's see. When I see the way we are playing against a Tottenham team who looked like every shot was a goal, one set play, we will see. Again it is quite simple. You just need to look at the stats. We are the team that are constantly under-performing in scoring goals when we create a lot, but nobody does it on purpose. We need to get this fixed."

On looking back at 2025: "Not just this [winning the FA Cup] but also in the calendar year table we are sixth in the Premier League, even when we lost today. 37 games, 59 points, winning two trophies playing in the knockout stage of European football - I think it was by far the best season in Crystal Palace's history. It feels like we are not far away from being constantly in these areas. We are missing little things that are important to stay where we are."

On Marc Guehi's future: "Of course we want to keep everybody."

Did you know?

• Eight of the last nine goals Crystal Palace have conceded in all competitions have come from set piece situations (4 corners, 2 throws, 1 penalty, 1 direct free kick), including each of the last seven.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has named four changes following the Eagles' Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Arsenal on Tuesday.

Dean Henderson returns in goal, while Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes and Justin Devenny are also given starts.

Eddie Nketiah, Jaydee Canvot and Walter Benitez drop to the bench, while Chris Richards misses out through injury.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Clyne, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Wharton, Devenny, Pino, Mateta.

Subs: Benitez, Nketiah, Uche, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Rodney, Drakes-Thomas, Benamar.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank names two changes from the team which lost to Liverpool last weekend.

Both are enforced following the red cards for Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero in that match, with Richarlison and Kevin Danso coming in.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence, Gray, Bergvall, Bentancur, Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Palhinha, Tel, Johnson, Takai, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett.

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Follow Sunderland v Leeds (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Full coverage of Crystal Palace v Tottenham (16:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

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Both teams have got problems at the moment.

Crystal Palace have been feeling the effects of a heavy schedule, and at the moment their squad seems really stretched.

That's the main reason I am thinking Tottenham might get something at Selhurst Park and, let's face it, Thomas Frank really needs to.

Frank must be hoping the way his team played with nine men against Liverpool can kick-start his side's season, but I'm not sure that will happen.

I am certainly not going to back them to win this one, but I am hardly confident about Palace's chances either.

Sutton's prediction: 0-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here