Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

There it is, the final lingering piece of Premier League intrigue may have departed us, at least as it pertains to Crystal Palace. For the most pessimistic among us, they can't even speak of an Oldham-esque outcome anymore.

Palace can still be influential in the race for the league title but with their eyes on the Conference League, it's hard to imagine that thwarting either Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta is a high priority this month.

So, as Sunday's result against Everton was possibly not the most consequential, there was a separate battle that will be for Thomas Tuchel and England this summer - the goalkeepers.

There is little argument over Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson being the leading pair of options. The broader debate may be that they are the only two credible options.

There are clear similarities between the two with the self-belief they exhibit and the leadership roles they play within their teams. More importantly, they are both great shot-stoppers. In that sense, they are often rallying points for both sets of fans.

A clean sheet may be the most overused or overstated statistic in football. How often have we seen a keeper escape 90 minutes unchallenged and given credit over a player called into action?

In the past two games, despite conceding three, Henderson saved nine others on target. The saves against Pedrinho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were game-changers in each. In the opposite goal on Sunday, Pickford was key in earning a point for his team.

By Opta's goals prevented metric, these performances have held up throughout the season. Henderson is +4.4 to Pickford's +5.6, placing both in the top five goalkeepers in the division.

Pickford, despite the chants from the Palace fans, may still be England's number one in June. Fortunately, should anything prevent that, the team are still in safe hands with Henderson.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.

Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.

Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.

Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.

Everton fans

Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.

Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.

Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.

Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.

Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates 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:

• West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

• Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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There was never really any danger of Crystal Palace getting dragged into a relegation fight, with Oliver Glasner continually pushing the point that the chance of European glory was their focus for the remainder of the season.

This point should mean they will not slip into a surprise domestic survival scrap before the first European final in their history when they play Rayo Vallecano on 27 May in the Conference League decider.

Yet given they play both Manchester City and Arsenal, the title-chasing sides, Palace could still have a big say on where the Premier League title ends up.

Despite playing as recently as Thursday night, Palace looked the stronger team in the latter stages against Everton.

BothJean-Philippe Mateta, who was brought on in the 65th minute, and Ismaila Sarr were threats, and they came close to winning it when Adam Wharton's long-range effort struck the post.

The draw stops a run of two defeats on the bounce in the league and, even though they have not won a domestic game since beating Newcastle on 12 April, their energy is on finishing the season with another trophy having lifted the FA Cup last season.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports: "I am pleased with the performance, especially in the second half. In the end, it felt like Everton played three days ago.

"We made so much pressure, created chances and missed a few.

"I am really proud of the team's effort and the belief we had and also the mentality to play for a win. I think it was a huge performance."

Palace goalscorer Ismaila Sarr, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's a tough game. Everton are very physical. Our team was ready for this game.

"I'm happy to take one point, but we needed three points today and came out with a draw. We will prepare for the next game.

"This team is very good, I'm happy and I give 100% to the team."

Did you know?

• Ismaila Sarr scored his 20th goal of the season across all competitions, becoming only the second Crystal Palace player to hit 20+ goals across all competitions in a single season as a Premier League club, along with Andy Johnson in 2004-05 (21).

• Crystal Palace have won just one of their last six Premier League matches directly after they've played a midweek European match.

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 Everton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manager Oliver Glanser has made two changes to the side that beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

Both changes come in attack as Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen are handed starts instead of Yeremi Pino and Jean Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Johnson, Strand Larsen.

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Pino, Mateta, Clyne, Hughes, Riad, Devenny, Cardines.

David Moyes, on the other hand, has stuck with the same team that drew 3-3 with Manchester City on Monday.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Garner; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

Subs: Travers, Patterson, McNeil, Barry, George, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Armstrong.

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

• Burnley v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow the three 14:00 games here

And go here for in-depth coverage of West Ham v Arsenal

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Crystal Palace are another team who have had Europe on their minds and it might be difficult for them to shake off that mindset.

Everton have developed a frustrating habit of conceding costly late goals - it has happened in their past three games against Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City - and they have lost ground in the race for sixth place.

I am expecting a different ending for David Moyes and his side on Sunday, however. This time, they will hold on for a win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Sunday (14:00 BST), fresh from making history by reaching their first European final. Both sides are searching for consistency as the Premier League season enters the final straight.

Can Palace overcome their European hangover?

When these teams met in October, Palace were in the middle of a club record 19-match unbeaten run. Jack Grealish's 93rd-minute winner ended it and they have struggled to rediscover that momentum since.

The Eagles have lost 16 of their past 42 matches in all competitions, as balancing domestic fixtures with Conference League commitments has taken its toll. They have won only three of their 14 Premier League matches played immediately after European games.

Will Everton's away form hold up?

Despite the disappointment of a late defeat by West Ham, Everton's disciplined and organised approach away from home has stood them in good stead this season. They are firmly in the mix for European qualification – adding further edge to their run-in.

David Moyes' side have built one of the stronger away records in the league this season. They stay in games, manage key moments well and carry a threat on the counter-attack.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

There are few moments as a football fan, or perhaps just as a Crystal Palace fan, when you can truly celebrate before the final whistle.

A year ago, as Ismaila Sarr swept home the third goal in the FA Cup semi-final, the crowd was already in party mode. On Thursday, Sarr gave the team a three-goal cushion once again in a semi-final, this time on aggregate. With 40 minutes to go, the fans were already celebrating on the road to Leipzig.

Many had their travel pre-booked and pre-planned after the 3-1 first leg. An optimistic gamble, from a fanbase usually grounded by pragmatism.

The fans have been blessed with many incredible nights at Selhurst Park over the past decade, and the Shakhtar game certainly must rank among the events to remember. A crowd in unison, fully invested in this squad.

Our first experience of a European campaign has been eye-opening. It was never likely to be all sunshine and rainbows, but it has been a grind. Ultimately, given the weight of fixtures, travel, and challenges, the aim is simply to make sure you reach the final 16 by any means, then the final eight, and so on.

There are no style points on offer, and the manner of victory isn't important - and in that sense, Palace have unquestionably succeeded.

A lot of credit for how the team has managed the knockout games goes to Oliver Glasner, who already has a Europa League medal to his name. That experience has shown in the knockout matches. Not every match has been the cleanest, but they have managed the ties well over the two legs and were never out of control.

Rayo Vallecano and Leipzig await. Thousands of Palace fans will be descending on East Germany, and it will be a spectacle to behold, with it all to play for.

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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola heads Crystal Palace's shortlist of candidates to replace outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner next season.

Glasner, who has led the club to their first European final, is leaving Selhurst Park this month, confirming his decision to step down in January.

Palace are at an advanced stage of identifying the Austrian's successor, with multiple sources indicating Iraola, who last month announced he will leave Bournemouth this summer, is the club's preferred option to replace Glasner.

In addition to Iraola, it is understood that Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich's Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham's Marco Silva and Lens' Pierre Sage are among the candidates Palace have explored.

Read more on the story

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Crystal Palace fans have travelled to Norway, Poland, France, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, Italy and then Poland once more... but the journey doesn't end there.

The German city of Leipzig will be the final stop on their Conference League adventure.

It is the largest city in Saxony and the eighth largest in Germany.

The final will be held at The Red Bull Arena - home of RB Leipzig, which has a capacity just shy of 48,000.

Augustusplatz is the biggest square in the city and held the Euro 2024 fanzone, whilst Karl-Liebknecht-Straße is one of the main areas for eating and drinking.

Speaking of which, if you fancy some of the local tipple - gose (a sour wheat beer) is the go-to.

As for food, regional specialities include Leipziger Lerche (pastry filled with marzipan and jam), and Leipziger Allerlei (mixed vegetables with crayfish).

Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) is the closest airport, but options to fly direct from London are limited and rather pricey. However Leipzig is well-connected to major cities both inside and outside of Germany by train. It can be reached from Berlin in just over an hour, and from Dresden and Nuremberg in less than two hours.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views after Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 and 5-2 on aggregate to advance to the Conference League final.

Here are some of your comments:

Rich: Great game, great atmosphere and great win. Palace, especially in the second half, showed great character and ability to take a stranglehold of the game. Result could've been more emphatic. So many impressive performances especially from Mitchell, Kamada and Wharton. The stadium was rocking. Roll on the final.

Al: What an incredible achievement by this group of players. Glasner deserves credit despite that mid-season tantrum. One game away from another historical landmark. So proud of the team and club I've supported for 59 years.

Dean: I've watched Palace for over 50 years, these last two under Glasner are beyond my dreams, my dad's dreams and could be the start of something special for my grandchildren.

Des: An amazing night, just cannot believe we are in a European Final.

Paul: Shakhtar huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the Selhurst Park house down! We could have scored a hatful and we looked so dangerous on the break. Onwards to Leipzig and well done to Glasner and all the players. Starting to get used to a cheeky May-time cup final!

Paul G: A fantastic performance from the team and an electric atmosphere generated by the fans. Glasner is Palace's greatest ever manager and it is such a shame he has decided to leave.

Andy: Selhurst was rocking. What a great game and solid performance. It was a clinical finish for the equaliser, but you always felt like we would score again. Hats off to Glastner, he has made this team believe what's possible. Now the club needs to reward the players and improve contracts before it's too late again

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace "powered their way into their first ever European final" with a convincing two-leg victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, says BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Mark Scott.

At Selhurst Park on Thursday, the atmosphere reached fever pitch.

"The Palace fans were singing 'we're on our way to Leipzig' before kick-off and still belting it out at full-time," said Scott. "The supporters were revelling in the moment.

"It's quite the turnaround given the relationship between Oliver Glasner and the fans looked like it was on the rocks a few months ago, but now they sing his name loud again.

"Crystal Palace's final game of the season and Glasner's final game as Crystal Palace boss will be their first ever European final.

"Can he finish in an unbelievable flourish? "

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Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For Crystal Palace, their European achievement continued a rollercoaster 12 months.

After their FA Cup final triumph, Eberechi Eze left for Arsenal and captain Marc Guehi almost moved to Liverpool, only for the deal to collapse on deadline day as the Eagles could not find a replacement.

With the added European demands - Thursday's match was their 55th game of 2025-26 - Palace's small squad started to suffer and from December they endured a 12-match winless run.

in January, Palace's FA Cup defence ended with an embarrassing 2-1 third-round loss at sixth-tier Macclesfield. Later that month Oliver Glasner announced his planned departure, with news following of England centre-back Guehi's transfer to Manchester City.

Glasner then said he felt his squad were "being abandoned completely" by the Palace hierarchy, with many expecting those comments to lead to an immediate exit.

On top of that, key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta would have left for AC Milan in January had he not failed a medical.

Despite all the chaos and drama, Glasner remained in charge and could lead them to another trophy and more magical moments.

"We want to end the season in the perfect way - and we can do it," Glasner said.

"I said to the players, 'don't do anything for me, do it for yourselves, for the club, for the fans'. Winning the Conference League means European football again next season for Crystal Palace.

"They have had a taste, with the FA Cup and Community Shield, and they want honey again. They will not be happy with just avocado. They want something sweeter."

• Read more on Palace's semi-final win

Image source, Getty Images

Former Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward said achievements like making their first ever major European final is what the Eagles "deserve" after they beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the final whistle, he said: "I am beaming ear to ear.

"When the manager first came in, he challenged us in our minds and told us we can achieve special things.

"This group of players, and what they have achieved over the last year, this is what the players, fans and manager deserve."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Leeds striker Lucy Ward, also speaking on TNT Sports, added: "Crystal Palace were brilliant and managed both games so well. Bring on Leipzig!

"They have got players who will stand up in Europe and now have the experience. They know that when they play well as a group, they can beat anybody and they will be going in to the final thinking that."

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For Crystal Palace, the success continued a remarkable spell in their history as they eye a third trophy in what would be just over 12 months.

After beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the FA Cup for the first time, that achievement should have earned the Eagles a place in the Europa League.

However, that was taken away from them as they were punished by Uefa for breaching multi-club ownership rules.

Palace were unsuccessful in their appeal, with Nottingham Forest getting their Europa League spot, while Oliver Glasner's side dropped into the third-tier Conference League, where they have grown to show their quality.

After edging past Norwegian side Fredrikstad 1-0 on aggregate in the play-offs, Palace finished 10th in the league phase to advance into the knockout stages and now have a first European final to look forward to.

Palace had done most of the hard work with their win in Krakow last week, but Glasner will be delighted by his side's approach in the return against dangerous opponents.

Shakhtar are on the verge of winning the Ukrainian Premier League and earning a spot in the qualifying rounds for the Champions League. Yet they were again second best to a disciplined Palace side who thoroughly deserved their victory.

Indeed, the winning margin could have been greater as they created other good opportunities.

With Palace also beating last season's league champions Liverpool to win the Community Shield in August, Glasner was already the club's most successful manager.

Yet it has been a turbulent season for him and the club.

The Austrian announced in January he would leave at the end of the season when his contract expires and Palace fell to an embarrassing FA Cup third-round loss to sixth-tier Macclesfield. They also lost captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, while Mateta expressed a desire to leave too and only a failed medical prevented a move to AC Milan.

But despite the chaos on and off the field, Glasner's last game in charge will now be the Conference League final.

Palace fans, who created a superb atmosphere throughout the match, revelled in the occasion as they chanted "que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be, we're going to Germany".

Indeed they will be, as they have another chance to end the campaign with a trophy.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was really exciting. Everyone could see how good Shakhtar are so huge credit to my players. They stick to the plan and work so hard.

"We talk about 'mentality' and you look at the second goal - three players got fouled but they always continue play. This shows everything about this team.

"Fantastic atmosphere. This is why you dream of being a football player as a little boy, this is the reward you get. We are in our next final together. It is amazing what this group are doing for Crystal Palace.

"Before the game, we showed them three clips from the first leg; they were not football topics. [We showed them] mentality, how they fought for each other, the commitment for the team. We showed them when the three centre-backs and Dean Henderson jumping chest to chest, celebrating together. This is amazing."

Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson speaking to TNT Sports: "It's incredible for the football club. You see the connection between the players and the supporters, it's fantastic. It's unbelievable.

"The manager came in, made this team believe we can win any game. It's been a difficult season obviously with the amount of games we've played - but we've delivered another final, which is fantastic.

"It's been difficult. Just the amount of games. We had a small squad leading in December, January but we've managed to push through now."

Did you know?

• The Conference League final will be Oliver Glasner's fourth cup final in as many full seasons in management.

• Ismaila Sarr has now scored six goals in his last five Conference League games and nine overall to become its leading scorer. On a five-game scoring streak in the competition, only Cedric Bakambu has scored in more successive knockout stage games in the competition's history (six games between 2024 and 2025).