Arsenal kick off 2025 with dominant win over Crystal Palace | OneFootball

A stellar performance from Arsenal saw them earn a commanding 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in their first Women’s Super League match of 2025. The Gunners remain unbeaten under new head coach Renée Slegers.

Their latest win came courtesy of goals from Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and a Mariona Caldentey brace.

Starting XIs

Arsenal

Van Domselaar; McCabe, Catley, Williamson, Fox, Cooney-Cross, Little, Maanum, Caldentey, Russo, Mead.

Crystal Palace

Yanez; Woodham, Veje, Everett, Nolan, Green, Blanchard, Potter, Gejl, Cato, Stengel.

Arsenal dominate Crystal Palace

Despite this being their first match of the year, Arsenal came out of the blocks quickly. The home side took the lead after just six minutes when Williamson tapped home Katie McCabe’s corner. This was the vice-captain’s first goal for her childhood club since her return from an ACL injury.

Although Crystal Palace saw little of the ball, they still managed to carve out some good chances. Mille Gejl had Palace’s only attempt on target in the first half, but her effort was straight into the hands of Daphne van Domselaar. A further chance came when an excellent ball over the top was played to My Cato, however her first touch effort dribbled wide of the post.

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The second half saw Arsenal continue to dominate. The lead was doubled in the 63rd minute by Russo, who has now scored in her last five games. A brilliant stop by Shae Yanez prevented Caitlin Foord’s near post effort from going in, however the Lioness was lurking and tapped home the second attempt.

Moments later, Russo turned provider and set up Mead, who clinically scored her fourth goal of the WSL season. A fourth was added when Caldentey converted a penalty following a foul on Foord by Annabel Blanchard. Russo was unlucky not to get her brace when her shot richocheted off the post, however Caldentey was there to capitalise, making it five for the Gunners.

Next time out

Arsenal will meet with Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday before Chelsea welcome them to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, January 26th for an almighty London derby.

Palace will welcome Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday, and will hope to get a result that moves them from bottom of the WSL table.

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