Two quickfire goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke either side of half-time decided an otherwise close contest.

Jean-Philippe Mateta did come off the bench to score his 50th Premier League goal late on in Oliver Glasner’s final Premier League fixture as Manager. But an entertaining game ended 2-1 to the Gunners.

#### **Summary:**

- Oliver Glasner makes five changes for his final Palace team of the season, with Rio Cardines getting his first senior start.
- 9: Gabriel Jesus hits the post for Arsenal with the first chance of the day. 
- 12: Henderson denies Jesus with a 1v1 stop.
- 15: Muñoz forces a smart save from Kepa with a diving header.
- 23: Referee Farai Hallam instructs the players to take a drinks break on a hot afternoon in SE25.
- 42 - GOAL: Jesus gets a run on Clyne and fires a low shot past Henderson.
- **HT: Palace 0-1 Arsenal** 
- 48 - GOAL: Madueke doubles the Arsenal lead with a smart finish.
- 49: Pino heads just wide of the post.
- 64: Cardines flashes a shot wide from a tight angle.
- 73: Riad fails to make contact from a dangerous Hughes corner as Palace rally.
- 88 - GOAL: Mateta heads home to get Palace back in it.
- 90 + 3: Pino has the ball in the Arsenal net, but it's disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
- 90 + 6: Riad sees a header saved by Kepa.
- **FT: Palace 1-2 Arsenal**

On a scorching South London afternoon, both sets of fans were in party mode in SE25.

Arsenal were anticipating lifting their first Premier League trophy in 22 years, as well as looking forward to next week’s Champions League Final.

But it was day to celebrate and savour for the Eagles. As well as our ‘send-off’ fixture before Wednesday’s night of destiny in Leipzig, it was also Glasner’s final outing at Selhurst Park as Manager.

The Gunners were given the respect of a guard of honour to mark their achievement as Premier League champions.

But from that point on, Palace were in game mode, backed by a feverish home support –the ‘we’re on our way’ chant reverberating around Selhurst, perhaps louder than it’s ever been heard before.

The Gunners had the first chance of the afternoon. Gabriel Jesus, often the scourge of Palace in previous meetings, got the better of Jefferson Lerma and had a run at goal.

His curling effort beat Dean Henderson, but came back off the post. Noni Madueke followed-up with a shot, but his England teammate – the Palace skipper – managed to keep it out.

The visitors’ Christian Nørgaard, making his first league start of the season, was next to try his luck, sending an effort wide of Henderson’s goal from just outside the box.

But the Palace ‘keeper was called upon in the 12th minute when Jesus ran clear of the Palace backline. He looked a certain scorer, only for the skipper to make himself big and pull off the save, with Nathaniel Clyne clearing up the loose ball.

Daniel Muñoz had the first real chance of the day for the Eagles, with a trademark diving header at the back post. Arsenal had called up Kepa in the absence of normal No. 1 David Raya, and the Spanish stopper had to get down low to tip the ball wide of his post.

Jesus had scored twice in the corresponding fixture last season and threatened again just before the mid-half water break – due to the searing heatwave conditions – with a header at the back post that could only find the side netting.

Whilst the game hit a lull, the atmosphere continued to deliver. One particularly rousing rendition of ‘stand up if you’re Palace’, was enough to provide goosebumps.

After failing to threaten for a while, the Gunners got the opening goal out of nowhere three minutes before the break. Jesus got a run on Nathaniel Clyne and managed to fire a low shot into the corner of the goal.

It was harsh on Palace, but the visitors showed why they are champions with ruthless finishing.

The second-half saw Glasner freshen up his XI, with Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton and Yéremy Pino all introduced from the bench.

But it was Arsenal who got the all-important second goal. A corner reached the back post before it flicked towards Noni Madueke, who stabbed the ball into Henderson’s far corner.

Pino nearly provided an instant response. But the Spain international’s header from a Lerma cross went harmlessly past the post.

Strand Larsen was next to go mightily close, firing over a tight angle after clever movement in the Arsenal penalty area.

Ten minutes after the break came a nervy moment when Wharton went down after a rough challenge. Palace’s newest goalscorer initially carried on unscathed.

But six minutes later Glasner decided to withdraw Wharton, certainly not worth taking even a minor risk with Leipzig only days away. Evann Guessand replaced him for the final half hour.

Chadi Riad would have got Palace back in the game with a perfectly timed run, only to fail to make contact with a dangerous Will Hughes corner.

A nice moment arrived in the 75th minute when Ebere Eze came off the bench for Arsenal, replacing goalscorer Jesus. Fittingly, an awesome roar greeted his arrival, just one year and one week on from the day his goal won Palace the FA Cup.

With only a few minutes of normal time remaining, the home fans were given something to cheer about.

Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta got his 50th Premier League goal nodding in Pino’s excellent cross.

Within seconds the Eagles thought they had produced an equaliser. Pino spun and shot following a deflection from his initial effort, leaving Kepa with no chance.

Sadly VAR intervened. The virtual officials ruled that the ball had touched Guessand, standing in an offside position, on the way through. In a frantic injury-time, Riad saw a header saved before Viktor Gyokeres fired just wide at the other end.

Henderson then saved an Eze shot in the final act of an entertaining game. Ultimately though, it was Arsenal who ended the season with three more points.

Palace finished the 2025/26 Premier League in 15th position with 45 points recorded.

Of course, the biggest game of our 2025/26 is yet to come, the 60th fixture of a historic campaign, on Wednesday night in Leipzig.

**Palace:** Henderson (GK), Riad, Lerma, Clyne, Muñoz (Mitchell, 46), Hughes, Kamada (Wharton, 46, Guessand, 62), Cardines, Devenny, Sarr (Pino, 46), Strand Larsen (Mateta, 77).

**Subs:** Benítez (GK), Lacroix, Canvot, Johnson.

**Arsenal:** Arrizabalaga (GK), Zubimendi, Mosquera, Hinapie, Calafiori (Gabriel, 46), Norgaard (Havertz, 46), Lewis-Skelly, Dowman (Merino, 62), Madueke (Gyokeres, 83), Martinelli, Jesus (Eze, 75).

**Subs:** Setford (GK), Rice, Odegaard, Saka.

### As It Happened

Crystal Palace fell to a defeat against Premier League champions on Arsenal on the final day of the 2025/26 league season. 

Report: Palace suffer narrow defeat to Arsenal in final league game

Arsenal

Premier League

Crystal Palace

Last Match

Rayo Vallecano

UEFA Conference League

Next Match

Arsenal U18

U18 Premier League

Crystal Palace U18

Manchester United U21

Premier League 2 - Division 1

Crystal Palace U21

Get your Season Ticket here!

After a stunning run of form, where the team won 12 of the last 14 league games, Jo Potter’s side have returned to the WSL at the first time of asking.

Season Tickets are now on general sale, and you can secure your spot for the season from just £50!

Palace fans can now look forward to the visits of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others to South London, as the Eagles take on the best of the best.

A 26/27 Women’s Season Ticket covers all 13 home Women’s Super League games, regardless of stadium – meaning any matches at Selhurst Park are also included.

*Supporters should note that Subway Women’s League Cup and FA Cup ties are not covered by 26/27 Season Tickets.*

#### **What does a 2026/27 Women’s Season Ticket include?**

- Ticket for every WSL home fixture
- Priority booking / reservations for every Palace Women fixture at Selhurst Park
- Priority windows for away tickets
- Loyalty Points credited with your purchase
- The option to spread payments via Direct Debit

#### **Ticket Prices**

Seated Season Tickets will cost **£125** and Standing Season Tickets will cost **£90**.

Tickets for Men’s Season Ticket Holders are priced at **£88**, with Junior Tickets priced at **£50**.

Season Tickets are now on general sale and will remain on-sale until the week of our first home game in the WSL.

#### **26/27 Palace Women’s Season Ticket prices:**

- **Adult (Seated):** £125 
- **Adult (Standing):** £90
- **Men’s Season Ticket Holders:** £88
- **U16s:** £50

**Check out the table below for more information.**


| **NEW (From 10:00 Fri 22nd May)**               | **Season Ticket Price** | **Price per Game** |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
| Adult - Seated                                  | £125                    | £9.62              |
| Adult - Standing                                | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Junior (U16)                                    | £50                     | £3.85              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Seated         | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Standing       | £70                     | £5.38              |
| Men’s Season Ticket Holder (Seated or Standing) | £88                     | £6.77              |

Buy your Season Ticket here!

#### **How to buy your ticket**

You can get your 2026/27 Season Ticket by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to [the Ticketing section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebsiteStory-StockportTickets-12.12.24) of the website.
2. Navigate to the [Season Tickets section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Seasons/Seasons).
3. Click the **‘MORE INFO' button** in the **2026/27 Women's Season Ticket section.**
4. Select your seats for the season.
5. Click **‘ADD TO BASKET’** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

#### **Receiving Your Match Tickets**

Your digital ticket for each home fixture will arrive no later than **72 hours before kick-off**.

For matches played at Selhurst Park, Season Ticket holders must book a seat of their choice, free of charge, during the priority window. We’ll email you full instructions ahead of each game.

#### **Need Help?**

Our Box Office team is here to assist with new purchases, Direct Debit set-up, and accessibility requirements. 

Call [**0333 360 1861**] (Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:30pm) or email **[boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk](mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk)**.

Back the Eagles in their return to the WSL – Season Tickets are now on general sale for Crystal Palace Women’s return to the top-flight.

2026/27 Palace Women's Season Tickets are now on General Sale!

Portsmouth Women

Women's Super League 2

Crystal Palace Women

Crystal Palace have reached the UEFA Conference League Final, where they will face Rayo Vallecano at the Leipzig Stadium. Find out how to be a part of it.

On our way!

## Our Senegalese Sarr

> Ismaïla Sarr became the club’s third signing of the 2024/25 summer transfer window after joining on a five-year deal from Olympique de Marseille.

The 26-year-old attacker possesses plenty of experience of English football, having spent four years at Watford – recording 34 goals and 22 assists in 131 games – prior to joining Marseille, whom he helped reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.

Sarr's career began in French football with Metz, before moving to Rennes and leading the club into Europe, as well as winning their first Coupe de France in almost half a century.

At international level, he has been a mainstay of the Senegal national side, earning 64 caps, scoring 13 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

His career has also been defined by his eye for the spectacular, having won Goal of the Season awards in both the Football League and the Europa League.

Sarr was ever-present in every Premier League matchday squad in his first season at the club, playing in all 38 games, while also featuring in a further nine cup games. He scored 11 goals across all competitions, with eight additional assists - including a stunning effort against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and a brace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final.

2022/23, Watford (v West Bromwich Albion)

EFL Goal of the Season

Watford, 2020/21

Player of the Season

Players' Player of the Season

2018/19, Rennes (v Jablonec)

UEFA Europa League Goal of the Season

December 2024

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Sarr

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Top Goals from Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Extended Highlights: Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Brentford v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Action: Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

Goal of the Season Contenders 25/26

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Everton | Palace TV+

Match Action: Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Extended Highlights: Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton | Palace TV+

Match Action: Crystal Palace 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Lacroix and Sarr on reaching a European Final

Match Action: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace

Match Action: Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace

Match Action: Crystal Palace 3-0 Fiorentina

Goal AND Player of the Month: Ismaïla Sarr

Goal of the Month contenders: March 2026

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

In Glasner's final home game as Manager Palace lost 2-1 to the new Premier League champions, despite a late goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Despite ending the league campaign with a defeat, the Eagles contributed to an entertaining final day clash. 

The team can now turn full attention to Wednesday's Conference League Final in Leipzig against Rayo Vallecano and the chance to make it three trophies in two seasons. 

“Regarding football it was not our best match, especially defensively," he said. "Late in the evening yesterday I changed the starting line-up.

“What defines this group is they never give up. We scored the goal [through Mateta] and nearly scored the equaliser.

“We have to play better, but will definitely play better on Wednesday."

Glasner did see Adam Wharton come on as a substitute but then take a knock on his ankle after just a few minutes. 

Without wanting to risk the midfielder ahead of Leipzig, Wharton was subsequently withdrawn. But Glasner said that move was precautionary.

"His ankle is a bit sore," said Glasner. "He [Wharton] always gives positive signals, but the real answer we’ll get tomorrow after he's had one night of sleep.

"Hopefully it's not too bad an he's available for Wednesday."

Palace now have just two days without a game before Wednesday's Conference League Final. But Glasner confirmed that the preparation for Rayo has already begun and that his team will be ready to give everything in Germany. 

"We've started analysing Vallecano," he added. "We analysed them with the players, showed them how they will press us, what we need in possession, how we want to get pressure on them, how they are going to play.

"We had two intense sessions this week planning for Vallecano.

"Now it's just about fine tuning and making sure the players are fresh. We don't want to change the players or the way we are playing. 

"We are looking at Vallecano's strengths and how we can eliminate this and we are looking at where we can exploit.

"But it's a final and everything is possible."

With Sunday's game the last time he will be on the touchline at Selhurst Park, Glasner also reflected briefly on what has been a remarkable chapter for both himself and the club. 

"I just can say thank you to every single player who contributed, when I think back to the development we've had over two years," Glasner added. "And I just want to say thank you to every single one of the staff who contributed. 

"And of course to our fans who always supported us, who always believed in us. They believed in us so we could see that everything is possible."

Oliver Glasner thanked every player and staff member to have worked with him at Crystal Palace following his final match at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Glasner on playing better on Wednesday, plus an update on Wharton

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You love to see it 🥰🇸🇳 <a href="https://t.co/HmL6EjFCkV">pic.twitter.com/HmL6EjFCkV</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/2058605956884308328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Senegal forward has been in scintillating form in front of goal from the very start of the marathon campaign, netting a crucial late equaliser in our Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley.

Some 57 matches later, Sarr’s tally stands at 21 goals in all competitions, the joint-highest total of any Palace player in a Premier League campaign (tied with Andy Johnson in 2004/05).

Nine of those have come in 14 appearances in Palace’s first-ever European season, with Sarr likely to finish as the top scorer in this season’s UEFA Conference League.

Seven of those strikes have come in tournament’s knockout stages – and Sarr has struck in his last five such matches – to power the Eagles to the verge of glory in Leipzig.

Following a supporters’ vote, Sarr pipped Tyrick Mitchell to the award, with Maxence Lacroix taking third spot – but many players also catching your eye throughout Palace’s longest season on record for competitive fixtures.

Full highlights of the awards will follow on Palace TV soon.

Ismaïla Sarr’s sensational goalscoring campaign has seen the Crystal Palace forward voted your Men’s Player of the Season for 2025/26.

Match reports

Match reports

Report: Palace suffer narrow defeat to Arsenal in final league game

Glasner on playing better on Wednesday, plus an update on Wharton

Sarr is your 2025/26 Palace Men’s Player of the Season!

Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

7Ismaïla
Sarr

Match reports

Match reports

Report: Palace suffer narrow defeat to Arsenal in final league game

Glasner on playing better on Wednesday, plus an update on Wharton

Sarr is your 2025/26 Palace Men’s Player of the Season!

Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

7IsmaïlaSarr

7Ismaïla
Sarr