Smerud: We will learn from this and be ready for Arsenal
Leif Smerud insisted there were positives to take despite Crystal Palace Women’s 3-0 defeat to Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Saturday.
Reflecting on the match at Walton Hall Park, Smerud said: "Even though it doesn’t look like it on the scoreboard, it was quite a close game.
"But they scored first from a set-piece, and we faced their diamond midfield today, which forced us into adjustments that are difficult to make in play with a new team.
"Then they got the second goal just after half-time, which made things more difficult for us. But we had some good chances as well, and I think it’s important not to go too far down emotionally.
"There are things we did better in this game than we have before, and there are things we still need to improve. We are building and continuing in that process."
The Eagles were boosted by the return of several key players from injury, something Smerud believes will make a difference moving forward.
"I sensed it in training this week—having more players back is, of course, important. But they’ve been out for a while, so we need to get their sharpness back.
"It’s one thing to return, but we also need to get them into good form and into the system. We’ll work on that next week and look forward to the Arsenal game."
Palace now prepare for a huge home fixture against Arsenal, with a record-breaking crowd expected at the VBS Community Stadium on Sunday, 30th March.
"It’s a fantastic game to play. We are big underdogs, but that can be a good position to come from.
"I think we can build on what we’ve done over the last few weeks and take it from there. It will be a new game, and we will keep fighting."
With a over 2000 tickets already sold for this game, it's set to be a record attendance in Sutton for Palace Women.
There is still time for you to be a part of Palace history, with tickets still available here!