Crystal Palace

Ellie Killick
Fan writer

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Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

6/10, with potential to boost to 10/10 if we win the Conference League. It's been a weird season. It started with Eberechi Eze's departure - a loss I thought would hurt us a lot more than it did - but we started the season really well, extending our unbeaten streak to 14 games, including doing the treble over Liverpool. We had our ups and downs, but the European success has made me proud to be a Palace fan.

Best moment and why?

Our first European tour! It's such a surreal feeling following your team overseas. I was fortunate enough to attend the game against Shelbourne in the Republic or Ireland and seeing the city full of red and blue, with our chants being heard for miles, was a very special moment. Like Oliver Glasner said in his goodbye speech, the best moment is yet to come on Wednesday night as we travel to Leipzig for the ultimate European final experience.

Player of season and why?

It's out of two players for me - Adam Wharton and Ismailia Sarr - but I'm giving it to Sarr. When he was at Afcon, his absence was dearly noticed. His form in front of goal has been a huge part of our success - scoring 21 goals, including crucial ones on the road to Leipzig.

Unsung hero and why?

Tyrick Mitchell. He may not be totally unsung but he definitely is underrated. This season he has developed into an all-round full-back- defensively strong but also able to help out in the attack. He was unfortunate to miss out on the England squad along with Wharton.

Biggest disappointment?

January was painful for Palace fans. We lost to National League side Macclesfield, and then came Glasner and Marc Guehi's departure announcements, which shocked the team and fandom. The energy around the club felt very negative, alongside the drama surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta. Thankfully, as time progressed, the tables turned and both Glasner and Mateta proved their commitment to the club.

What needs to change this summer?

Our squad depth because Europe definitely hurt us when it came to the league this season. Playing three games in a week is no easy feat and the squad wasn't prepared. Maxence Lacroix has played 54 out of 59 games and that isn't sustainable, so more signings are a must.

My major hope for next season is

More success in Europe and lots of fun away trips!

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Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Adam Wharton and Chris Richards were both "available in training" on Tuesday, however Glasner didn't reveal if they will make the starting XI.

• He explained: "Our final training session was 36 hours before the game. Our medical department will be working hard, but we will only name a starting XI that is 100% fit. If either player doesn't feel 100% fit or I have some concerns, they won't start. The final decision will be taken on Wednesday."

• Daichi Kamada was partly rested against Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season due to being a "big-game player".

• However, Crystal Palace will need "every single player ready to help the team" against Rayo Vallecano, as he recalled making six substitutions in his only other European final as a manager.

• On what their "quite relaxed" final 24 hours of preparations will look like: "It will be a longer day than the FA Cup final because that one started at 16:30 and this one starts at 21:00 local time. If we haven't done something at this stage, we can't do it tomorrow. We had a meeting last week and today around our tactics, and we've already watched many of their La Liga and Europa Conference League games."

• Glasner added: "After this [news conference], we will go for dinner. I don't know what the players are doing after. They are all adults so they can spend their evening how they wish. I hope nobody goes into a bar, although I'm pretty sure they won't!"

• He admitted that head tennis is "one of the best moments" leading up to a big final, as it is like watching "kids play football" and it gives him a "good idea" of how his players are feeling.

• On Dean Henderson's comment that winning the Europa Conference League would "finish his movie off" at the club, he said: "It would mean a lot, not just for me personally but for the whole group. It will be our 60th game of the season, so it would mean a lot to me if we could have a fantastic ending."

• However, he hasn't allowed himself to dream about lifting the trophy: "I don't think like this. The players organised a nice farewell for me today and I said a few words. I told them that the best thing would be to win, but mainly for the club being in Europe next season. That would make me very happy."

• When asked why Basque managers, such as Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, are doing well on the European stage, he replied in jest: "I will have to go there this summer and see what they are eating because it must be something good! They are doing something really well there. What the secret is? I don't know."

Listen to live build-up and commentary of Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano from 19:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Are you making the trip to see if Crystal Palace can win their first European trophy? We want your tales and pics from your travels and to hear about how you're soaking up the atmosphere.

And if you're not lucky enough to be in Leipzig, we still want to know where you're watching from and how you're preparing for Wednesday's showdown against Rayo Vallecano.

Get in touch with your images and stories here

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Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 9th

This has been a strange season for Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner - going from the sale of star players to unrest and then on to potential glory.

A mid-season slump meant the holders suffered a humiliating FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Macclesfield, Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, then Glasner announced he was leaving at the end of the season.

However, Palace remained a side with class in all departments, and now they have the chance of adding another major trophy when they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.

It would be the perfect ending.

What I said in August: "Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi."

Check out the rest of my review here

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We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's defeat to Arsenal in what was also Oliver Glasner's final Premier League game in charge of the club.

Here are some of your comments:

Jim: Seriously, why risk Wharton, or any of our top starting players for Wednesday? Glasner is so infuriating. With Arsenal already securing the title there was no need. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were rested and they play in six days. Pray Wharton is OK for Conference final.

Robert: This game was just a formality with Arsenal champions, and Palace safe for yet another season in the top flight. Yet it was a sad day having to say goodbye at Selhurst Park to a man who has done wonders for our club. Thanks Oliver Glasner for your achievements, but so sad that you're leaving us. We could have done so much more. Good luck on Wednesday and hope you get the Conference Trophy. Wishing you all the best, wherever the future takes you.

Gary: Disjointed performance which is only to be expected with so many changes. Rio Cardines did well on his debut. Good goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Jorgen Strand Larsen needs to do a lot more. I hope Adam Wharton is OK for the final. Now we're off to Germany, and hopefully another trophy. Thank you Oliver for some fantastic memories. You are the greatest manager we've had.

Pepe: This has been a great two years. First the impossible dream of winning the FA Cup, then winning the Community Shield. This year we are in the final of the Conference League. I would like them to win of course, but if not, it's a job well done. My son and I will be in Leipzig. It's incredible what Oliver and the players have done for us. Palace here we go.

Clive: I really hope the new manager, whoever he is, works on the teams' passing and movement skills. Giving the ball away when battling to win it back is glaringly obvious compared to Arsenal, who were slick, quick and mobile.

Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer with several Premier League clubs interested in the France international. (RMC Sport - in French), external

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

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Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is not the best feeling because we have had so many great games. Today showed our whole story; we didn't play great for a long time but we didn't give up.

"Fantastic stadium, atmosphere, players and of course fantastic supporters. I will definitely miss all of the people here."

When asked to sum up his time at the club: "I think it was okay. For me the best is still to come. The biggest achievement for me is not the trophy, but giving the people belief in you is amazing. [Winning the Conference League] would be really good!

"I am a bit concerned with Adam [Wharton], he twisted his ankle. Hopefully it is not too bad. He says it should be okay."

Did you know?

• Only bottom two sides Burnley (38) and Wolves (27) scored fewer goals than Crystal Palace (41) in the Premier League this season.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

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This match was the end of an era for Crystal Palace, with it being Oliver Glasner's last league match in charge before he departs when his contract comes to an end this summer.

Palace's league form has not been great - they are without a win in their past seven matches - but that is not of any concern, with survival mathematically secured a couple of weeks ago.

The Eagles have reached the final of the Conference League in their first season in a major European competition.

And as well as another trophy, alongside the FA Cup and Community Shield that Glasner has already brought to the club, they have an opportunity to secure Europa League football with a win against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

Their only concern going into the final is around star midfielder Adam Wharton, who had to be withdrawn with what looked like an ankle injury.

Glasner will be remembered as one of the greatest managers in the club's history, regardless what happens on Wednesday, as he brought the club their first major trophy.

His relationship with those above him was rocky at times during the season, with Glasner showing frustration at not being adequately backed, but the Austrian has shown why he is so highly regarded in the game to lead Palace to the cusp of more silverware.

There may still be one big game to go this season with the Conference League final on Wednesday, but Oliver Glasner has ended his Premier League time in charge of Crystal Palace with a loss against champions Arsenal.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Oliver Glasner has made it clear that he would be resting and rotating his key players with focus turning to the Conference League final next week.

Regular starters Lacroix, Mitchell, Mateta, Wharton and Canvot are all on the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, Cardines, Hughes, Kamada, Devenny, Sarr, Strand Larsen.

Subs: Benitez, Lacroix, Mitchell, Pino, Johnson, Mateta, Wharton, Canvot, Guessand.

With the Premier League title already in the bag, Mikel Arteta has also made a raft of changes for this match with Palace.

Christian Norgaard makes his first start in the Premier League this season while 16-year-old Max Dowman is handed a start and becomes the youngest ever player to start a Premier League match (16y 144d).

Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, Zubimendi, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.

Subs: Setford, Gyokeres, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, Eze, Merino, Havertz, Rice.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

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

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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The problem with predicting a game like this is that both sides are understandably going to make a lot of changes with European finals coming up in the next few days.

With the Premier League title won, why wouldn't Mikel Arteta rest a load of players before his side face Paris St-Germain next weekend?

The same applies to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner with his side playing Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.

So, it is going to be Palace reserves versus Arsenal reserves - and some of the Gunners players may still have a hangover.

I understand why they wanted to enjoy themselves. I know Alan Shearer famously said he would be celebrating by "creosoting the fence" when we won the title with Blackburn in 1995, but he was the only one of us who went to bed early that night.

I am still going to go for an Arsenal win, though, and by their favourite scoreline too - the same one as their past three victories.

That was how they got over the line and it won't change now.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace host Premier League champions Arsenal in a London derby at Selhurst Park on Sunday with both teams looking forward to a European final next week.

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner may elect to ring the changes ahead of their Conference League decider against Rayo Vallecano next Wednesday.

The Eagles are winless in their past six league games, although their safety has been guaranteed for a couple of weeks now, allowing them to look forward to the trip to Leipzig, where they will aim to lift European silverware for the first time in the club's history.

Sarr stars for Palace

Ismaila Sarr, who has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad, has scored eight goals in his last eight starts for Palace in all competitions, netting in each of his last four, including both legs of the Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Since their return to the top-flight in 2013, the only player to score in five consecutive starts for the Eagles is Eberechi Eze – now of Sunday's opponents Arsenal – in April-May last year.

Sarr's 21 goals in all competitions this season are the joint-most by any Palace player in a single campaign as a Premier League club, equalling Andrew Johnson's tally from 2004-05.

Palace enter the game in 15th position, having struggled through a winter in which Glasner announced he would leave at the end of the season. The Austrian will hope his final game at Selhurst Park is a positive affair.

History suggests it could well be. Palace have never lost when playing their final Premier League match of the season at home (won eight, drawn four), most recently beating Aston Villa 5-0 in 2023-24.

Arsenal gunning for more glory

Arsenal fans will cross the River Thames in party mode to watch their team be presented with the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.

Mikel Arteta, like his opposite number, could choose to rest some key players ahead of next Saturday's mouth-watering Champions League decider against Paris Saint-Germain.

There has been much praise this week for the Arsenal's board's persistence with Arteta. The Spaniard has overcome an unconvincing start to life in his first managerial job to turn his team into consistent title contenders.

It's no secret that the Gunners' current success has been built on the league's best defence. They've conceded just 26 goals, owing to commanding displays from the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and goalkeeper David Raya, one of just six top flight players to have played every minute of the campaign so far.

Arsenal won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Emirates Stadium in October, one of 29 victories without conceding across all competitions this season – another clean sheet would equal the club record of 30 from 1970-71 when the legendary Bertie Mee was in charge.

Remarkably, there have been six different league games this season in which Arsenal haven't faced a shot on target, the joint-most by a side in a single campaign since such record began in 2003-04.

Typically, the last day of the season is a fruitful one for the Gunners. Arsenal have won their final Premier League game 24 times – more often than any other side. That's been the case in each of the last 14 years, their last defeat coming in a 2-1 reverse at Birmingham City in 2004-05.

Similarly, Gabriel Jesus seems to thrive at this time of year. The Brazil forward has been involved in seven goals in his team's final league game of the season (five goals, two assists), boasting the most matchday-38 goals and goal involvements of any current player in the division.

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says preparing for his second final in two years is "special" but it "still feels right" that he departs the club at the end of the season.

After taking charge in February 2024 with Palace 15th in the Premier League and on a run of 10 defeats in 17 games, Glasner has guided the Eagles to a top-10 finish, a club record 53-point campaign, their first major trophy with last season's FA Cup, and now a final in which they club could win back-to-back silverware in their first debut European season.

Asked if he has any regrets over his decision to leave after Wednesday's Conference League final, he said: "No, for me it still feels right. It's not something where I wake up at seven in the morning and think, 'I will leave'.

"It's a process over weeks and months, and thinking it will be time for me to look for a new challenge. I think it's probably a chance for Crystal Palace to make the next step and that's also why I announced it very early.

"I think it's just fair having clarity for Crystal Palace so they could prepare for being after Oliver Glasner. That was the reason."

After a successful two and a half years in south London, Glasner could depart with another trophy, but also a win that secures a first Europa League campaign for next season.

"I gave my best," he reflected. "To play two finals in two years is special. It's probably exceeded the expectations.

"We will stick to what we are doing, to our principles, just make small adjustments to what Vallecano's strengths and weaknesses are, and that's what we're all thinking about.

"Then expectations don't matter. If we win it's a great end to the season."

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says the Premier League has rejected a club request for his side's final fixture of the season to be moved forward by 24 hours.

Following confirmation of Arsenal's Premier League title win on Tuesday, Palace asked if Sunday's game could be moved to Saturday on the grounds that the champions had already been decided.

The Eagles are set to face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday.

However, their opponents will round off their La Liga fixtures on Saturday night, meaning they will have an extra day to prepare for the European showpiece.

Traditionally, all 10 matches kick off simultaneously on the final day of the Premier League season. This is to avoid any club gaining an advantage on the teams they are in direct competition with.

"We tried to move the game to Saturday because it would have given us one more day before Wednesday," said Glasner. "I couldn't ask them last week. We waited until Wednesday morning, after [the result of] Tuesday night's game.

"We were thinking about it before then, but we didn't want to call the Premier League and say, 'hey, move the game' when they didn't know if the title race was going to be decided on the last matchday.

"It didn't work - short answer. I didn't ask why, they just told me it doesn't work. There are contractual issues and TV rights [I think].

"We accepted the demotion to the Conference League and we accepted playing on Sunday. This season, we've had less preparation than our opposition for 50 out of 60 games."

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Huzaifah Khan
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Selhurst Park (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the latest team news, Glasner said Chris Richards will miss the game after damaging ankle ligaments. He said the defender's ankle is "stable but quite swollen" and it will be a "race against time" to be fit for the Conference League final.

• On what Richards is doing to get himself fit: "He's in from sunrise to sunset and having treatment and everything that we can do that reduces the swelling. We will give our best and he will give his best, and then let's see if we can get it done."

• On his final game at Selhurst Park: "First of all, I want to congratulate Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, his players and his staff for a huge achievement after winning the title after 22 years. It's a special job they have done. Also, special congrats to Eberechi [Eze]. I think he has taken the right decision to go to Arsenal and not another club."

• On not having to deal with questions about how his team selection will affect the title race, Glasner said it makes it "easier for him" and he's still not decided what to do with the final just three days later. He added: "I change my opinion three times a day from full rotation to no rotation to half rotation. I personally have so many negative experiences with big rotations. One we all experienced was KuPS and Leeds three days later, and I started two different teams and I think it was one of our worst performances."

• On his Selhurst Park highlights: "I'm always hoping the best is still to come. This will be now at Selhurst [on Sunday] and then three days later at Leipzig but number one, for me, when I'm thinking about what I'm going to miss, it is the people."

• He added: "It's the people who are always there when I come, the security always waiting for me. It's the lovely conversation and fans when I arrive, always asking for a selfie and always having a positive message, which I'm always appreciating."

• On more of his favourite moments since he joined the club: "First win against Burnley. Monday night football against Manchester United when Michael [Olise] makes a 50-yard sprint to hug me. I was very surprised. Newcastle, Daniel Munoz late equaliser, I made a 50-yard sprint - I didn't know I could do a 50-yard sprint and hug somebody."

• On how he felt when he first joined Palace: "I feel I have to deliver. I can't do more. Sometimes I would like to give more."

• He added: "At the end, we will all have great memories. The players do everything and we are a group all together - the players, the staff, the scouting, sporting director, the chairman, the media. We are spending so much time together."

• Finally, he said: "I was a puzzle piece, but a puzzle piece does not always make a picture."

Listen to live commentary of Crystal Palace v Arsenal on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 and BBC Sounds

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