Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett believes the Eagles can take significant positives from their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, insisting the final score did not fully reflect their display.
Palace produced an excellent first half and moved ahead after 20 minutes, when defender Molly Bartrip scored from a corner. The goal was the club’s first against Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League, although the visitors eventually turned the game around with three high-quality finishes.
Everett felt Palace’s defensive work was particularly impressive during the opening stages. The team remained organised out of possession, with players across the side willing to make blocks and challenges as they worked to contain the reigning strength of their opponents.
The captain was also delighted for Bartrip, who does not usually push forward for set pieces but took the opportunity to make an impact. It was her first goal for Palace and briefly put the Eagles in front against a side they have regularly faced in cup competition.
While Palace were disappointed not to secure a result after leading, Everett described the performance as one of their strongest against Chelsea. She said the challenge now is to reproduce that level consistently, rather than only raising their game for matches against the biggest teams.
