Crystal Palace Women secured a valuable point on their first visit to the Emirates Stadium after holding Arsenal to a goalless draw. Jo Potter’s side had just 20 per cent of possession but defended resolutely to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
Arsenal controlled much of the opening half and created several opportunities, but Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin repeatedly kept the hosts at bay. She made important saves to deny Alessia Russo and Lisa Baum, while Molly Bartrip also produced a crucial goal-line block. Palace’s best chance before the interval fell to Teyah Goldie, who headed narrowly over the crossbar.
The pattern continued after the break, with Arsenal enjoying most of the ball. Peyraud-Magnin made another excellent stop to prevent Baum from scoring in the 47th minute, helping Palace withstand the pressure as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
Palace became more threatening as Arsenal’s intensity eased. Lexi Lloyd-Smith created an opening in the 66th minute after beating her marker and cutting the ball back for Annabel Blanchard, although the midfielder was unable to control the pass cleanly. Shannon O’Brien later had a chance to snatch all three points after reacting quickest to a loose ball, but Lotte Wubben-Moy recovered possession for Arsenal.
The Palace defence dealt with the remaining danger to complete a second consecutive Women’s Super League clean sheet. The result lifts the Eagles into fifth place, with Tottenham Hotspur due to visit Selhurst Park next Sunday.
