Crystal Palace Women scored 44 goals last season, and their attacking threat was pivotal to their promotion campaign. Looking ahead to the WSL season, this reviews how Palace's attack is built and how it may alter before the new season.
Ahead of the new season, here’s a look at how Palace’s attacking approach, developed during their promotion-winning campaign, could translate to the demands of the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Crystal Palace Women are one of three teams making the step up to the top flight in the 2026/27 WSL. This is the first time more than one promoted team has joined the league, with the expansion to 14 teams.
After a title race that went down to the final day, Palace secured second place and automatic promotion alongside champions Birmingham City while Charlton Athletic joined them via the play-offs.
The step up from the WSL2 brings tighter margins, fewer chances and opponents who punish mistakes more consistently. Palace experienced that first-hand during their previous WSL campaign in 2024/25, winning two league matches while conceding 65 goals. Yet immediate stability in the league is possible, as London City Lionesses have shown.
Jo Potter’s side joins the league as a strong attacking force, who scored 44 goals in 22 matches last season, ranking third in the league. Their promotion formed part of one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the WSL2 season. After winning just one of their opening eight league matches, Palace lost only once in their final 14 games to secure an immediate return to the WSL. With a 6-1 victory over Portsmouth on the final day of the season, Palace’s immediate return to the WSL was confirmed.
Typically lining up in a 3-4-1-2, Palace’s attack was formed from creativity and width in midfield, while their front two combined to create quick and incisive moves in the final third. Through controlling possession and pressing aggressively they found success, often performing with a low PPDA and outperforming other clubs with goals scored outside of the box.
Ashleigh Weerden was at the heart of Palace’s attacking success, registering a WSL2-record 10 assists from 61 chances created, 44 of which came from open play. The 27-year-old also registered seven goals. Her creativity was complemented by Kirsty Howat and Abbie Larkin, who both scored eight goals last season and provided the finishing required to convert Palace’s attacking chances.
Behind the front two, Annabel Blanchard provided the link between the midfield and attack. Operating as the number 10 in Potter’s 3-4-1-2 system, Blanchard combined creativity with goalscoring threat, connecting Palace’s possession play with attacking movements in the final third. On the final day of the season, Blanchard created seven chances against Portsmouth, the joint-most in a match by any player in the WSL2 campaign.
Rather than overhauling an already productive attack, Palace have strengthened it with the signing of Bethany England, whose proven WSL goalscoring experience could provide the cutting edge needed to compete in the top flight. The striker arrives with 87 WSL goals to her name, bringing a proven record of scoring at the highest level and adding the threat required against stronger defensive units.
The addition of Lexi Lloyd-Smith further increases Potter’s attacking options. The WSL2 Golden Boot winner arrives after a standout campaign where her pace and direct running provided another threat in the final third. Her addition provides Palace with flexibility as they adapt to the increased demands of the WSL schedule.
The challenge now is whether Palace can combine the attacking identity that earned promotion, with the quality of new additions. The expanded WSL offers an opportunity for Palace to try and remain in the top flight, and with this strong attack the future looks promising for the Eagles.
