The most recent match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace took place on December 23, 2025, in the EFL Cup Quarter-Final, where Arsenal progressed after a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Historically, Arsenal has dominated this London rivalry, but recent encounters have seen Crystal Palace become a stubborn opponent, frequently snatching late equalizers or securing hard-fought draws at both the Emirates Stadium and Selhurst Park. As of 2026, Arsenal holds a superior head-to-head record with 16 wins in the Premier League era compared to Palace’s 3 victories, with the two sides often producing high-intensity tactical battles.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the deep-seated rivalry between the Gunners and the Eagles. You will find a detailed breakdown of historical statistics, recent form, and memorable moments like Marc Guéhi’s 95th-minute equalizer that forced the 2025 League Cup tie to penalties. Whether you are looking for practical matchday information for the upcoming May 24, 2026 clash at Selhurst Park or want to dive into tactical analysis and legendary players, this authoritative resource provides everything a fan needs to know about Arsenal vs Crystal Palace.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal and Crystal Palace have faced each other in 26 matches during the Premier League era. Out of these encounters, Arsenal has emerged victorious 14 times, while Crystal Palace has claimed 4 wins, and 8 matches have ended in draws.
In terms of all-time competitive history, the gap remains significant, with Arsenal securing over 30 wins across all competitions since their first meeting in 1934. However, the last five seasons have seen the rivalry tighten, as Palace’s defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess have often neutralized Arsenal’s creative midfield play.
Recent Match Results (2025/26)
The 2025/26 season has already featured a high-stakes meeting in the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) Quarter-Final. On December 23, 2025, Arsenal took the lead through an own goal by Maxence Lacroix in the 80th minute, only for Marc Guéhi to equalize in the 5th minute of stoppage time. Arsenal eventually won the penalty shootout 8-7, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making the decisive save.
Earlier in the Premier League campaign, on October 26, 2025, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. This result continued Mikel Arteta’s strong record against Oliver Glasner’s side, though the game was noted for Palace’s resilient defensive display that limited Arsenal to very few big chances.
Historical Rivalry and Context
While not as geographically fierce as the North London Derby, the clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace is a significant “London Derby” that pits the established elite against the resilient South London underdogs. The rivalry gained modern intensity during the late 1990s and early 2000s when Palace often fought for survival against the “Invincibles” era Gunners.
Memorable matches include Arsenal’s 5-0 win in January 2024 and Palace’s famous 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park in April 2022. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of the fixture, where home-field advantage at the raucous Selhurst Park often levels the playing field against the technically superior Arsenal side.
Tactical Evolution: Arteta vs Glasner
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has evolved into one of Europe’s most tactically flexible teams, utilizing a 4-3-3 system that emphasizes high possession (averaging nearly 70% against Palace) and quick transitions. In the recent EFL Cup tie, players like Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze (now at Arsenal) played pivotal roles in stretching the Palace defense.
Oliver Glasner has implemented a disciplined 3-4-2-1 formation at Crystal Palace, focusing on a compact middle block and rapid counter-attacks led by Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace’s tactical success against Arsenal often relies on their ability to defend set-pieces and use the physical presence of Jefferson Lerma and Marc Guéhi to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal’s Creative Hub
Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka remain the primary threats for the Gunners. Their ability to find pockets of space in the final third has been the downfall of many Palace defensive setups, though the Eagles have recently assigned specific “man-marking” roles to neutralize Saka’s influence on the wing.
Crystal Palace’s Defensive Wall
Marc Guéhi has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the league, frequently captaining the side against Arsenal. His composure and aerial ability were crucial in the December 2025 draw, and his leadership is essential for organizing the back three against Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
Financial Comparison and Squad Value
There is a substantial financial disparity between the two clubs, with Arsenal’s squad valuation exceeding £1 billion as of 2026. This financial might allows Arsenal to recruit world-class talents like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, who have added physical robustness to their technical game.
In contrast, Crystal Palace operates with a squad value of approximately ₹2,800 Cr (£260 million). Despite the lower budget, Palace has excelled in identifying young talent like Adam Wharton, whose market value has soared since his arrival, proving that smart scouting can compete with heavy spending.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Hours and Dates
The next scheduled meeting is the final matchday of the Premier League season on May 24, 2026. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT at Selhurst Park. Fans should note that “Super Sunday” fixtures are subject to broadcast changes, though final-day games usually kick off simultaneously.
Ticket Prices and Costs
- Selhurst Park (Home): Category A tickets for this fixture generally range from £50 to £95 for adults.
- Resale Market: Due to high demand, resale tickets on platforms like SeatPick currently start at $488 (£385) for the May 2026 clash.
- Hospitality: VIP and hospitality packages at Selhurst Park typically begin at $1,340 (£1,050).
How to Get to the Stadiums
- To Selhurst Park: The nearest stations are Selhurst, Thornton Heath, and Norwood Junction, all of which are within a 10-15 minute walk. Direct trains run from London Bridge and Victoria.
- To Emirates Stadium: The nearest Tube station is Arsenal (Piccadilly Line), with Finsbury Park (Victoria/Piccadilly) and Highbury & Islington (Overground/Victoria) also within walking distance.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrival Time: Arrive at least 60-90 minutes before kick-off to clear security.
- Atmosphere: Selhurst Park is known for the “Holmesdale Fanatics,” providing one of the loudest atmospheres in England. Be prepared for a high-decibel experience.
- Booking: Always use official club channels for tickets to avoid scams, as these London derbies are frequently targeted by unauthorized resellers.
Seasonal and Timely Context (May 2026)
The May 24, 2026, fixture is the final game of the Premier League season. For Arsenal, this could be a title-deciding match, as they are currently in a neck-and-neck race with Manchester City and Liverpool. For Crystal Palace, it may serve as a critical game for European qualification or securing their mid-table status.
The final day of the season always brings a unique “carnival” atmosphere, with fans celebrating the year’s achievements. If Arsenal is in contention for the trophy, expect a massive police presence and a global television audience for this specific London derby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Arsenal vs Crystal Palace match?
The next match is scheduled for the final day of the Premier League season, May 24, 2026, at Selhurst Park.
What was the score of the last Arsenal vs Palace game?
The last game (Dec 23, 2025) ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Arsenal winning 8-7 on penalties in the EFL Cup Quarter-Final.
Where can I buy tickets for the match?
Tickets are best purchased through the official Arsenal or Crystal Palace websites. For sold-out games, authorized resale platforms like SeatPick are an alternative.
Who has won more matches, Arsenal or Palace?
Arsenal has won significantly more matches, with 16 Premier League wins compared to Crystal Palace’s 3 wins.
How much are hospitality tickets for this game?
Hospitality tickets for the May 2026 game at Selhurst Park start at approximately $1,340.
What is the capacity of Selhurst Park?
Selhurst Park has a capacity of 25,486 seats, making it one of the more intimate venues in the Premier League.
Is the Emirates Stadium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Emirates Stadium is fully wheelchair accessible with designated parking, entrances, and restrooms.
Which stations are closest to the Emirates Stadium?
The closest station is Arsenal on the Piccadilly Line, followed by Finsbury Park and Highbury & Islington.
Who scored for Palace in their last game against Arsenal?
Marc Guéhi scored a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer in the EFL Cup match on December 23, 2025.
Does Arsenal have a rivalry with Crystal Palace?
It is considered a London Derby, and while not as intense as the rivalry with Tottenham, it is highly competitive due to the proximity of the clubs.
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between Arsenal and Crystal Palace has evolved from a predictable top-flight encounter into one of the Premier League’s most tactically dense London derbies. While Arsenal continues to hold a dominant historical advantage—boasting 16 wins in the Premier League era compared to Palace’s 3—the events of the 2025/26 season have proven that the gap is narrowing on the pitch. The dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout in the EFL Cup Quarter-Final on December 23, 2025, serves as a testament to Palace’s “never say die” attitude under Oliver Glasner, even against an Arsenal side surging toward its first league title in over two decades.
As we look toward the final day of the season on May 24, 2026, this fixture carries immense weight. For Arsenal, it may represent the final hurdle in a historic title charge under Mikel Arteta. For Crystal Palace, a result at Selhurst Park would solidify their status as the ultimate “giant-killers” of South London. This matchup remains a quintessential example of English football: a clash of financial power versus scouting-led resilience, played out in the high-pressure cauldron of a London derby.
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