Chelsea U18

English U18 Premier League Cup

Crystal Palace

Premier League

Leeds United

Elland Road

Tottenham Hotspur

Selhurst Park

Fulham

Crystal Palace U18

Possession

Total shots

Shots on target

Corners

Passes completed

Free kicks

Offsides

Successful passes

Duels won

Crosses

Touches

Tackles

It was good to bounce back from the West Ham game

Reflecting on the performance, Oduro emphasised that the display was no accident: “I thought the team played really well today. We pressed them really well and we started really well with David \[Angibeaud\] getting his first chance and scoring, and then Makai scored as well.

“I think we maintained it throughout the whole game. We were on top of them the whole game and I'm really happy that I scored.”

“I’m happy for Donte \[Martin\] as well – he scored – so I'm happy with the team. I thought we played really well, and it was good to bounce back from the West Ham game, so I'm happy.”

Oduro added Palace’s third just a minute after the restart. Talking through the goal, he explained: “It felt really good because me and Chuks \[Okoli\] have been working on that pass. I told Chuks to always try and play between the right-back and the centre-back. I made the movement and he did it – we’ve been working on it and I’m happy it came off.

“I thought I’d just make sure I stayed composed: take a touch and then shoot with my left foot. When it went in, I was really happy – and when everyone came and did my celebration, I was really happy too. That was a good moment.”

The goal marks Oduro’s eighth in 13 games this season. On his impressive form, he said: “My mindset has just been performance – focus on performance. I know the goals will come, so I just want to keep on performing, keep on scoring really, and help the team win.”

Under-18s forward Stuart Oduro gave his thoughts on the statement 4–0 victory over Chelsea and his excellent form so far this season.

Oduro: We were on top of Chelsea the whole game

Crystal Palace U18 v Chelsea U18 (2025-11-22)

Progressing is really important because it’s integral to the mentality of the players

“I'm delighted with the performance of the team,” said Alonso. “I'm buzzing because the team played really well in all phases – with the ball, without the ball, on set pieces. A clean sheet, three points, and through to the next round.

“I’m really happy with the performance because they gave everything, and I think it was a really good game.”

The win sees Palace finish top of their group, level on seven points with Manchester City but boasting a superior goal difference.

“Progressing is really important because it’s integral to the mentality of the players,” Alonso continued. “They must always try to give their best – to go through, to improve on the pitch, to improve in games.

“It’s important for the club as well. I think we deserve it. It was a really tough group: Chelsea, Manchester City, Sheffield United. I’m delighted with the team’s performance and to go through to the next round.”

David Angibeaud opened the scoring, netting his fourth goal in five games. Alonso praised the in-form striker: “He’s in a good place now. He’s more confident. He needs to continue like this – pressing, giving his best.

“It’s not just about the goal; it’s about his pressing, his touches, everything. I have a good feeling with him now. Yes, goals are important, but he’s playing really well for the team –helping, holding the ball, working with and without it.”

The match also carried extra significance as the side kept their first clean sheet since facing Fulham.

“The clean sheet is really important – especially today, because we depended on City’s result. We needed a clean sheet to go through,” Alonso explained. “But it’s always important for the defenders.

“It’s not just about the goalkeeper or the defenders; it’s about the whole team defending well. We tried to defend with a high block, and I think it worked. Yes, it was good.”

We caught up with under-18s head coach Javier Alonso following the young Eagles’ stunning 4–0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday (22nd November) at the Crystal Palace Academy – a result that secured our progression to the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup.

Alonso: I'm buzzing because the team played really well in all phases

### Summary:

- Javier Alonso makes three changes, which includes the return of skipper Jasper Judd. 
- 10: Possession is evenly matched with both sides probing.
- 12: Makai Bernard-Ferguson is clear away on goal, but an excellent recovery challenge stops the forward in his tracks.
- 19: Plenty of promising signs for Palace as Chelsea survive set-piece barrage after set-piece barrage.
- 23 – GOAL: David Angibeaud opens the scoring after capitalising on a stray pass.
- 43 – GOAL: Bernard-Ferguson doubles our lead after a wonderful steered finish that looped over the 'keeper.
- HT: Palace 2-0 Chelsea
- 46: Stuart Oduro makes it three by drilling a shot into the far corner.
- 60: Bernard-Ferguson drifts inside and whips a strike inches wide of the far post. 
- 82: Substitute Mylo Bernard forces the 'keeper into a diving save one-on-one.
- 89 – GOAL: Donte Martin lashes the ball home for four!
- FT: Palace 4-0 Chelsea
- Palace progress through to the knockout stages.

Angibeaud capitalised on a defensive error to open the scoring, before Bernard-Ferguson’s looping finish doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. Oduro made it three early in the second half after a flowing team move, and Donte Martin rounded off the win in the closing stages. 

Palace knew exactly what was at stake heading into the final round of Group D in the Premier League Cup.

Sitting on four points and boasting a superior goal difference over fellow table-toppers Manchester City – following a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Citizens and a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United – it was essentially a must-win clash, with only the group winner advancing to the knockout stages.

Palace needed to match or better City’s result, who were taking on Sheffield at the same time, to secure top spot.

Opponents Chelsea, by contrast, came into the fixture on a solitary point alongside Sheffield, meaning they were only realistic contenders if they could beat Palace and City slipped up. The Blues arrived unbeaten in the league, sitting fourth with 15 points and just seven goals conceded, carrying the pedigree of 2021/22 Premier League Cup winners.

Javier Alonso made three changes to the side that fell to a narrow 3–2 defeat against West Ham in the league before the international break.

Marcus Hill came in for Harry Whitworth in goal, while captain Jasper Judd returned to the XI, replacing Josh Muwana at wide defender. Up front, U16 striker Mylo Bernard dropped to the bench, with newly signed professional Donte Martin stepping into the forward line.

On the bench, U16 centre-back Dylan Monk, Oladotun Lamidi, and Seb Bonsu-Amako made way for Khyan Frazer-Williams, Daniel Owoade, and Raihaan Anderson.

In overcast, freezing conditions, Palace began by probing the Chelsea backline. The young Eagles applied early pressure through a series of set pieces, blocked shots, and lofted passes in behind.

Approaching the ten-minute mark, possession remained evenly balanced, with both sides looking to break lines. A vital sliding challenge from Charlie Walker-Smith, however, snuffed out a dangerous pull-back that would have teed up the onrushing attacker for a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Moments later, the momentum swung firmly in Palace’s favour. Makai Bernard-Ferguson was sent clean through on goal, only for an excellent recovery tackle to halt him at the decisive moment.

The hosts continued to apply considerable pressure. Walker-Smith’s long throws and Jasper Judd’s energy and endeavour forced Chelsea to withstand a succession of set-piece barrages that produced pinball-like scrambles in the box.

The ‘keeper was called into action several times – most frequently when Palace forced turnovers and delivered another dangerous ball into the area, prompting sharp punches clear under pressure.

As the rain began to pour on 20 minutes, Palace were in the ascendancy, though the visitors had offered the occasional warning sign when breaking at pace.

Midway through the half, Palace took a deserved lead through David Angibeaud, who netted his fourth goal in five games.

Chelsea’s commitment to playing out from the back proved costly as Angibeaud pounced on a loose pass across the defensive line just outside the penalty area. He took a touch to steady himself before rifling home superbly from close range.

Naturally, the pendulum swung as Chelsea looked eager to issue an immediate reply; however, a pair of impressive sliding challenges from Chuks Okoli ensured their attacks came to nothing. It didn’t take long for us to reassert control, and soon we were once again pouring on the attacking pressure.

Chelsea had been slow and deliberate in their build-up, while Palace remained by far the better side.

The advantage was doubled on the stroke of half-time. Jacob Fasida launched a floated delivery into the penalty area, prompting the ‘keeper to rush out, but a defender rose highest to head clear. The clearance fell kindly to Bernard-Ferguson, lingering in the left channel, and he produced a wonderfully steered finish that looped over the backtracking ‘keeper.

It was a dream start to the second half for Palace, as Stuart Oduro made it three just one minute after the restart. It was a wonderful move, building from defence to attack through slick one-touch passing. 

The ball eventually found Okoli, who picked out Oduro in space to the left of the penalty area. He took a touch to steady himself before drilling the ball into the far corner for his eighth goal of the 25/26 campaign.

The young Eagles continued to push for more. Angibeaud saw several efforts blocked before they could develop, and Bernard-Ferguson came close to securing a brace when he drifted inside and whipped a strike inches wide of the far post. At the other end, Alonso’s side survived a brief spell of sustained Chelsea pressure.

Approaching the 70-minute mark, the Blues had made a flurry of substitutions in an attempt to spark a heroic comeback. But Palace were cruising – Chelsea were getting forward and working the ball into promising areas, yet nothing truly troubled Hill, who remained untested throughout the second half up to that point.

Entering the final third of the match, Oduro was teed up down the left flank and drilled a low, hard ball across the area towards Angibeaud. The striker, however, miscued the close-range effort as Palace edged agonisingly close to finding a fourth.

Alonso introduced Bernard and Frazer-Williams with ten minutes to play, and the latter made an immediate impact. Walker-Smith’s risky line-breaking pass sparked a sharp give-and-go between Danaher and Okoli, before Danaher threaded a pass through to Bernard. The forward forced the 'keeper into a strong diving save in their one-on-one duel.

In the meantime, confirmation filtered through that City had turned their game around to lead Sheffield United 2–1 – still not enough of a goal difference swing to cause any panic.

The game was put beyond doubt in the dying embers. Judd drove forward down the right channel and floated a deep cross towards the back post. Bernard arrowed it back across the face of goal; the clearance fell only as far as Donte Martin, who lashed it home to seal the victory.

The result means Palace finish top of Group D, level on seven points with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference – six to City’s four. As a result, we progress to the knockout stages, with further details to be announced in due course.

**Palace:** Hill, Judd © (Owoade, 90'), Fasida, Walker-Smith, Somade, Okoli, Oduro (Frazer-Williams, 78'), Danaher, Angibeaud (Anderson, 90'), Martin, Bernard-Ferguson (Bernard, 78').

Subs not used: Mason.

**Chelsea:** Bernal, Ebho, Henry, Waite (Diakite, 59'), McGlinchey, Holland (Eboue, 59'), Atherton, da Silva, Greenwood, Rabbaj (Idrissi-Regragui, 59'), Gordon (Vidal-Philbert, 59').

Subs not used: Grimwade.

Crystal Palace Under-18s secured an impressive 4–0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday (22nd November) at the Crystal Palace Academy, booking their place in the Premier League Cup knockout stages.

U18s Report & Highlights: Stunning display books place in PL Cup knockouts

*This game will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (11:00 BST) **-** [**click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)*

### Group Permutations 

Only the group winner progresses to the quarter-finals, and Palace go into tomorrow’s clash with a vital advantage – four points and a superior goal difference (+2) over fellow table-toppers Manchester City (+1).

A win over Chelsea would almost certainly see the young Eagles top the group, though City could still overtake them if they win by a big enough margin. To be safe, Palace need to match or better City’s result, ensuring their goal difference remains superior, should both teams be victorious.

A draw keeps Palace ahead of Chelsea and Sheffield United (both on one point apiece) but leaves them vulnerable if City win. A defeat would require City to also lose, while Chelsea or Sheffield would need to avoid winning by enough to surpass Palace's, and City's for that matter, goal difference.

Essentially, tomorrow is a must-win for Palace to keep control of their fate and secure progression to the knockout stages.

### Eagle-Eyed Review

As the November international break ends, Javier Alonso’s U18s return with momentum and purpose.

Palace sit top of both the U18 Premier League and Premier League Cup Group D – holding the advantage over Manchester City on goal difference – after a strong start under the Spaniard, who arrived from Atlético Madrid in August.

The Premier League Cup campaign opened with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester City, a superb first half saw Palace race into a 3-0 lead, before City fought back after the break to share the points.

The young Eagles responded however, securing a comfortable 3-1 win away at Sheffield United in tough Storm Amy conditions. Makai Bernard-Ferguson, Chuks Okoli and Benji Casey – finishing from a Jasper Judd corner – ensured Palace took control of Group D.

Alonso’s first five matches in charge included two emphatic 8–0 victories (Birmingham, Ipswich), a statement win against Tottenham, a gritty draw with City and a narrow defeat to Chelsea  – one the squad are eager to put right this weekend.

After a brief setback at Aston Villa, Palace regained rhythm with Premier League Cup victory over Sheffield United and a strong display against Fulham. A chaotic afternoon at Brighton brought four red cards, but the response was outstanding – a top-of-the-table win over Leicester opened a four-point lead at the summit.

A late 3-2 loss to West Ham before the international break stung, yet Palace’s numbers this season remain exceptional. Benji Casey leads the line with 11 goals and three assists – including two hat-tricks – while Palace’s 34 league goals are the highest in the division.

At home, the U18s have been flawless: maximum points, 20 goals scored and a fortress-like intensity that has defined their early campaign. Away form remains more mixed, but the overall trajectory is unmistakably upward.

### Chelsea U18s

Chelsea enter the fixture in a contrasting Premier League Cup position – third in Group D with just a solitary point, level with Sheffield United and behind the leading pair of Palace and Manchester City.

Their opener, a 3-3 draw against Sheffield United, was rescued by Sol Gordon’s stoppage-time penalty completing his hat-trick. A lively second outing saw a first-half brace from Chizaram Ezenwata, but Manchester City overturned the lead to claim victory.

In the league, however, Chelsea remain unbeaten and sit fourth with 15 points, underpinned by a strong defensive record – just seven goals conceded. Their season has featured a mix of high-scoring wins and hard-earned draws, a 4-2 victory over Palace earlier in the campaign, a 6-1 win against Aston Villa, a resilient point at Arsenal and a commanding 4-0 success over Brighton. Performances from Ezenwata and the emergence of Jashayde Greenwood have kept their forward line dangerous.

Chelsea’s academy pedigree remains formidable. They are nine-time UEFA Youth Cup winners – including a treble between 2015–18 – and have lifted the U18 Premier League twice and the Premier League Cup as recently as 2021/22.

*See Jashayde Greenwood score his first goal for the Blues U18s in the London derby against Spurs, below!*

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### Likely line-up

**Chelsea (4-3-3):** Hudson Sands; Lewi Richards, Dante Waite ©, Calvin Diakite, Harry McGlinchey; Reggie Watson, Charlie Holland, Mathis Eboue; Ibrahim Rabbaj, Sol Gordon, Chris Atherton.

### Team News

Chelsea newcomer Riley Ebho impressed off the bench against Norwich, adding pace and energy as the Blues pushed late for a winner. His performance, subsequently, could see him in contention to start proceedings.

### Pre-match Analysis

Chelsea remain unbeaten in the U18 Premier League South and boast the division’s best defensive record. With 21 goals scored, they carry threat – but Palace’s attacking power and Cup-leading form set up a compelling contest.

Victory would strengthen Alonso’s position at the top of Group D and move the young Eagles a step closer to knockout qualification.

### Key Player

Chizaram Ezenwata continues to be Chelsea’s standout attacking talent. Sharp, clinical and composed, he has carried his prolific form from last season – when he finished as their top scorer and debuted for the U21s – into the current campaign. With seven goals and an assist so far and regular involvement for England U18s, he remains Chelsea’s most immediate danger.

### The Gaffer

Hassan Sulaiman, part of Chelsea’s academy setup since 2008, took charge of the U18s in March 2023 after progressing through several age-group coaching roles. Highly respected within the club, he has continued their tradition of technical, front-foot youth development.

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace U18s v Chelsea U18s** 

- Saturday, 22nd November
- 11:00 GMT
- U18 Premier League Cup
- Crystal Palace Academy
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

Our under-18s will be aiming to return to winning ways as they host Chelsea in the final round of Group D fixtures in the Premier League Cup on Thursday (November 22nd, 11:00 GMT) at the Crystal Palace Academy - get the full lowdown below!

U18s preview: Palace v Chelsea

*Our game with Chelsea will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (11:00 GMT) **-** [**click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)*

We’ve had some big results and beaten some very good teams

Sitting top of both the U18 Premier League South and Premier League Cup Group D, Judd reflected positively on the side’s impressive start:

“I think we've started really well. There have been a couple of losses and draws, but the wins have been really strong. We’ve had some big results and beaten some very good teams.”

Now a few months into Javier Alonso’s tenure as U18s head coach, Judd was full of admiration for the Spaniard’s influence:

“I think he's really good. I really agree with his philosophies – the way he wants us to play attacking football, but also how defensively minded he is. Keeping clean sheets is important to him, and that suits my style. The team are adapting really well.”

Wearing the armband is a responsibility he embraces:

“I enjoy being captain. I’ve captained sides from a young age, and I like the responsibility. I just try to work hard and lead by example.”

Though a defensive organiser first and foremost, Judd has become an attacking asset too, with his inswinging corners and threat from range proving a valuable number of goals so far this campaign:

“I enjoy both sides of the game. Clean sheets matter to me, but getting forward and taking set pieces is something I like as well. It’s a good responsibility to have.”

Judd described his recent U21s debut in the 2-2 draw with Stoke as a major milestone: “It was really positive for me – hopefully there are more games to come.”

Finally, he stressed the value of the international break for the group:

“It gives everyone a breather from the league, but we’re still working hard. It’s a chance to work on things in more detail. During a normal week you’re focused on match prep, but during the break you can really develop different parts of the game. So yeah, it’s good.”

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace U18s v Chelsea U18s**

- Saturday, 22nd November
- 11:00 GMT
- U18 Premier League Cup
- Crystal Palace Academy
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

We caught up with Under-18s captain Jasper Judd as the November international break draws to a close and Palace prepare for a Premier League Cup clash with Chelsea on Saturday (22nd November, 11:00 GMT).

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Substitution

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Yellow Card

Yellow Card

Lineups

Stats

Scores

Table

Starting lineup

Substitutes

Starting lineup

Substitutes

Team stats

Top performing palace players

No data found

Crystal Palace U18 4 Chelsea U18 0

English U18 Premier League CupCrystal Palace Training Ground

Match Blog

Yellow Card

Substitution

Substitution

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Substitution

Substitution

Substitution

Substitution

Substitution

Substitution

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Crystal Palace U18 Goal!

Yellow Card

Yellow Card

Starting lineup

Substitutes

Starting lineup

Substitutes

Team stats

Top performing palace players

No data found