It's been another rollercoaster year for Crystal Palace's first-team, capped by yesterday's 3-1 win over Brentford – and you can check out the highlights below...
Is there anything better than a late goal? Limbs in the stands, pints up in the air, spilled cups of tea at home... it’s all good stuff.
Palace netted a fair few in 2023, from the less familiar (Joel Ward at Craven Cottage), to the ones that gave us hope (Jordan Ayew's half-volley against Tottenham), to the more dramatic (Michael Olise’s stunning free-kick against Manchester United, which won Premier League Goal of the Month, club Goal of the Season, and secured a 1-1 draw).
If you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing brace, it'll be hard to beat Ebere Eze's against Bournemouth in May.
Although our recent meeting at Selhurst Park did not go to plan, the story was different seven months ago when the England international netted from both a fine team move and an individual flash of brilliance.
Our favourite, though? There can only be one winner: Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 94th minute goal against Leicester City, in Roy Hodgson’s first game back in charge.
Boom.
The way Palace are going, there will be a fairly terse reaction when they next head to Manchester.
Having earned a famous few victories against both Manchester United and Manchester City, the Eagles returned this year for more.
At Old Trafford, Joachim Andersen sliced through the torrential rain to guide the ball goalwards and take three points back to south London, clean sheet and all.
At the Etihad, the Eagles put their early struggles behind them and came roaring back from two goals down, with Michael Olise’s 95th minute penalty sparking delirium in the away end.
These boys don’t read the script.
It's a hard task to name Palace's best match of 2023, with thrillers against Wolves, City and Brentford this side of the summer break alone.
But for our favourite matches of the calendar year, we look back fondly on April – the aforementioned win over Leicester, followed by this sensational demolition of Leeds United at Elland Road...
Our personal favourite match? For sheer entertainment value alone: take it away, Crystal Palace vs West Ham United...
There were, as is inevitable, some farewells in 2023.
Wilfried Zaha, his status as one of the greatest ever cemented, departed for Galatasaray and Champions League football, leaving behind him a legacy of wonderful goals and treasured memories.
His mural near Selhurst Park will ensure future generations are inspired for years to come.
Meanwhile, Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur departed after making 198 and 253 appearances respectively.
The former was captain for more than five years, the latter a leader in the dressing room for just as long.
The readiness with which their teammates, managers and former colleagues paid them tribute just demonstrated how highly they were regarded in south London.
As well as the arrivals of Naouirou Ahamada, Jefferson Lerma, Matheus França, Dean Henderson and Rob Holding in 2023, even more top talents put pen-to-paper on new deals at Palace.
Amidst press speculation, new contracts for Michael Olise and Ebere Eze saw last season's most prolific attacking threats commit their long-term futures to the club.
Add to that renewals for the likes of England international Sam Johnstone and the wonderfully in-form Jordan Ayew, and we've plenty to look forward to in the months and years ahead.
Palace’s Under-21s and Under-18s sides are consistently establishing themselves as some of the best in the country - and in the continent - this season. For more, read their 2023 wrapped HERE.
We’re focused on the men's first-team here, however, where history has been made.
At just 17-years-old, David Ozoh became Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he came on against Newcastle United in January, and he has since cemented his place in the Eagles' senior squad.
Joe Whitworth, meanwhile, fulfilled the dream of every fan by making his debut against none other than Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League ‘keeper in the process.
There have been places in the matchday squad for Tayo Adaramola, Ademola Ola-Adebomi, Jadan Raymond and more, while Jes Rak-Sakyi was making strides in the first-team before his recent injury.
If they need a reminder of where they can get to?
Tyrick Mitchell became the club’s youngest player to reach 100 Premier League appearances this year, and is a full England international.
The future is bright.
