Crystal Palace’s academy has enjoyed some impressive moments already this season.
While the Crystal Palace first team have been struggling in the 2024/25 season, things have been better for the academy sides.
Oliver Glasner was left frustrated once again on Saturday as he watched his Eagles team draw 2-2 with relegation favourites Wolves.
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Things have been better within the academy in recent weeks though as both the U21s and U18s went unbeaten last time out.
Despite this, academy players rarely get first-team chances – however, Glasner has actually explained this decision because the current Crystal Palace situation is not ideal for youngsters to be embedded.
Crystal Palace Under 18s vs Arsenal
On Saturday, the Eagles’ U18 side took on Arsenal away from home and will feel unfortunate to have drawn the game.
An even first-half was concluded by Crystal Palace taking the lead through Sebastian Williams in the 41st minute.
The goal came after a nicely worked bit of play down the wing during a period of dominance as Williams – who was wearing the captain’s armband – headed home and put the Eagles into the lead.
The lead was not a defining one, as despite coming close early on in the second-half, Arsenal then equalised through Charlie Walker-Smith.
The rest of the game was very back-and-forth – but ultimately neither side found a lead.
The result sees the Eagles slip to 11th in the U18 Premier League south – just behind the Gunners while being level with Chelsea.
Jemiah Umolu shines for Under-21s vs Spurs
For the U21s, Friday night saw a 5-1 thrashing of Spurs take place with Jemiah Umolu the standout star from this game.
Umolu scored goals one, three and four in the game as he further solidified himself to be a standout player in the academy who should be banging on Glasner’s door.
Goals from Hindolo Mustapha and Sean Grehan rounded out the victory for the Eagles, with Tottenham only able to muster up a consolation strike.
Another winner from the game was Jesse Derry who has only recently stepped up to an U21 level and now has his first U21 assist for this season.
The U21s sit seventh in the Premier League 2 table and will be in EFL Trophy action against Peterborough on Tuesday night.
