Arsenal Player Ratings & Analysis Vs Crystal Palace: A 5-Star Performance! 🔥⚽
Breaking Down Arsenal's 5-Star Performance: Who Stood Out in the 5-0 Masterclass?We break down the key performances, stats, and tactical takeaways from a statement victory.
Arsenal delivered a dominant 5-0 victory, proving once again why they are one of the WSL’s most dangerous sides. As predicted in our match preview, the Gunners overwhelmed Crystal Palace with relentless attacking play and defensive control. But who were the key players driving this statement win? Let’s break down the full player ratings, stats, and contributions.
🌟 Outstanding Performers (8.0+)
These players were the game-changers, delivering match-winning performances.
🥇 Mariona Caldentey (8.5) – The Match-Winner
⚽ 2 goals (including a coolly taken penalty)
🎯 84.7% pass completion (72/85)
⚡ 102 touches, 59 carries – Arsenal’s creative heartbeat
🛡️ 3 tackles, 2 blocks – Defensive work rate included
📊 1.04 xG (including 0.73 from the penalty)
Impact: Caldentey was simply unstoppable, dictating the tempo, scoring twice, and driving the attack forward.
🔝 Very Good Performers (7.5 - 7.9)
These players delivered high-level contributions in key areas.
🔥 Alessia Russo (8.0) – The Clinical Striker
⚽ 1 goal, 🎯 1 assist
💥 7 shots (2 on target) – Relentless attacking threat
🎯 80.0% pass completion (32/40)
📊 0.73 xG
Impact: Russo’s movement and finishing were sharp, making her a constant danger in the final third.
🛡️ Leah Williamson (7.5) – The Defensive Commander
⚽ 1 goal – Leading by example
🎯 90.5% pass completion (105/116)
📊 Team-high 123 touches – Always involved
🚀 95 carries, 780 yards progressive passing distance
🛡️ 3 aerial duels won
Impact: A true leader at the back, Williamson’s composure and ball distribution were elite.
⚡ Katie McCabe (7.5) – The Dynamic Wing-Back
🎯 1 assist
⚡ 8 crosses – Always providing width
🎯 84.3% pass completion (75/89)
🛡️ 2 interceptions
📊 0.6 xAG (expected assisted goals)
Impact: McCabe’s relentless energy and attacking delivery were key in Arsenal’s dominance.
💪 Good Performers (7.0 - 7.4)
Reliable and effective, these players were crucial to Arsenal’s success.
🧠 Kim Little (7.0) – The Midfield Controller
🎯 85.7% pass completion (66/77)
⚡ 5 key passes – Playmaking presence
🔥 2/2 successful take-ons
⚡ 79 touches in 71 minutes
Impact: Orchestrated the midfield, breaking defensive lines with precision passing.
🎯 Beth Mead (7.0) – The Finisher
⚽ 1 goal
🎯 77.5% pass completion (31/40)
⚡ 3 crosses
📊 0.14 xG
🔥 48 touches in 71 minutes
Impact: A solid return for Mead, who got on the scoresheet and provided an attacking threat.
🔒 Steph Catley (7.0) – The Defensive Anchor
🎯 92.2% pass completion (95/103) – Arsenal’s most precise passer
🛡️ 7 clearances – Defensive solidity
⚡ 83 carries, 117 touches
Impact: Calm, composed, and a key figure in defensive transitions.
🔹 Solid Performers (6.5 - 6.9)
Steady contributions, keeping Arsenal in control.
🚀 Emily Fox (6.5) – The Progressive Full-Back
🎯 89.0% pass completion (89/100)
⚡ 106 touches, 4 progressive carries
🔥 5 crosses
📊 0.26 xG
🔧 Kyra Cooney-Cross (6.5) – The Deep-Lying Playmaker
🎯 91.1% pass completion (72/79)
⚡ 90 touches – Controlled tempo
🔥 3/6 successful take-ons
💥 Frida Maanum (6.5) – The Impactful Midfielder
🎯 77.4% pass completion (24/31)
⚡ 40 touches
🔥 2 shots
⏱️ 56 minutes played
Impact: Provided stability but wasn’t as dominant as usual.
🚀 Impact Substitutes
Short but meaningful contributions.
🔄 Caitlin Foord (6.5) – 34 minutes
⚡ 2 shots on target
🎯 72.2% pass completion (13/18)
🔥 Won the penalty
🔄 Lia Wälti (6.0) – 19 minutes
🎯 96.3% pass completion (26/27)
⚡ 28 touches, 1 key pass
🔄 Rusul Rosa Kafaji (6.0) – 19 minutes
⚡ 1 shot (blocked)
🎯 63.6% pass completion (7/11)
🔄 Katie Reid (6.0) – 9 minutes
🎯 84.6% pass completion (11/13)**
🧤 Goalkeeper: Daphne van Domselaar (7.0) – The Wall
🧤 Clean sheet
🛡️ 1 save from 1 shot on target (100%)
🎯 100% pass completion (31/31)
⚡ 31 touches
📊 11.0m average defensive distance
Impact: Didn’t have much to do, but was flawless when called upon.
📊 Key Stats & Tactical Takeaways
🔥 Possession & Passing
✅ Most Touches: Williamson (123)
🎯 Best Pass Completion (min. 20 passes): Catley (92.2%)
📊 Most Passes Attempted: Williamson (116)
🚀 Progression & Creativity
⚡ Most Progressive Passes: McCabe & Caldentey (11 each)
🔥 Most Progressive Carries: McCabe & Fox (4 each)
📊 Highest Progressive Distance: Williamson (780 yards)
🛡️ Defensive Solidity
✅ Most Clearances: Catley (7)
🔥 Most Tackles: Caldentey (3)
⚡ Most Interceptions: McCabe (2)
💭 Final Thoughts: Arsenal's 5-Star Performance 🔴⚪
This was a statement win for Arsenal, with Caldentey, Russo, and Williamson leading the charge. The team’s balance between creativity, defensive strength, and attacking efficiency was near perfect.
Data Sources: Fbref, Futmob
📢 Who was your Player of the Match? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️
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