The 2019–20 season was Crystal Palace's seventh consecutive season in the Premier League (extending their longest ever spell in the top division of English football) and the 114th year in their history.[1] In this season, Palace participated in the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup. The season covered the period from 1 July 2019 to 26 July 2020 as the season was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
Season summary
August
Crystal Palace started the 2019–20 season relatively positively, with a 0–0 draw at home to Everton. The next week Palace lost 1–0 to newly promoted Sheffield United, with John Lundstram scoring the only goal early in the second half. Palace got their first two goals of the season in a shock 2–1 win at Manchester United. Jordan Ayew scored midway through the first half, with Daniel James thinking he'd rescued a point for Manchester United with his curling equaliser late on. However, Patrick van Aanholt scored past the goalkeeper at the near post winning the game for Crystal Palace in stoppage time. Palace then entered the EFL Cup in the second round, being drawn at home to League TwoColchester United. After a 0–0 draw, Palace lost the penalty shootout after Andros Townsend’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Dean Gerken. Back in the Premier League, Palace beat Aston Villa 1–0, but the game turned toxic after a decision by referee Kevin Friend to disallow a late equaliser by Henri Lansbury.
Palace started October strongly, where despite going 1–0 down to Sebastien Haller’s goal for West Ham United, a Luka Milivojević penalty levelled the game. Jordan Ayew then scored a late winner, initially ruled out for offside but given by VAR. After an international break, Palace were back at Selhurst Park against Manchester City where goals from Gabriel Jesus and David Silva downed the high-spirited Eagles. The next game was away to Arsenal, where despite going 2–0 down with goals from Sokratis and David Luiz after just 10 minutes, a stunning fightback ensued with a Luka Milivojević penalty and a header from Jordan Ayew levelled the game at 2–2. Sokratis then had a late winner disallowed by VAR due to a foul on Luka Milivojević.
Pre-season
Palace confirmed their pre-season schedule in June 2019.[2] A friendly against Barnet was also confirmed.[3]
Source: Premier League Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) If the champions, relegated teams or qualified teams for UEFA competitions cannot be determined by rules 1 to 3, rules 4.1 to 4.3 are applied – 4.1) Points gained in head to head record between such teams; 4.2) Away goals scored in head to head record between such teams; 4.3) Play-offs[4]
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 11 April, but was postponed on 13 March due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[7] and later rescheduled to 4 July.
Stadium: Selhurst Park Attendance: 0 Referee: David Coote
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 18 April, but was postponed on 3 April due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[8] and later rescheduled to 7 July.
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 27 April, but was postponed on 3 April due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[8] and later rescheduled to 12 July.
Stadium: Selhurst Park Attendance: 0 Referee: Graham Scott
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 2 May, but was postponed on 3 April due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[8] and later rescheduled to 16 July.
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 9 May, but was postponed on 3 April due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[8] and later rescheduled to 20 July.
Stadium: Selhurst Park Attendance: 0 Referee: Andre Marriner
Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played on 17 May, but was postponed on 3 April due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,[8] and later rescheduled to 26 July.
Crystal Palace entered the FA Cup in the third round, in early January 2020, along with the other 19 Premier League teams. They were drawn at home to Championship team Derby County, and lost the game by a single goal.[9]
The second round draw was made on 13 August 2019 following the conclusion of all but one first-round matches.[10] Palace were drawn at home against Colchester United, and, after a goal-less game, were knocked out in a penalty shoot-out.[11]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Ferguson's previous contract at West Bromwich Albion expired. Though he was a free agent, a tribunal will decide if a fee is necessary, due to his age
^Camarasa initially joined on loan for the whole season, but in January 2020 he joined Deportivo Alavés for the remainder of the season
