Henderson: Our goals for the season haven’t changed

First-team

4 hours ago

Dean Henderson reiterated that spirits remain high within the Crystal Palace dressing room, as the Eagles travel to Nottingham Forest this afternoon seeking a first win of the calendar year.

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The Eagles’ captain recognised that recent results have not matched Palace’s impressive opening to the season.

But – with 15 Premier League matches still to come, and the UEFA Conference League trophy still to play for – Henderson knows there is plenty of 2025/26 left in which to turn fortunes around.

Speaking ahead of his return to former club Forest, the goalkeeper told Sky Sports: “I think it's all about, at these moments, you staying together.

“Unfortunately, times like these happen throughout a season. We got off to a really good start. We were flying, we were fighting with the big dogs at the top of the league, and obviously that brings excitement. Unfortunately, we’ve had a disappointing run.

“Now we've got the energy back, and we're looking forward to going into the next round of fixtures.”

Quote Icons

Everything is an emotional rollercoaster, and you can never be too high and you can never be too low
—Dean Henderson

On his and his teammates’ target for the rest of the season, Henderson added: “We’re under no illusions – from now until the end of the season, we could probably make it Palace's most successful season.

“We've got a European trophy that we're going to fight for and go to the death on, and our aim is to get the most points in Crystal Palace history in the Premier League [surpassing last season’s 53].

“That hasn't changed just because of a few bad fixtures, and a few… I wouldn't even say ‘poor’ performances. We've been in games – so I don't think it’s any time to worry or panic.

“You take the rough with the smooth. Everything is an emotional rollercoaster, and you can never be too high and you can never be too low. You’ve just got to stay smooth, and keep pushing and fighting in the right direction, and get that first win really.

“Then, obviously, that builds momentum. That's what we're looking to do.”

Henderson’s belief is founded on the lessons learned from last season, which started with a challenging run of results – but culminated in a record Premier League points tally and victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

He added: “You look back over the last 12 months, it's been magical, it's been incredible. To do what we have done is fantastic, and obviously it gives you that taste – you want more.

“After the FA Cup we won the Community Shield, and then, you want a European cup. That's what we're all working towards, but obviously you can't lose sight of your bread and butter, which is the Premier League.

“I remember when we were going into the FA Cup semi-final last season, we got smashed by Newcastle and smashed by Man City within the space of three days.

“We were lower than a snake's belly, but we stuck together as a group, we came back – and we made it the best season in Crystal Palace history. That's what we're aiming to do now.”

Match Details

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace

Sunday, 1st February
14:00 GMT
Premier League
City Ground
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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