Crystal Palace's first game in the WSL was a tough one, there's no denying that. Palace conceded four goals away to a Spurs side with a fire in their belly, and even saw one of their players pick up a red card in the process.
However, we're in the business of optimism at Fantasy WSL, and while the club's first WSL match may not have been all sunshine and rainbows, there were certainly key learnings to take away from the game for fantasy managers looking to bring Palace players into their squad.
So, without further ado, here are three things we learned from Crystal Palace's first game in the WSL.
1. You're going to want Shae Yañez on your squad
If you're someone who plays it safe in Fantasy WSL, bringing in a goalie from a bottom-ranked side is probably not part of your strategy. But Yañez is proof that playing it safe doesn't always pay off, as she racked up six points in GW1 despite the scoreline. It's worth noting this wasn't just for saves made – she also earned a Bonus Point. At 0.98% ownership, she's also a great Visionary pick.
2. There are some strong contenders for Bonus Points
Crystal Palace like to play long, progressive passes, as well as take on the opposition frequently. In fact, their medium pass success rate was the highest of all teams in the league last weekend. Combining their defensive actions and progressive plays means that, given a kinder fixture, having a Palace player on your squad could help your Bonus Points haul.
3. Palace aren't giving up without a fight
From Brooke Aspin's red card to the last ditch defending, and multiple take ons, Crystal Palace may have lost their first match, but they certainly didn't give up easily. Despite the scoreline, Palace matched their rivals on passing accuracy and took their shots on goal when they could. It's going to be tough for them facing last year's winners Chelsea this weekend, but if they can show the same amount of grit, we could well be in for a treat.
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