40 Facts About West Ham Vs. Crystal Palace

The Rivalry Begins

West Ham United and Crystal Palace have a storied history. Their matches are always thrilling, filled with drama and excitement. Here are some fascinating facts about this rivalry.

1. West Ham United was founded in 1895, originally known as Thames Ironworks FC.
2. Crystal Palace was established in 1905, making it ten years younger than West Ham.
3. The first match between West Ham and Crystal Palace took place on September 2, 1922.
4. West Ham won that inaugural match 2-1, setting the tone for future encounters.
5. Both clubs have experienced relegation and promotion, adding to the intensity of their clashes.

Memorable Matches

Some games between these two teams have become legendary. Let's look at a few unforgettable moments.

6. In 1971, West Ham defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 in a dominant display.
7. Crystal Palace secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham in 2014, with Dwight Gayle scoring the winning goal.
8. The 2019 match saw a thrilling 2-1 win for Crystal Palace, with Jordan Ayew scoring a late winner.
9. A 3-3 draw in 2020 featured a stunning comeback by West Ham, who were down 3-0 at halftime.
10. In 2021, West Ham triumphed 3-2 in a closely contested match, with Michail Antonio scoring twice.

Star Players

Both clubs have been home to some incredible talent over the years. Here are a few standout players.

11. Bobby Moore, a West Ham legend, captained England to World Cup glory in 1966.
12. Crystal Palace's Ian Wright went on to become an Arsenal legend and England international.
13. Paolo Di Canio, known for his flair and passion, became a West Ham icon in the late 1990s.
14. Wilfried Zaha, a Crystal Palace academy product, has dazzled fans with his skill and speed.
15. Mark Noble, a one-club man, has been a loyal servant to West Ham for over a decade.

Managerial Battles

The managers of these clubs have played crucial roles in shaping their fortunes. Let's explore some key figures.

16. Ron Greenwood managed West Ham from 1961 to 1974, leading them to FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup victories.
17. Steve Coppell had multiple stints as Crystal Palace manager, guiding them to their highest-ever league finish in 1991.
18. Harry Redknapp, known for his wheeling and dealing, managed West Ham from 1994 to 2001.
19. Alan Pardew managed both clubs, leading West Ham to an FA Cup final in 2006 and Crystal Palace to an FA Cup final in 2016.
20. David Moyes has revitalized West Ham since returning in 2019, steering them to European qualification.

Fan Culture

The fans of West Ham and Crystal Palace are passionate and dedicated. Their support adds to the atmosphere of every match.

21. West Ham fans are known for their anthem "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," sung before every home game.
22. Crystal Palace supporters are famous for their vibrant Holmesdale Fanatics, who create a lively atmosphere at Selhurst Park.
23. The rivalry between the two sets of fans is friendly but fierce, with plenty of banter exchanged.
24. Both clubs have strong local followings, with West Ham based in East London and Crystal Palace in South London.
25. The fans' loyalty is unwavering, even during tough times on the pitch.

Stadiums and Venues

The venues where these teams play have their own unique histories and characteristics.

26. West Ham's original home, the Boleyn Ground, was their base from 1904 to 2016.
27. Crystal Palace has played at Selhurst Park since 1924, making it one of the oldest stadiums in English football.
28. West Ham moved to the London Stadium in 2016, a venue built for the 2012 Olympics.
29. Selhurst Park has a capacity of around 25,000, creating an intimate and intense atmosphere.
30. The London Stadium can hold over 60,000 fans, making it one of the largest in the Premier League.

Records and Achievements

Both clubs have their share of records and achievements that highlight their rich histories.

31. West Ham won the FA Cup three times, in 1964, 1975, and 1980.
32. Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final twice, in 1990 and 2016, but lost both times.
33. West Ham's highest league finish was third place in the old First Division in 1986.
34. Crystal Palace's best league finish was third place in the Premier League in 1991.
35. West Ham's biggest win over Crystal Palace was a 6-1 victory in 1997.

Modern-Day Encounters

Recent matches between West Ham and Crystal Palace continue to captivate fans. Here are some highlights from the modern era.

36. In 2020, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze scored a stunning solo goal against West Ham.
37. West Ham's Tomas Soucek has been a key player in recent encounters, known for his aerial prowess.
38. Crystal Palace's Vicente Guaita has made crucial saves to keep his team in matches against West Ham.
39. West Ham's Declan Rice, a rising star, has impressed with his midfield performances.
40. The rivalry remains as fierce as ever, with both teams striving for success in the Premier League.

The Final Whistle

West Ham vs. Crystal Palace isn't just another match; it's a clash filled with history, passion, and unforgettable moments. From thrilling goals to dramatic saves, every game adds another chapter to their storied rivalry. Fans from both sides eagerly await these encounters, knowing they’ll witness something special. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the excitement is contagious.

Remember, the next time these teams meet, you'll be watching more than just a game. You'll be part of a legacy that continues to grow with each match. So, grab your scarf, cheer for your team, and enjoy the beautiful game. Football isn't just about the score; it's about the memories, the camaraderie, and the love for the sport. Here's to many more epic battles between West Ham and Crystal Palace!