Before Sunday, Aniek Nouwen had not kicked a football in a competitive fixture for 470 days. The Dutch defender, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2023, made a dream debut for Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League (WSL). Her well-placed header opened the scoring in a crucial 3-1 win against relegation rivals Aston Villa.

A Long Road to Recovery Nouwen's journey back to the pitch was arduous. Initially expected to return within eight to 10 months, her recovery took longer than anticipated. However, her perseverance paid off as she not only returned but also made an immediate impact. 'It felt so good,' Nouwen said after the match. 'I have been waiting for this a long, long time. Scoring a goal and we get the win, it's amazing.'

A Crucial Victory The win was a significant boost for Palace, who are fighting to avoid relegation. The victory moved them to within a point of second-bottom Villa with six games remaining. Nouwen's solid defensive performance was pivotal, and her goal set the tone for the match. 'We see now we are fighting for everything - the team really came together,' she added.

Manager's Praise New Palace manager Leif Smerud was full of praise for Nouwen. 'The way she came into the game with the time she has been out tells you everything about her,' he said. 'She is a great player, calm, and strong mentally as well.' Smerud also highlighted the team's resilience and ability to handle pressure, which was evident in their performance against Villa.

Looking Ahead With key players missing due to injuries, Palace's depth was tested. Smerud named three academy players among the substitutes, showcasing the club's commitment to nurturing young talent. Despite the challenges, Palace registered seven shots on target, their highest in a league game this season. The team's next challenge is a visit to Everton, who are seven points ahead in eighth place.

Conclusion Nouwen's comeback and Palace's determined performance have reignited their survival hopes. As Smerud aptly put it, 'We have a job to do still and we are going to do it.' The Eagles' resilience and fighting spirit will be crucial in the remaining fixtures as they aim to secure their WSL status.