‘We can do it’ – Aniek Nouwen on Crystal Palace’s WSL relegation battle after dream return

It has not been an easy start to life at Palace for Norwegian tactician Smerud, who will be relieved to have opened his win account in the crunch meeting.

“We knew it was going to be a game with a lot of pressure going into it and I’m impressed by how we handled that pressure,” he added.

“I love these games but I knew the players were going to be a bit nervous and I think we handled it really well. To come out of it after a big fight, especially in the second half, is fantastic. We are ready to go again soon.”

Smerud has not only made their defence organised but improved their attacking output – all while handling a growing list of injuries.

Among the seven substitutes named by Smerud against Villa were three academy players – Tecla Ezeh, Hope Thompson and Rosie Rowe – featuring in the first-team squad for the very first time.

Still, their seven shots on target on Sunday were the most they had registered in a league game this season, as Weerden, Stengel and Clarissa Larisey all contributed up front.

“In football you have to work with the reality, that is why it’s difficult sometimes. We had very few players available this week,” Smerud said.

“It’s about working together, no matter how difficult it is. You need to stick together and our group did that.”

The Eagles will next visit Everton, in eighth place and seven points ahead, on Saturday.

Smerud added: “We will celebrate this win because it is really deserved and it’s important to celebrate. But from tomorrow, we prepare Everton, we recover and we continue doing what we are doing.

“We have a job to do still and we are going to do it.”