"We knew it was going to be not so much our chance to work on the offensive principles against Chelsea," Smerud said. "I think we've improved from the first half, to the second half against Liverpool.
"It's the most difficult thing in football to sort of break through and create the chances and the goals.
"Now we have a little bit more time to do it and also some interesting players. I look forward to trying and see if we can create more problems for Villa."
Of the seven remaining rounds of the WSL, Palace play four games at home. And Smerud is looking to make the VBS Community Stadium a fortress for the rest of the campaign, maximising the vibrant home support.
"It's important. I think it should be an advantage to play at home and we hope to make it one," he added. "We know the points taken away from some of the other teams, so I don't think they like to play away from home.
"We need to build on this being our home ground and I look forward to that. We have taken steps and conceded fewer goals and I think it's now time to add a new layer and we'll try to do it.
"I prefer to play at home. We have some great supporters as well, so I'm really looking forward to that."
**Tickets for Sunday's clash against Aston Villa are still available,** [](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/573?position=2)[and you can get them here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=5.%20Events)