Selhurst Park erupted in the dying moments as Jean-Philippe Mateta buried a penalty into the bottom right corner, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory for Crystal Palace over Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
The French striker, introduced as a second-half substitute by manager Oliver Glasner, turned the game on its head with a late double. His 80th-minute header leveled the score before his coolly taken spot-kick in stoppage time snatched all three points.
Newcastle had taken a surprise lead against the run of play just before halftime. William Osula pounced from close range to put Eddie Howe’s side ahead, but the advantage did little to mask their evident fragility.
The Magpies arrived in South London reeling from back-to-back defeats—a 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League and a devastating 2-1 derby setback against Sunderland last month. That sapping sequence left them visibly short of confidence, even with a one-goal cushion.
Palace, sensing the visitors’ vulnerability, pressed relentlessly after the break. Glasner’s tactical shift, bringing on Mateta, proved decisive. The talismanic forward made an immediate impact, rising to nod home the equalizer with just 10 minutes remaining.
The winner arrived in chaotic fashion. Newcastle defender Sven Botman was penalized for a clear shirt-pull on Jefferson Lerma inside the area, gifting Palace a late penalty. Mateta stepped up and dispatched it clinically, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful.
This result marks a stark reversal from last April’s meeting, when Newcastle thrashed Palace 5-0 at St James’ Park, capped by an Alexander Isak wonder-strike. Now, it’s Howe’s men who are left searching for answers after a third consecutive defeat.
For Glasner’s Eagles, the victory underscores their resilience and tactical flexibility. Mateta’s heroics off the bench highlight a squad depth that could prove crucial as the season reaches its climax.
Newcastle, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their recent form—one win in five across all competitions—raises serious questions about their mental fortitude and defensive discipline. Botman’s costly error epitomized a night where individual lapses undermined any collective effort.
With the playoff race heating up, every point matters. Palace’s late surge here not only boosts their standing but also delivers a psychological blow to a direct rival. For Mateta, it’s another statement performance in a campaign where he’s emerged as the team’s go-to game-changer.
