Selhurst Park erupted in the dying moments as Jean-Philippe Mateta buried a penalty into the bottom right corner, sealing a stunning 2-1 comeback victory for Crystal Palace over Newcastle United. The French striker, introduced off the bench in the second half, turned the game on its head with a late double, handing Eddie Howe’s side a third consecutive defeat.
Rewind to last April, and Newcastle were the ones dishing out the punishment. They hammered five goals past Oliver Glasner’s Palace at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak capping off the rout. Fast forward to this clash, and the script flipped completely. Newcastle arrived at Selhurst Park reeling from back-to-back losses to Barcelona and, more damagingly, Sunderland last month. That lack of confidence was palpable even after they snatched an unlikely lead.
William Osula broke the deadlock just before halftime, slotting home from close range against the run of play. It put Newcastle in front, but never in control. Howe’s men looked shaky, hesitant, and devoid of the swagger that defined their earlier triumphs. Palace, sensing vulnerability, ramped up the pressure after the break.
Glasner’s masterstroke was unleashing Mateta from the bench. The talismanic forward made an immediate impact, soaring to head home the equalizer with only 10 minutes remaining. Selhurst Park roared back to life, and Newcastle’s composure crumbled.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Sven Botman’s clumsy shirt-pull on Jefferson Lerma inside the box gifted Palace a penalty. Mateta stepped up, cool as you like, and drilled his spot-kick low into the bottom right corner. Game over. The final whistle confirmed Palace’s fightback and extended Newcastle’s miserable run.
This result underscores a dramatic shift in momentum for both clubs. Palace, under Glasner, showed resilience and tactical nous to exploit a wounded opponent. Newcastle, meanwhile, must address their fragility after conceding late yet again. Mateta’s brace—both goals coming after the 80th minute—highlights his clutch gene and Palace’s bench strength. For Howe, the search for answers continues as his side’s season threatens to unravel.
