Mateta Double Turns Tide as Palace Edge Newcastle in Sunday Drama
French striker scores twice in final 30 minutes to secure crucial three points
Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Newcastle 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon, with Jean-Philippe Mateta emerging as the hero with two crucial second-half goals.
Newcastle looked set to claim all three points when William Osula fired them ahead on the stroke of halftime. The young striker capitalized on Palace's defensive lapse to give the Magpies a deserved lead after dominating possession with 59% of the ball and creating the better chances in the opening period.
Palace boss made decisive changes just after the hour mark, bringing on Will Hughes, Brennan Johnson, and Jørgen Strand Larsen in a triple substitution that completely changed the game's complexion. The tactical reshuffle paid immediate dividends as Palace began to assert themselves despite having less of the ball.
The turning point came in the 80th minute when Mateta leveled the score with a well-taken finish, capitalizing on Palace's increased intensity around the Newcastle box. The French striker had been relatively quiet until then but showed his predatory instincts when it mattered most.
Drama peaked in the 90th minute when Palace won a penalty that sparked chaos. Aaron Ramsdale was booked for his protests as Newcastle's frustration boiled over, with the visitors picking up three yellow cards in total. Mateta stepped up to convert the spot-kick with ice-cool composure, sealing a remarkable turnaround.
Tactically, this was a game of two halves. Newcastle's superior passing accuracy (81% vs 80%) and possession dominance suggested they were in control, but Palace's directness and clinical finishing in the final third proved decisive. The expected goals tell the story - Palace generated 2.56 xG compared to Newcastle's 1.13, highlighting their superior quality in the final third despite having fewer opportunities.
Mateta's SAM rating of 6.8 reflected his match-winning performance, while Lewis Miley impressed for Newcastle with a 6.7 rating despite being on the losing side. Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Muñoz provided the defensive solidity Palace needed, both earning 6.3 ratings with their work rate and tackling.
This victory lifts Crystal Palace level on 45 points with Newcastle, though both remain locked in mid-table mediocrity. For Palace, it extends their recent good form and provides crucial momentum, while Newcastle will rue their inability to see out the game after taking the lead. With both sides battling injuries to key players, these three points could prove vital in the final push toward a respectable league finish.