Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle United (Mateta 80′ 90+4’ pen | Osula 65’)
SELHURST PARK — There was only so long Jean-Philippe Mateta was loathed by some fans at Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman had experienced bundles of animosity after trying to force a move away during the winter transfer window, eventually agreeing to join AC Milan before failing a medical. His ambition to leave — with 18 months left on his contract — was not the issue, but rather the manner of his attempted exit.
On his return in the Conference League against AEK Larnaca last month, following both the collapsed transfer and recovery from a knee injury, Mateta was booed and abused.
However, this week — after three weeks without a game — Palace fans drew a line under the saga, helped by three crucial goals as he worked his way back into their good books. This is his redemption arc.
A 14-minute brace enabled Palace to recover from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday. This, less than 72 hours after he scored Palace’s first goal in their scintillating 3-0 Conference League quarter-final first leg win over Fiorentina.
BOOM! Jean-Philippe Mateta levels for Crystal Palace! pic.twitter.com/txTXfPjucj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026His display against Newcastle had more intensity than Thursday night as he gradually builds back to full fitness.
It was a re-energised, physical performance from the bench, cancelling out William Osula’s first-half strike and cementing his return to favour. Introduced in the 65th minute, Mateta chased every loose ball, pressed the Newcastle centre-backs and played with real menace. Palace had been stable against Newcastle, but his vigour provided the catalyst for the turnaround.
The 28-year-old geed up both his teammates and the crowd, immediately making an impact from the bench as he won a set-piece, before conducting the supporters to ramp the volume up.
It was a perfect move from the Eagles to draw level as they built at speed. Daniel Munoz’s cross to Mitchell was centralised for Mateta, who floated into space at the back post and headed into an empty net.
Mateta had been booed for handing in a transfer request (Photo: Getty)He had Sven Botman to thank for his second, with the Newcastle centre-back pulling Jefferson Lerma down inside the area when a long throw was launched into the box, forcing the referee to award a penalty. Mateta coolly slotted away to Aaron Ramsdale’s left to earn three points.
Mateta was awarded the Premier League’s Man of the Match, but in his typical jocular fashion, refused to take the award from Tyrick Mitchell, who was making his 200th Premier League appearance for Palace and assisted Mateta’s first, insisting he was more worthy.
His Vengaboys “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom” theme song, played after he scores, was met by deafening shouts of “Boom”. Just a few weeks ago, he was being booed. It’s amazing what a few goals can do.
“I was delighted for JP,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner. “This [reception] is what he deserves. As soon as it was clear he would stay at Crystal Palace, he said he would work very hard to come back and help the team win and achieve our goals. He’s getting back to his top fitness. It’s good to have him back.”
The Premier League is somewhat of a supporting act for Palace now, with the Eagles all but safe and chasing European glory.
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Daniel Storey: Something frightening is happening in English football Mark Douglas: Palace and Man Utd battle for Iraola – and where he’s most likely to end upBut the win against Newcastle, Glasner’s side are now six games unbeaten and maintain momentum ahead of Thursday’s second leg against Fiorentina.
Palace’s season will be judged on the Conference League; they must not get too high or too low in the Premier League and use the domestic fixtures to gain as much impetus as possible.
With Mateta back among the goals, the accrued confidence could make him a vital weapon on the road to Leipzig.
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