Unfortunately it was not a good night for The Toon as Crystal Palace came away with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, courtesy of another Jean-Philippe Mateta double. This win hinders our lad’s hopes for European football next season, leaving us in seventh place and 3 point behind Manchester United.
The Eagles entered the match fired up after consecutive wins against Liverpool and West Ham. Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace have been fluid attacking football, with Mateta proving to be their main protagonist once again. He has started to have an influence on a lot of games for the Palace in this second half of the season, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he starts to attract some suitors in the summer window.
Palace’s first goal came shortly after the break: in the 55th minute, Mateta masterfully completed a well-coordinated combination with Jordan Ayew. The goal was Mateta’s eighth under Glazner. He has been at the peak of his form in the last few weeks, he was given too much time to set himself up and we were punished. The French striker sealed the win late in the game (88th minute), capitalising on a Will Hughes pass to double his tally for the evening and inflict more misery on the Toon. Football fans were pleasantly surprised and such a match played out in no-nonsense emotion. People who are fond of watching football are quite gambling and besides watching futbol they also prefer to play https://bonusy-bez-depozytu.pl/bonus-bez-depozytu-verde-casino/ and bet on football. Fans note that the passion for gambling is comparable to watching a football match on the spectrum of emotions.
Mateta’s impact under Glasner has been nothing short of remarkable, having scored more Premier League goals (8) in just nine appearances than in his previous spells with the club’s former managers Roy Hodgson and Patrick Vieira combined, he has hit a rich vain of form and is currently a play overflowing with confidence.
Despite The Toon having a lengthy 11-day break after we battered Tottenham 4-0, we failed to find our rhythm throughout the match. Newcastle only managed one shot on target and although we should have had a spot kick for a questionable challenge on Sean Longstaff, we just weren’t at it today unfortunately.
Reflecting on the defeat, our gaffer Eddie Howe acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about our European aspirations, insisting that performances like are not acceptable this going forward. A measured response from the boss was needed, but at the same time it is frustrating to play so well one week and then not turn for the ne. If city win the F.A Cup though we will have European football next season, so fingers crossed.
We do have to give Crystal Palace’s trajectory under Glasner a mention. The Eagles have secured their Premier League status for another season and can now look to finish the campaign on a high note, eyeing a potential climb up the table.
Mateta’s resurgence has been a key for Palace this season, with the striker benefitting significantly from Glasner’s ability to utilise him correctly and play to the forwards strengths. His recent goal-scoring exploits have been pivotal in the team’s up-tick in form, for his work rate and ability to create space for teammates like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise has been vital in recent games and when he is on the pitch Palace are always more dangerous.
Hopefully after the disappointment of this midweek loss to Palace we can shake of the dust and do the business this weekend. A comprehensive win is needed to set things straight, so we can push on and finish this campaign strongly.
