Key Points
- Jean-Philippe Mateta scored both goals in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.
- Mateta headed home from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross in the 80th minute and converted a penalty in stoppage time.
- This marks Mateta’s first Premier League goal since 1 January 2026.
- Mateta had sought a transfer to AC Milan in January 2026, but the move collapsed due to a failed medical.
- Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed delight in Mateta’s performance and confidence that he is regaining favour with fans.
- Mateta scored in Palace’s midweek 3-0 Conference League win over Fiorentina before this match.
- Glasner praised Mateta’s commitment after the failed transfer, noting his hard work to return and help the team.
- Mateta has a 100% Premier League penalty record (8/8), behind only Raul Jimenez (14), Yaya Toure (11), and Dimitar Berbatov (9).
- Mateta has now scored 31 Premier League goals at Selhurst Park, second only to Wilfried Zaha’s 32 for Palace.
Selhurst Park (South London News) April 13, 2026 – Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed hope that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has restored his standing with fans after a decisive brace in the Eagles’ 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United.
The match at Selhurst Park saw Palace trail until the 80th minute, when Mateta headed home Tyrick Mitchell’s cross to level the score. Deep into stoppage time, he then slammed in a penalty to secure the comeback win. As reported by FotMob staff on 13 April 2026 at 1:04 PM, Mateta’s goals marked his return to Premier League scoring form, his first since 1 January 2026.
What Led to Mateta’s Transfer Sagas in January?
Mateta had pushed for a move away from Crystal Palace during the January 2026 transfer window. A potential switch to AC Milan collapsed when he failed a medical examination. Following this, Mateta nursed a knee issue but committed to the club. FotMob detailed that despite his desire to leave, Mateta stated upon clarity that he would
“work very, very hard to come back and help the team win, and to help us achieve all our goals.”
Glasner, speaking post-match, highlighted this turnaround.
“I was delighted for him and I mentioned weeks ago that is what he deserves,”
Glasner said, as quoted in the FotMob report. He added that Mateta is
“now getting back to his top fitness.”
How Did Mateta Perform Against Newcastle United?
Mateta’s impact was immediate in the closing stages. His 80th-minute header from Mitchell’s delivery shifted momentum, with Palace capitalising on Newcastle’s fatigue. The penalty, converted with precision, sealed the points. FotMob noted the Frenchman’s superb cameo, coming off the bench to deliver both goals.
Glasner praised the team’s efforts, including Jorgen Strand Larsen’s work rate.
“I thought Jorgen worked very hard and the Newcastle centre-backs looked fatigued at the end because they had to really work very hard against him and against all the others,”
Glasner remarked.
“For me, it was a massive performance, not just regarding football, but also psychologically.”
This performance followed Mateta’s goal in Palace’s 3-0 UEFA Conference League defeat of Fiorentina on Thursday, 9 April 2026, underscoring his resurgence across competitions.
Why Is Mateta’s Penalty Record Significant?
Mateta maintains a perfect 100% success rate from eight Premier League penalties. FotMob highlighted that only Raul Jimenez (14 successful), Yaya Toure (11), and Dimitar Berbatov (nine) have more with a flawless record in the competition’s history. This stoppage-time conversion added to his tally and proved decisive.
At Selhurst Park, Mateta has now netted 31 Premier League goals for Palace, surpassed only by Wilfried Zaha’s 32 on home soil.
Has Glasner Always Backed Mateta?
Glasner has consistently supported Mateta amid challenges. Weeks before the Newcastle match, he indicated Mateta deserved such moments. Post-match, Glasner reiterated delight in his contribution, tying it to the striker’s post-transfer commitment. The Austrian manager’s comments reflect a focus on Mateta’s psychological recovery alongside physical fitness.
What Does This Mean for Crystal Palace’s Season?
Palace’s win extends their strong home form, with Mateta’s goals proving pivotal. The result positions them competitively in the Premier League table, bolstered by European progress via the Conference League. Glasner’s optimism centres on Mateta’s integration, potentially strengthening the squad’s attack.
The 28-year-old Frenchman’s form – three goals in two matches – aligns with Glasner’s vision for team goals. Coverage from FotMob remains the primary source, attributing all direct statements to Glasner and contextual details to match events.
Background of the Development
Jean-Philippe Mateta joined Crystal Palace on loan from Mainz 05 in January 2021, making the move permanent later that year. His early seasons showed promise, but inconsistencies marked his time until a breakout 2024-25 campaign with 14 Premier League goals.
The January 2026 transfer pursuit to AC Milan followed a dip in form and a knee injury, with the failed medical linked to lingering effects. Palace retained him, and under Glasner – appointed in 2025 – Mateta featured sporadically amid squad rotation and European commitments. The Newcastle match represents a key milestone in his rehabilitation and fan reconciliation.
Prediction
This development can affect Crystal Palace fans by potentially rebuilding trust in Mateta as a reliable goalscorer, encouraging greater attendance and support at Selhurst Park matches. For the team and management, it offers squad depth in attack, aiding Premier League survival and Conference League ambitions. Players like Strand Larsen benefit from complementary forward play, reducing pressure on individuals. Overall, sustained form from Mateta could stabilise Palace’s mid-table position and boost morale ahead of upcoming fixtures.
