Jean-Phillipe Mateta double ends Newcastle's unbeaten run as Crystal Palace continue fine form
The in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta netted twice to dent Newcastle's European aspirations as Crystal Palace secured an impressive 2-0 victory. Oliver Glasner's side deservedly took the three points, continuing their revival under the Austrian's guidance with this marking their third consecutive Premier League triumph following significant victories over West Ham and Liverpool.
Mateta opened the scoring at Selhurst Park with a clever finish in the 55th minute before doubling his tally late on, bringing Newcastle's four-match unbeaten streak to a halt and hampering their chances of securing European football for the upcoming season. Despite delivering a stellar performance to overcome West Ham on Sunday, Glasner opted to give Michael Olise a breather following his recent comeback from injury.
However, this didn't hinder the hosts' momentum as Eberechi Eze, who was in commanding form, sent an early shot wide before his cross was headed over by Mateta. Adam Wharton and Jordan Ayew were next to test their mettle for Palace but couldn't seriously challenge Martin Dubravka, while Bruno Guimaraes gave Newcastle a scare with an injury.
Guimaraes slipped on the slick pitch and remained down, but the Brazilian midfielder managed to carry on, avoiding adding to Newcastle's already extensive list of absentees. Despite having had a 10-day break since their last match, Newcastle appeared lethargic in the initial stages but found their rhythm after 29 minutes.
A superb pass from Guimaraes saw Alexander Isak break free, but Palace 'keeper Dean Henderson kept his cool to slide in and deny the forward. Shortly after, Mateta rattled a shot against the crossbar, but the offside flag was raised before Eze's penalty appeal was dismissed by referee
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