Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is chillin’ in the same spot where he once claimed he’d be the Premier League’s top scorer. “Did I really say that?” he wonders, pointing at himself. Yep, he did, and turns out he was right. With 27 league goals under his belt since Oliver Glasner took over as manager, he’s only behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Isak in that time frame. But Mateta ain’t all about the numbers, nah. He’s just happy his hard work is paying off, and he ain’t done yet.
Mateta, 27, has seen a major improvement in his game over the past year and a half, boosting his confidence and earning the trust of his teammates and manager. Back when he was battling for a starting spot with Odsonne Edouard, he struggled to make an impact. But now, everyone knows he’s a goal-scoring machine waiting to happen. “I can score at any moment,” he says. “They try to find me more often.”
In a recent chat with The Athletic, Mateta dives into the nitty-gritty of being a Premier League striker, reflecting on his best-ever scoring season, his experience representing France in the Olympics, a gnarly head injury that left him with 25 stitches, and his emotions leading up to the FA Cup final against Manchester City. This is Mateta’s game, in his own words.
One of Mateta’s standout moments at Palace was his last-minute winner against Leicester City in April 2023. The goal, which he considers his best at Palace, showcased his technical prowess. Jordan Ayew set him up perfectly, and with one swift move, he dodged a defender and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The crowd went wild, chanting “Mateta’s in the room” to the tune of a ’90s hit. The striker even had them shout “boom” as he celebrated by kicking the corner flag. Gotta love the love from the fans, right?
Mateta’s goal-scoring skills were on full display in a variety of ways, from backheel finishes to one-touch wonders. His partnership with his No 10s, like Eze and Sarr, played a crucial role in his success on the field. And let’s not forget his unique goal celebration style — tucked-in shirt, cap, and all. But things took a turn when he suffered a serious injury in a match against Millwall, requiring him to wear protective headgear upon his return. Despite the setback, he managed to pull off a jaw-dropping lob goal against Arsenal, proving he’s still got it.
As he gears up for the FA Cup final and hopes to secure Palace’s first major trophy, Mateta remains focused on the present. With two years left on his contract and dreams of a call-up to the French national team, he’s ready to see what the future holds. But for now, it’s all about Wembley and bringing home that trophy. Let’s see if Mateta can add another epic chapter to his already impressive journey.
