Manchester United’s hopes of extending their unbeaten run were dashed as Jean-Philippe Mateta struck twice to hand Crystal Palace a dramatic 2-0 victory at Old Trafford. The decisive blow came in the 89th minute when Mateta finished off a well-worked counterattack, punishing the home side’s defensive lapses.
Both teams struggled to generate clear chances, but Palace capitalized on their moments. The opener arrived in the 64th minute when André Onana failed to deal with Maxence Lacroix’s header from an Eberechi Eze free-kick. The ball rebounded off the bar, and Mateta was on hand to turn it in.
Seeking more attacking threat, the home side opted to start Kobbie Mainoo as a false No. 9 instead of Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee. The decision was bold but ultimately ineffective. Mainoo showcased his technical ability and nearly scored when his effort clipped Dean Henderson’s post, but the experiment failed to deliver the required cutting edge.
In flashes, the attacking movement showed promise. Bruno Fernandes lifted a pass to Nossair Mazraoui, who found Mainoo in the box. The young midfielder twisted into space and crossed for Alejandro Garnacho, whose shot resulted in a corner that came to nothing.
The defensive issues, however, remained a concern. A moment of indecision saw Tyrick Mitchell deliver a dangerous cross that Daniel Muñoz should have converted. Later, Daichi Kamada found space too easily and set up Mitchell, whose shot narrowly missed Mateta’s reach at the back post.
The hosts struggled to break down a disciplined opposition defense. When Lisandro Martínez received the ball on the edge of the box, his effort sailed over. Later, Fernandes’ delivery found Harry Maguire, whose attempt was saved well by Henderson.
The introduction of Eze on the hour mark shifted the momentum. His well-placed free-kick led to Lacroix outjumping Lenny Yoro, with his header beating Onana before Mateta reacted quickest to score.
With 20 minutes remaining, Højlund and Zirkzee entered the fray in search of an equalizer. However, it was the visitors who looked more likely to add another. Eze’s footwork left Martínez exposed, and had the winger not lost his footing, he might have created another goal.
Adding to the frustration, Martínez suffered an injury and had to be stretchered off, evoking memories of his previous ligament damage last season.
As the final whistle blew, the away supporters celebrated a famous win, while the home side was left with questions to answer.
