Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham: Mateta Ends Palace’s Winless Run

Crystal Palace secured their first Premier League win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half goal. This triumph, achieved at Selhurst Park, not only lifted the hosts out of the relegation zone but also eased pressure on manager Oliver Glasner, marking an end to their eight-game winless streak.

The match was a significant turning point for Palace, who had suffered five consecutive defeats against Spurs in previous meetings. Mateta’s performance, highlighted by his goal on his return to the starting lineup, provided a much-needed spark for the home side and boosted their confidence. The striker capitalized on a Tottenham defensive lapse, as Daniel Munoz intercepted Micky van de Ven’s pass deep in Spurs’ half and supplied a cross that Eberechi Eze deftly flicked to Mateta for the decisive 31st-minute goal.

This defeat added to Tottenham’s troubles on the road, as it marked their third away loss of the league season. Spurs struggled to assert themselves, with their usual composure absent amid Palace’s high-intensity pressing and robust work off the ball.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

Palace’s energetic start to the match set the tone, with the team pressing aggressively from the first whistle. Mateta’s goal, created through a chain of sharp passing and a forced defensive error, gave Palace the upper hand and forced Spurs into an uncharacteristically disjointed performance. Tottenham had a rare opportunity to equalize shortly after going behind when Brennan Johnson deflected a corner onto the post, but luck was not on their side.

Spurs struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match, and when they did threaten, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was ready. Henderson produced a key save to deny James Maddison in first-half stoppage time, preserving Palace’s narrow lead going into the break.

In the second half, Palace continued to look the more likely team to score. Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game, denying Eze, Ismaila Sarr, and Adam Wharton late in the match. However, Palace’s defense held firm, leaving Spurs frustrated and unable to break through.

Team Lineups and Tactical Notes

Crystal Palace made some strategic adjustments to their lineup, with Jean-Philippe Mateta replacing Eddie Nketiah at the top of the attack. This change proved decisive, as Mateta took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring his fifth goal of the season. Meanwhile, Nketiah, a summer signing from Arsenal, was left on the bench after struggling to make an impact in recent games.

On the other side, Tottenham handed a Premier League debut to 17-year-old winger Mikey Moore, who replaced the injured Heung-min Son. However, the young player found it challenging to make a mark, as Spurs failed to maintain their usual attacking rhythm.

Ange Postecoglou’s team lacked their characteristic intensity and control, with their play repeatedly disrupted by Palace’s physical approach. Tottenham’s midfield, usually a source of creativity, appeared disjointed, and their forwards were unable to exploit any defensive gaps.

Post-Match Reactions

After the match, Oliver Glasner praised his team for their resilience and focus, noting that the victory was a reward for their hard work and determination despite the mounting pressure from their poor start to the season. Glasner emphasized that his job had never been under serious threat, attributing the win to the squad’s positive attitude and solid training sessions leading up to the game.

He credited the team for their courage and intensity, qualities that had been missing in previous matches, and expressed his satisfaction with how they responded to adversity. “All the credit goes to the players,” Glasner remarked, “They stayed cool, kept a good mood, and worked hard, which is why we got the reward today.”

Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, expressed frustration with his team’s inability to manage the game’s physical nature. He acknowledged that Tottenham fell into Palace’s trap, getting caught in a series of battles and interruptions that disrupted their usual style of play. Postecoglou emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in such situations, lamenting that his team gave away unnecessary fouls and lost control.

Mateta’s Impact and the Need for Consistency

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s return to the starting lineup could be a game-changer for Crystal Palace. The striker’s form last season was instrumental in the team’s success, as he netted 13 goals in 11 games, placing him among the league’s top scorers. Despite Palace’s poor start to the current season, Mateta remains one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards in 2024, with 17 goals to his name this calendar year.

Glasner’s rotation policy between Mateta and Nketiah has been a talking point, but Mateta’s performance against Spurs makes a strong case for him to be the first-choice striker moving forward. His ability to convert chances and influence games is crucial if Palace hopes to climb out of the relegation battle.

Tottenham’s Away Troubles Continue

Tottenham’s struggles on the road remain a concern. Despite an impressive start to the season at home, they have failed to replicate that form away from North London. Their loss at Selhurst Park was symptomatic of a broader issue, as they have managed only one away win in the Premier League this season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Spurs have secured just three away wins in the entire 2024 calendar year, with victories coming against Sheffield United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United. Their difficulties on the road extend beyond individual matches, as they seem to lose their identity when playing without the support of their home fans.

Postecoglou’s challenge will be to instill greater consistency in his squad and ensure they stick to their principles, regardless of the venue. If they fail to address their away form, their ambitions of securing a Champions League spot may slip out of reach.

Match Statistics and Insights

The match reflected Palace’s dominance, as they won most of the duels and outworked Spurs across the pitch. Tottenham, who have struggled in London derbies this year, failed to score in three of their four away derby matches in 2024, highlighting their lack of cutting edge in high-pressure games.

Palace, meanwhile, will take encouragement from the fact that this win was only their second in 19 Premier League meetings with Tottenham. Both victories came at Selhurst Park, demonstrating their ability to compete with stronger teams when playing on home turf.

Looking Ahead

For Crystal Palace, this victory could serve as a turning point in their season. The win not only lifts them out of the relegation zone but also provides a platform to build on as they seek to climb the table. Glasner will hope that his side can maintain the intensity and confidence they displayed against Spurs in their upcoming fixtures.

Tottenham, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address their inconsistencies on the road. With the competition for European places intensifying, Postecoglou’s men cannot afford to drop points in winnable away games. Finding a solution to their away struggles will be essential if they are to remain in contention for a top-four finish.