- Crystal Palace beat Newcastle 2-1
- Jean-Philippe Mateta bagged a brace
- Fans applauded Daichi Kamada
Jean-Philippe Mateta will grab all the headlines for his brace in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United. But fans have made sure that Daichi Kamada’s role in the turnaround didn’t go unnoticed.
Palace fell behind in the 43rd minute when William Osula found the net from close range. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Oliver Glasner’s second-half substitutions paid dividends.
Particularly Mateta, who first headed home a cross from Tyrick Mitchell on the Englishman’s 200th appearance. He then made it two in the 90+4th minute from the penalty spot after Jefferson Lerma was pulled to the ground by Sven Botman.
Daichi Kamada’s Excellent Outing
While Mateta proved to be the game-changer, Glasner’s decision to bring Daichi Kamada on was just as important. The Japanese midfielder got a hold of the game in the middle of the park and reminded fans how much they will miss him when he leaves this summer.
Kamada started on the bench to get some rest ahead of the Fiorentina game on Thursday. But as soon as he was introduced, the momentum swung in the hosts’ favour.
Just 14 minutes were enough for Kamada to make an impact, bringing the composure and energy needed to help turn the tide. He continues to earn the adoration of fans with each performance, and he’ll be eager to end his spell as well as Glasner’s with the Europa Conference League trophy.
‘Got Us Over The Line’ – Kamada Hailed
Fans were full of praise for Kamada and waxed lyrical online about the 29-year-old’s cameo appearance. One fan wrote on X:
“Mateta was a game changer! also Kamada was sooo good!”
Another added:
“Daichi Kamada got us over the line there. We look like Palace when he’s on the pitch.”
One supporter poined out his influence:
“When Kamada plays, Palace win.”
Another wrote:
“Good job KAMADA” and “As soon as Kamata came on, the momentum shifted.”
Kamada has become a fan favourite, and that was largely thanks to his important role in last season’s FA Cup triumph. He can make more history with the Eagles by helping them win the Europa Conference League.
The Japanese midfielder has made 22 appearances across competitions this season, posting one assist. He is likely to be recalled to Glasner’s starting lineup for the South Londoners’ second leg clash with Fiorentina on Thursday.
