- Crystal Palace beat Newcastle 2-1
- Jorgen Strand Larsen dissapointed
- Jean-Philippe Mateta saved the day
Jean-Philippe Mateta came off the bench and scored a match-winning brace in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday. The French striker returned to the bench for the game, with Jorgen Strand Larsen recalled to Oliver Glasner’s starting lineup.
Strand Larsen missed the midweek 3-0 win over Fiorentina through suspension. Mateta instead started his first game since failing to secure a move to AC Milan in January due to a failed medical.
The 28-year-old was also on target in that game, scoring from the penalty spot to get the ball rolling. His performance against the Italians wasn’t entirely impressive but he definitely came to the fore against Newcastle.
Mateta Magic Puts Spell on JSL
Palace were one-nil down heading into the final ten minutes of the game following William Osula’s first-half opener. Mateta came on for Strand Larsen in the 66th minute and made quite the impact.
Mateta equalised in the 81st minute, producing a fine header after meeting Tyrick Mitchell’s cross. He was then handed the chance to grab a brace when Jefferson Lerma was pulled to the ground in the box.
The Frenchman stepped up in the 90+4th minute and fired home the winner for the Eagles. It was the perfect preparation ahead of the second leg against Fiorentina in Florence.
That said, Strand Larsen’s appearance was a concern, as Palace looked completely different with Mateta leading the line. It’s understandable that he still needs time to adapt to life at Selhurst Park.
The 26-year-old became the club’s most expensive player in January when he arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £48m. He was supposed to be Mateta’s replacement but the Frenchman’s proposed £30m switch to Milan fell through.
Stranded Strand Larsen
Strand Larsen has made 11 appearances for Palace, registering three goals and one assist. There hasn’t been much criticism of his displays, but he has yet to truly live up to expectations.
Sunday’s win over Newcastle was an example of this, as he was ineffective during the first half. He had one shot, which was blocked, four unsuccessful touches, won just one of five ground duels and three of seven aerial duels.
The fact that Mateta has equalled his tally for the South Londoners within a week is somewhat alarming. Glasner is being given no choice but to turn back to a frontman who was eager to force a move away in January.
Strand Larsen still has time to prove his worth, but the importance of the Europa Conference League means he can no longer be viewed as the starting number nine. His strike rival is starting to rediscover his shooting boots and, as a result, should be leading the line on Thursday night.
