Crystal Palace strolled to a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League opener in Poland.
A fantastic header from Daniel Munoz opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Eddie Nketiah doubled the lead in the 58th minute – both goals assisted by the impressive Yeremy Pino.
However, eyebrows were raised when Oliver Glasner withdrew Jean-Philippe Mateta at the interval, especially when the Frenchman had performed well in the opening 45 minutes.
Jean-Philippe Mateta substitution was planned
Respected journalist Bobby Manzi has claimed that it was a pre-planned decision to take the Crystal Palace No.14 off at half-time.
They posted on X (previously known as Twitter): “Eddie Nketiah replaces Jean-Philippe Mateta at the start of the second half. Planned sub. #CPFC”
Some feared Mateta might have suffered an injury, which would have been particularly cruel considering the 28-year-old had only just been named in the France squad for the first time.
Fortunately, it appears the man born in Sevran is fine, and his absence was not sorely felt as Nketiah popped up with his second goal in two games – another fine finish on the volley.
During his time on the pitch, Mateta – who has been called better than Benjamin Sesko – had two shots, ten touches and made three passes of the ball, also winning one ground duel as well as one aerial duel.
Jean-Philippe Mateta set to reunite with Michael Olise
The call from Didier Deschamps is nothing less than Mateta – who Wayne Rooney has praised – deserves after an excellent start to the season.
Four goals in ten appearances has caught the eye, and the Crystal Palace talisman is now set to reunite with Michael Olise in the France camp – who he made 69 appearances with for the Eagles.
Mateta will also potentially get the experience of playing alongside Kylian Mbappe in attack under Deschamps, which would be a special moment for a player who has made a remarkable improvement since Glasner arrived.
The Austrian has helped Mateta score 34 goals in 69 appearances since he replaced Roy Hodgson in February 2024, which is quite sensational considering he had only netted 16 in 93 games beforehand.
