Jean-Philippe Mateta played 69 minutes on Sunday as Crystal Palace earned a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
The Eagles battled back from 1-0 down, after Nicolas Jackson had opened the scoring, to secure a precious point thanks to a spectacular goal from Eberechi Eze.
It was an eventful game, with Jean-Philippe Mateta even providing a spectacle for Crystal Palace fans from the sideline after coming off for Ismaila Sarr…
What Jean-Philippe Mateta did on Stamford Bridge touchline
Just as Cristiano Ronaldo memorably did during the UEFA Euro 2016 final, Mateta could not contain himself after being substituted, eagerly shouting instructions to his teammates from the sideline, as if he were Oliver Glasner himself.
The Frenchman was seen shouting “forward” as Crystal Palace held on for a first Premier League point of the 2024/25 campaign, while he was also spotted applauding Ismaila Sarr after the Senegal international won a timely corner in the final stages.
Mateta put a shift in himself before Glasner withdrew him, winning three duels and making one clearance as he helped Crystal Palace stay in the game – as shown by SofaScore.
Relief for Crystal Palace fans
Some Crystal Palace fans may have previously been under the impression that the striker is unhappy at Selhurst Park, as Mateta is currently refusing to sign a new contract in SE25.
However, the 27-year-old’s passion for Crystal Palace was there for all to see at Stamford Bridge, as he kicked and headed every ball from the bench, desperate to see the Eagles do well.
There is still time for Crystal Palace to tie the Olympic Games silver medalist down to a new deal, as his current terms expire in July 2026.
Interestingly, Mateta has actually decided to put his trademark celebration on ice as contract discussions at Selhurst Park hit a wall, but hopefully, Steve Parish can find an agreement with the man from Sevran soon.
