Crystal Palace have finally lost a game for the first time in 19 matches, and former hero Jean-Philippe Mateta is in the bad books after a poor showing against Everton.
Despite leading with 15 minutes of normal time to play, Crystal Palace managed to throw away their unbeaten record at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
A fine goal from Daniel Munoz saw Oliver Glasner’s side leading at half-time. However, a penalty from Iliman Ndiaye and a last-gasp winner from Jack Grealish ruined the party for the Eagles.
It was a disappointing collapse for Palace, and while defenders like Maxence Lacroix have to take some of the blame, it’s Jean-Philippe Mateta who was most frustrating to watch.
Jean-Philippe Mateta during Crystal Palace FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s poor finishing cost Crystal Palace dearly
Discussing the big striker’s woeful afternoon during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, pundit Lewis Jones suggested it is Mateta’s performance that was the catalyst to Palace’s defeat.
Jones said: “Jean-Philippe Mateta’s finishing cost Crystal Palace their unbeaten run. Let’s not sugar-coat it. The result for Oliver Glasner could – and arguably should – have been very different had Mateta brought his shooting boots.
“Mateta missed a combined 0.59 of expected goals, two of which were defined as big chances. In a sport decided by such fine margins, that’s simply not good enough. When chances come at a premium in the Premier League – especially away from home – your striker has to make the difference. Mateta? He was the difference but for the wrong reasons.”
Over the last couple of seasons, Mateta has been a shining light in this impressive Palace team. He scored 16 goals in the Premier League in 2023/24 and followed that up with another 14 last term.
However, Jones believes that golden period may well be over for the 28-year-old now, with clear signs that his form is taking a hit.
He added: “The big Frenchman has been enjoying a purple patch under Glasner, linking play with intelligence and giving Palace more bite in the final third. And his goalscoring record has been impressive.
“However, missing big chances is becoming a theme now. Mateta has missed seven of nine big chances in the Premier League this season and has underperformed his expected goals by 2.2 this season – the worst record of any player. After a two-year spell of overperformance, the regression has hit.”
Tony Cascarino recently claimed Mateta is the most improved player he has ever seen at Palace. But, all good things must come to an end, and that time may be nigh for the striker now.
Crystal Palace badge before a game v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
11-year record vs Everton will be a concern for Crystal Palace
It’s safe to say Everton are something of a bogey team for Crystal Palace. Ironic, really, when you consider that Palace have become a bit of a sticking point for their Merseyside neighbours, Liverpool, of late.
It’s worth noting that Crystal Palace have now failed to win their last 11 away league games against Everton. That abysmal run goes all the way back to 2014, when Neil Warnock oversaw a 3-2 win at Goodison Park. Since then, they’ve recorded four draws and seven defeats.
Date Result Competition
12 Dec 2021 Crystal Palace 3-1 Everton Premier League
19 May 2022 Everton 3-2 Crystal Palace Premier League
22 Oct 2022 Everton 3-0 Crystal Palace Premier League
22 Apr 2023 Crystal Palace 0-0 Everton Premier League
11 Nov 2023 Crystal Palace 2-3 Everton Premier League
19 Feb 2024 Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace Premier League
28 Sep 2024 Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace Premier League
15 Feb 2025 Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton Premier League
05 Oct 2025 Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace Premier League
The poor record isn’t solely contained in Merseyside, either. In the last 22 league meetings between these teams, Palace have won just once – a 3-1 home victory in 2021. Of all the teams in the top flight that Everton have faced more than 20 times, the 1.81 points-per-game ratio versus Palace is their second best (just behind the 1.85 PPG versus West Brom).