Jean-Philippe Mateta completed a dramatic hat-trick to rescue Crystal Palace from defeat in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bournemouth at Selhurst Park. The France striker converted a stoppage-time penalty to level the match after Ryan Christie appeared to have snatched victory for the visitors with two minutes remaining.
Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi had given Bournemouth a commanding 2-0 first-half lead with two well-taken goals. The 19-year-old, making only his second Premier League start since arriving from sister club Lorient, capitalised on Antoine Semenyo's flick-on before volleying home a second after excellent work from the winger.
Mateta's remarkable comeback
Mateta began Palace's fightback early in the second half, turning home Daniel Muñoz's cross after his initial effort was ruled offside before being overturned. Minutes later, he somehow squeezed the ball home from a tight angle after Djordje Petrovic had saved from Muñoz to level the contest.
The Daily Mail reports that Mateta had an extraordinary 11 shots compared to Bournemouth's entire team total of eight, highlighting his relentless pursuit of goals. The striker had scored on his international debut for France in midweek and carried that confidence into this pulsating encounter.
Late drama unfolds
Christie appeared to have settled the contest when he rammed home from close range with two minutes of normal time remaining. Bournemouth supporters had been singing "We're top of the league" throughout the match, knowing victory would have taken them to the Premier League summit.
But Mateta ensured honours ended even when referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty for Bafodé Diakité's foul on Marc Guéhi in stoppage time. The striker coolly converted before missing a golden chance to complete a remarkable turnaround in the dying moments.
Rising star's breakthrough moment
The Standard reveals that Kroupi had scored 22 goals in 30 games for Lorient in the French second division last season, underlining the quality of Bournemouth's recruitment. The teenager's clinical finishing gave the visitors their early advantage against a Palace side that has transformed into one of the league's most resilient home teams.
Both managers find themselves in enviable positions despite uncertain futures, with Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner out of contract this summer and coveted by clubs with bigger budgets. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is due to travel to the UK before the month's end to continue discussions with the Spaniard about a new deal.
Palace have extended their unbeaten home record whilst transforming from a side that failed to win any of their first eight games last season. Glasner confirmed this week that Guéhi will leave on a free transfer next summer, adding another subplot to Palace's remarkable revival under the Austrian manager.
Sources used: "The Guardian", "The Standard", "Daily Mail", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
