The Miss that Broke the Streak: Palace Fans Lament Mateta’s Costly Blunder
SELVEY PARK, LONDON – The elation of Crystal Palace’s remarkable 19-game unbeaten run was cruelly extinguished by a stoppage-time defeat to Everton, and the immediate post-match reaction from the travelling support has focused intensely on one moment, and one player: striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
While the Eagles were ultimately undone by a late penalty and a fortunate deflection winner, fans have pinned the shift in momentum on a pivotal opportunity missed by the French forward earlier in the game. With Palace leading 1-0 and in complete control, Mateta squandered what has been widely described as a gilt-edged chance to double the lead and likely put the match beyond the Toffees.
In a move carved open brilliantly by Ismaila Sarr, Mateta received the ball with the goal gaping after Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was drawn out. However, the striker could only manage to guide his effort wide of the post, even with two Everton defenders scrambling on the line.
Online forums and social media platforms have since been ablaze with exasperated comments directed at the usually reliable number nine. “That Mateta miss is the moment we lost the game,” one fan posted, “You simply have to score those at this level, especially when we’re trying to set a new club record.” Another lamented, “It’s the ultimate swing. We go 2-0 up, the game is dead. Instead, the momentum flips, and the late defensive mistakes happen because the pressure builds. It’s so frustrating.”
While manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged the “disappointing and very painful” nature of the loss and pointed to a collective failure to take chances, the narrative among the Palace faithful is clear: Mateta’s uncharacteristic lack of composure in front of goal was the turning point that allowed Everton back into a contest they were struggling to contain. The striker’s form, which has been solid recently, will now face intense scrutiny as Palace look to immediately bounce back from this painful end to their historic run.
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