Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting two second-half penalties after coming off the bench to complete one of the afternoon's most dramatic turnarounds. William Osula had given Newcastle the lead in the first half, and Eddie Howe's side looked set to take three points back to the north-east — until Oliver Glasner made his move just after the hour mark, and everything changed.
Osula's First Half Opener
Newcastle began the afternoon with purpose. Without Bruno Guimaraes — sidelined with mumps — Eddie Howe had restructured his midfield, but it was the forward line that caught the eye early on. William Osula opened the scoring in the first half with a composed finish that rewarded Newcastle's positive approach. Palace struggled to match the visitors' energy and looked flat going forward against a Newcastle backline that was relatively comfortable for most of the first period.
Glasner's Triple Substitution Changes Everything
Oliver Glasner's management has often been defined by proactive decision-making, and his triple substitution just after the hour mark was a masterclass in reading a game. Three new faces came on in quick succession, Mateta among them, and the effect was immediate. Palace's tempo lifted, their movement became sharper, and Newcastle suddenly found themselves under sustained pressure. Mateta became a handful — his physical presence unsettling Newcastle's central defenders who had looked comfortable all afternoon before his arrival.
Mateta Seals It from the Spot — Twice
The equaliser came from the penalty spot, Mateta converting with authority. And then, in the dying minutes, Palace won another spot-kick. Mateta stepped up again, nerves apparently absent, and stroked home his second to send Selhurst Park into pandemonium. For Newcastle, it was a shattering late collapse. Without Guimaraes's ability to control tempo and protect leads, they look vulnerable in a way they rarely do when their Brazilian talisman is on the pitch.
Context: Palace Breathe, Newcastle Stumble
For Crystal Palace, the result provides a comfortable buffer. They move into mid-table with 42 points. For Newcastle, the failure to hold a first-half lead continues a concerning recent pattern — they have now won just one of their last six Premier League matches. With Guimaraes's return date uncertain and Alexander Isak not available either, the next weeks could define whether this Newcastle side finish the season with their profile enhanced or diminished.
Result: Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle United | Goals: Osula (Newcastle, first half); Mateta pen x 2 (Palace) | Venue: Selhurst Park | Competition: Premier League, Matchday 32
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