Paul Merson can’t believe ‘phenomenal’ Mateta in Crystal Palace v Brighton – ‘Wow’
Paul Merson was blown away by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s wonder goal against Brighton, his first since returning from the horrendous head injury sustained last month.
Mateta has been instrumental for Crystal Palace since Oliver Glasner took over, scoring 25 goals in that period and establishing himself as the focal point of the attack.
He suffered a major injury to his ear in a clash with Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the FA Cup, and only recently returned wearing special headgear.
In recent times Mateta has attracted transfer links to the likes of Man United, and his most recent goal after Crystal Palace welcomed Brighton to Selhurst Park won’t have done anything to dampen interest, with Merson claiming it was a “phenomenal finish” as the Frenchman smashed home a long-range opener in just the third minute of the 2-1 win.
A thumping finish from Mateta to put Crystal Palace ahead
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (1.06pm, 5 April) Merson said: “Oh what a goal by Mateta! What a goal! 1-0 up.
“Ball comes in down the left-hand side of the box and at an angle he goes woof! Hits it in the top corner. It’s a phenomenal finish, it is, then he kung-fu kicks the corner flag away.
“It’s a brilliant finish, here it is again. Goes out to the left-hand side to Mitchell. Mitchell comes, keeps on running and running and running. All of a sudden he comes inside, it’s a great run, plays it to Eze, Eze great [ball] to Mateta.
“Takes it, first touch, seriously, first touch from his right onto his left and hits it diagonally and into the far corner.
“It’s a phenomenal, phenomenal finish and it’s 1-0. Wow, what a goal.”
Crystal Palace may be fending off interest for Mateta in the summer
Football Insider verdict
Not many would have predicted the 27-year-old’s turnaround in south London, with the general consensus being Mateta did not posses the technical quality to thrive in the Premier League, but the most important thing now for Crystal Palace and Glasner this summer is to not lose the French forward.
Mateta has been linked with various club’s in recent weeks, including Manchester United who were reportedly quoted a £40million deal to sign him. [Sky Sports]
While this figure is yet to be confirmed, it’s hard to believe that Glasner would accept his star man to leave the club for so little in today’s market.
Mateta has scored 25 times in 37 appearances under the Austrian, helping Crystal Palace to a 10th placed finish in the Premier League last season.
| Mateta stats under Glasner |
| Games – 37 |
| Goals – 25 |
His finish in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 victory over Brighton epitomised his quality, as Mateta had no right to score from that angle.
One touch to get the ball out of his feet, the striker rifled his effort into the top right corner, leaving Bart Verburggen no chance in the Brighton goal.
The Eagles would certainly find it difficult to replace someone of Mateta’s calibre, especially if they are to generate little funds for his sale.