Jean-Philippe Mateta proved the hero for Crystal Palace as his brace earned a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
2024/2025 Premier League
0-2
Match Report
The Frenchman, who had missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the first half, made no mistake with his chances in the second to secure the three points.
In the 64th minute, Mateta was on hand to bundle in a rebound from close range after Maxcence Lacroix thumped Eberechi Eze's free-kick against the crossbar.
He then punished United, who had pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, with one minute remaining, neatly slotting Daniel Munoz's low cross past Andre Onana to finish off a blistering counter-attack.
Kobbie Mainoo saw a deflected strike tipped onto the post early in the match for United, with Bruno Fernandes also forcing a good save out of Henderson in the second half. However, the hosts looked unlikely to trouble Palace, who defended staunchly throughout.
Palace leapfrog United in the table, moving up to 12th on 30 points, while Ruben Amorim's side, who have won just two of their last seven home league matches, now sit one point and one place below them.
The Theatre of Palace #CPFC // #MUNCRY
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 2, 2025
Data Debrief: Home away from home
Palace looked comfortable throughout Sunday's match, and it is no surprise given their recent dominance against United at Old Trafford.
After failing to win any of their first 10 visits to Old Trafford in the Premier League, a run that included nine straight defeats (D1), the Eagles have now won four of their last six away matches against United (L2) and have won back-to-back visitors for only the second time in the competition.
Mateta's recent hot streak continued too - no player has scored more Premier League goals in 2025 than his six (level with Chris Wood and Phil Foden). In fact, since the start of last season, he has netted 26 times.
There are worrying signs for United though. They have now lost seven of their first 13 league home matches this season, their joint-most at this stage of a league campaign, along with 1893-94 (also seven in 13).
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
5' Mainoo does well to cut back to Garnacho, who can’t convert
6' MAINOO HITS THE POST
10' Close from Palace as Munoz heads over the bar
17' Palace have not been without their chances as they sustain pressure on Onana
21' Lucky United as Michell’s cross-cum-shot didn’t make contact with Sarr’s head
32' Foul from Mateta
33' New signings from Man Utd
39' Mateta runs through, but cannot convert his chance as the ball dribbles wide
42' Dalot and Mainoo miscommunication as the Portuguese player passes into space
50' CLOSEEE! Great pass from Amad to Bruno and his shot is saved
54' Ugarte's powerful volley is somehow saved by Henderson
55' Amad goes down in box but ref says nothing
61' Substitution: Eze is on
64' MATETA SCORES! THAT'S HIS 5TH GOAL IN 5! Man Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace
70' SUBS: Zirkzee and Højlund ON; Mainoo and Mazraoui OFF
72' Yellow Card! Hughes booked
77' Martínez is in a lot of pain. He has asked to come off
Line-ups
Man Utd XI: Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Onana, Mazraoui, Dalot, Ugarte, Lisandro Martinez, Garnacho, Amad Diallo Traore, Mainoo, Yoro
Subs: Eriksen, Casemiro, Lindelof, Altay Bayındır, De Ligt, Zirkzee, Højlund, Collyer, Elyh Harrison
Crystal Palace XI: Hughes, Lerma, Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kamada, Sarr, Daniel Muñoz, Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Tyrick Mitchell
Subs: Clyne, Schlupp, Matt Turner, Eberechi Eze, Nketiah, Justin Devenny, Adam Wharton, Romain Esse, Caleb Kporha