Oliver Glasner is “delighted” with Crystal Palace’s 2-1 comeback victory against Newcastle United.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 94th-minute penalty saw Palace complete a comeback win to move above Newcastle into 13th position in the Premier League, which put Glasner’s Eagles five points behind the final European qualification spot of seventh – currently held by London rivals, Brentford.
Mateta initially equalised with a 80th-minute header from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross after William Osula had put Eddie Howe’s Magpies in front just before half time.
“I just pass the congratulations forward to the players, to the team,” explained Glasner in his post-match press conference. “For me, it was a massive performance today, not just regarding football, also psychologically.
The Austrian however felt that Newcastle gave his team a strong test just days after the Eagles thrashed Fiorentina 3-0 at home in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Quarter-Final tie.
“It was really a very tight first-half, not many chances. Then there was one situation, they went 1-0 up straight before half-time. Then coming back against a team like Newcastle, giving them two shots in the entire second-half… you know how difficult it is with all their pace and how good they are in transitions.
“We needed to play forward and create chances. It was just really great to watch. It’s always, but today and it was the same on Thursday, it’s a massive team win.
“Again, a great impact from the bench. It was the plan to rotate a little bit, having fresh legs. In the end, I think it’s the same: we deserved to win. We could have equalised with Jeff Lerma’s header and defended really well again.
Mateta has scored three goals in his last two appearances in all competitions for Palace which left Glasner pleased to see the Frenchman confidently back amongst the goals after he returned last month following a period on the sidelines with a knee injury, which saw a deadline-day move to AC Milan in February collapse.
“I was delighted for him – I think that’s what he deserves.
“To be honest, as soon as it was clear that he was to stay at Crystal Palace, he said: ‘Okay, I will work very, very hard to come back and to help the team win and to help us to achieve all our goals’. I think this is what he showed. He’s now getting back to his top fitness.”
Glasner also credited Jaydee Canvot for his contribution to Mateta’s first goal after he drove forward to create the equalising attack, which saw Mitchell eventually produce the assist.
When I see his first goal, of course always the goalscorers are the ones in the spotlight,” acknowledged Glasner on the attention on Mateta as he paid tribute to Canvot and Mitchell. “But it’s how brave Jaydee Canvot drives the ball through midfield.
“And then T Mitchell is there again. There were so many legs and bodies and chaos in the box. He stays calm and really delivers the ball straight on JP’s head, and then he does what he’s here for, scoring a goal and being in the right position.”
Mateta’s second goal came from the penalty spot after Sven Botman fouled Jefferson Lerma and although Glasner accepted it was a clear penalty, he felt that they lucked into forcing Botman’s foul but praised Mateta for his composure on penalties.
“To be honest, I think it was a penalty, but a little bit lucky that they made this foul. In the 93rd minute, JP can score penalties. I think he has proven it for many years here. He stayed calm and has the confidence.
“He scored the two goals, but as I mentioned, for me it was a huge team effort.”
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