Jean-Philippe Mateta says that his goal against Arsenal is one of the best in his career and that he knew he could catch Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya off his line.
The Crystal Palace striker benefitted from William Saliba after he gifted him possession, but Mateta still had a lot to do after turning away from Martin Odegaard and then chipping Raya from range.
"When I started on the bench, I watched the first half. He [Raya] was very high, so I knew if we won the ball high, I could try – so I did, and scored!," Mateta said to Sky Sports after the match.
"Yes [it’s one of the best goals of my career]. I was scared when the ball hit the crossbar, and I just waited – and after the ball goes in!"
Mateta's goal against Arsenal
"We have struggled for the last three games, but we just listened to the gaffer [Oliver Glasner] and today was a good game for us.
"We can go in [to Saturday] with confidence and hopefully we will win the semi-final. It is a very big game for the fans, for everybody and I can’t wait to play on Saturday.
"I am very happy. Hopefully I will score more goals. 14 [Premier League] goals [this season] is good – but I hope for much more."
Morrison: Glasner has given Mateta confidence
Since Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024 only Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more than Mateta.
And former Palace forward Clinton Morrison says the reason for those numbers is because of the backing Glasner has given Mateta since the Austrian arrived at Selhurst Park.
Most league goals since Glasner's appointment
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Alexander Isak | 32 |
| Erling Haaland | 31 |
| Mohamed Salah | 30 |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 27 |
"I remember speaking to the Dougie Freedman, the [former Palace] director of football, and he said 'he's a talent, he just needs a run of games'," Morrison said.
"Glasner has given Mateta confidence, if a manager comes in and tells you 'you're playing week in, week out' and you're not going to get dragged off after 60 minutes [it will give you belief].
"He's been a revelation, the goal is fantastic, that is a centre-forward in great form."
"I watched him under [former Palace manager] Patrick Vieira and he hit the bar, hit the post, nothing would come off for him," former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added.
"But then he had a switch and that's the sort of finish that's taking him to the next level."
