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IN-FORM MATETA SCORES AS PALACE OVERCOME BRENTFORD IN LONDON DERBY

Crystal Palace returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta's header and a Nathan Collins own goal sealed the three points for the Eagles.

In-form Mateta scores as Palace overcome Brentford in London derby
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header set Crystal Palace on their way to three points - COURTESY/PHOTO

Crystal Palace defeated Brentford 2-0 at Selhurst Park thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's eighth goal of the season, which put them back on track to winning ways in the Premier League.

The Eagles backed up their triumph at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with their first win in four league games, with Mateta's halftime goal and an own goal from Bees captain Nathan Collins early in the second half.

Brentford's once successful week came to a halt when they hardly made a threat in response.

When Ismaila Sarr of Palace escaped Kristoffer Ajer down the right, it appeared as though he had created an opportunity for himself. However, he decided to square the ball instead of shooting, and Brentford's Sepp van den Berg intercepted.

Mateta's deflected header from a Yeremy Pino cross fell sweetly into the arms of Bees goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, creating a rare opening in what was otherwise a cagey start.

After half an hour, however, the home team took the lead when Jefferson Lerma nodded a deep free-kick from Daichi Kamada over for Mateta to head a beautiful header that looped into the top corner, leaving Kelleher standing.

Five minutes later, Daniel Munoz's ball into the box was cleared as far as Sarr, whose low effort was just missed, giving the Eagles a chance for a second goal.

Mikkel Damsgaard's free-kick right before halftime gave Brentford their best chance to score, but they failed to score as an attacking force in the first half.

Additionally, they set themselves up for failure when Lerma's throw in the 52nd minute went off Collins' head and into his own net, giving Palace a second goal.

A minute later, Collins gifted Sarr the ball within his own half, and the Senegal international raced clear before shooting against the post, giving him another moment to forget.

In an attempt to address the visitors' continued inability to pose much of a threat up front, manager Keith Andrews substituted Mathias Jensen, Keane Lewis-Potter, and Vitaly Janelt in a triple substitution.

After 74 minutes, Jensen's low cross into the box found Janelt, who missed his shot with a wide angle, giving Brentford their greatest opportunity thanks to two of those.

Reiss Nelson, another Bees substitute, then put Dean Henderson to the test from outside the box after the Palace goalkeeper had to push away his curling attempt.

But the Eagles easily won the rest of the game, so that was the only time he was called upon.

CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF

Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.

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Conor Gallagher secured first Spurs assist as Tottenham snatched a point at City

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.

Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.

His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.

Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.

Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.

Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.

AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE

Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.

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Mateta’s "dream move" suddenly turned toxic.

Jean Philippe-Mateta’s got a real headache right now. The Crystal Palace striker just watched his £30 million dream move to AC Milan blow up at the last minute, all because a knee problem showed up during his medical.

The thing is, Mateta’s been carrying this injury for a while. Now he’s stuck: should he go under the knife and try to recover in time for the World Cup? He wants to make the France squad this summer, but nothing’s guaranteed. Even if he has surgery, there’s no telling if he’ll be fit enough—or have enough time on the pitch—to convince Didier Deschamps he deserves a spot.

The injury’s been dragging him down anyway. It’s messing with his form and his game time, and he’s worried he won’t get a real shot at proving himself for France if he isn’t at his best.

It’s tough because he’s coming off a fantastic year at Palace. FA Cup winner, big goals, helped the club reach Europe—it’s been a dream run. But now he might have to go back to Selhurst Park, even though he’s made it clear he’s had enough and wants out.

Honestly, it feels like only a matter of time before he leaves. His contract runs out next summer, and Palace can’t risk losing him for nothing. They’ve already watched Marc Guehi go to Man City for a bargain, just because his deal was running down.

Now Mateta has to sit down with Palace and the doctors to figure out what to do about his knee. Surgery would sideline him for months, probably killing his World Cup chances.

He’s gutted about Milan falling through, especially after Juventus cooled their interest and Nottingham Forest had an offer turned down. Over the weekend, he even unfollowed Palace on Instagram and posted a fed-up emoji. No one really knows if he’ll even make the squad for the Brighton game.

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