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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.

TOTTENHAM TARGET LEON GORETZKA AS BAYERN MUNICH MIDFIELDER EYES A BOLD PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka as the 30-year-old midfielder looks to revive his career in London.

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Leon Goretzka to Tottenham

Fichajes reports that Leon Goretzka might be a target for Tottenham, since his time with Bayern Munich could be ending. The North London team might want the 30-year-old to try out the Premier League and help them in the short to medium term.

Goretzka seems to have lost his edge, especially with the competition he faces at Bayern Munich. Even though there's no confirmed conflict between him and the club or coaches, he might leave when the season ends.

Like when he left Schalke for Bayern Munich, Goretzka might leave for free when his contract expires. He might want a change, as he's reportedly not happy with his playing time under Vincent Kompany.

Even though he's supposedly playing less, Goretzka has started in 11 of Bayern Munich's 14 league games this season, which doesn't really show a lack of minutes. But there's no word on a new contract, since the club sees Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joshua Kimmich as their main midfielders going forward.

So, some teams are thinking about signing the 30-year-old as a short-term to mid-term option, and Tottenham is one of them. Spurs want a new midfielder and have been connected to several players. RC Lens star Mamadou Sangare is a target, and there are others like Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki.

Will Tottenham get Leon Goretzka?

Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi is also a target, but signing Goretzka in January might be something to consider. Tottenham might not be the best place for him, but they seem to be the only ones interested right now.

Spurs could give Goretzka the chance to start his Premier League career, something he's never done before. Also, Tottenham has a good relationship with Bayern Munich because of recent deals for Mathys Tel, Harry Kane, and Joao Palhinha. This makes it easier for both teams to talk if a January move for Goretzka happens.

WEST HAM TRANSFER NEWS: WILL BETO REPLACE NICLAS FULLKRUG THIS JANUARY

West Ham eyes Everton’s Beto to replace Füllkrug. Can they beat Roma to the 27-year-old’s signature this January?

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Will Everton sell Beto without a replacement lined up

TEAMtalk reports that West Ham United is eyeing Beto as a potential addition during the January transfer window. The Everton striker hasn't been performing well, and Everton might let him go if they can find someone to take his place. West Ham won't be alone in trying to get him, though, as AS Roma from Serie A is also interested.

Both Everton and West Ham United have struggled with their strikers finding the net this season. While both teams have experienced players, they haven't been very productive. West Ham is already considering changes.

West Ham might be moving Niclas Fullkrug out, with the German attacker possibly going to AC Milan. If that happens, West Ham will need a replacement, and names like Josh Sargent from Norwich City have been mentioned.

Other players like Endrick, Joshua Zirkzee, and Promise David have been linked before, but they aren't expected to join West Ham in January. Now, West Ham is looking at Beto. Everton might consider selling the struggling 27-year-old striker if they can bring in someone new.

This could benefit both clubs, but West Ham faces competition from Serie A. A return to Italy might appeal to Beto, as he hasn't had a great run in the Premier League since joining Everton.

Can West Ham sign Beto?

West Ham could have a shot at signing Beto if they can persuade him to stay in England. Right now, they seem to be in the lead. However, the Friedkin Group, which owns Everton, might have other ideas. They are thinking about a swap deal with their other club, AS Roma, where Beto would go to Roma and Artem Dovbyk would come to England.

AS Roma is interested and sees Beto as another option if they can't get their main target, Zirkzee. It's still up in the air whether the Friedkin Group can arrange a deal for Beto or if West Ham will win the race for the Everton striker.

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