Three things we learnt as Crystal Palace defeat Newcastle

Crystal Palace continued their resurgent form with a 2-1 comeback victory against Newcastle at Selhurst Park.

William Osula had put the visitors in front during the first half after diverting Lewis Miley’s driven cross past Dean Henderson, but the Eagles fought back to earn victory through a Jean-Philippe Mateta brace.

Oliver Glasner’s side left it late but finally found the equaliser in the 80th minute when Tyrick Mitchell’s chipped cross was headed home by Mateta. The Frenchman would then secure victory in stoppage time, firing a penalty into the bottom right corner to earn Palace three points after Sven Botman was adjudged to have brought down Jefferson Lerma.

The result means Palace have won three consecutive matches, and leapfrogged their opponents to 13th in the Premier League, just six points off the European qualification places.

Here are three things we learnt from the Eagles victory:

Jean-Philippe Mateta is back with a boom

Mateta looked set to depart Selhurst Park on deadline day of the January transfer window, as Crystal Palace agreed a reported £30 million bid from AC Milan. However, the deal collapsed after the Rossoneri pulled out of the transfer due to concerns over a knee injury sustained by the French striker.

The Eagles manager Oliver Glasner had previously stated that Mateta had been struggling with the ongoing issue throughout the first half of the campaign. After his proposed departure fell through, the decision was made for Mateta to spend time absent from the first team to recover from his injury, with Palace’s attacking ranks bolstered by the signings of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand and Brennan Johnson.

Over the recent matches the 28-year-old has slowly built up his fitness, before a suspension to Strand Larsen and an injury to Eddie Nketiah meant Mateta was handed an opportunity to start against ACF Fiorentina in the first leg of the Conference League quarter final. The Frenchman valiantly led the line and had fired Palace to an early lead from the penalty spot as the Eagles earned a dominant 3-0 victory over the Italian opposition, making the most of his opportunity.

While Mateta started from the bench against Newcastle, Glasner turned to him to make a difference in the 65th minute with Palace trailing 1-0.

The Frenchman rewarded his manager’s faith, scoring two as Palace completed the comeback with Mateta earning the man of the match award.

With Mateta looking to earn a place in the France World Cup squad, it is within his interest to be engaged at Selhurst Park and rediscover his best form, and the Eagles would be silly not to continue to utilise such an effective game-changing option if Mateta is committed to the club for the rest of the season. With 12 goals across all competitions for Palace so far this season, Glasner will be hoping Mateta can continue to add to his tally and help the Eagles soar to new heights during the remainder of the campaign.

After missing for eight matches, Mateta re-joined the squad to make a cameo in the first leg of the Conference League round of 16 success over AEK Larnaca.

Jaydee Canvot is the Marc Guehi replacement

After the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City for a reported £20 million fee, there was understandably concerns at Selhurst Park on their defensive options. Manager Oliver Glasner publicly lamented the failure to find a suitable replacement before the window closed with the Eagles only options to replace their club captain being Chadi Riad, Jefferson Lerma and Jaydee Canvot.

Riad had only just returned from a serious knee injury. Lerma is naturally a central midfielder, though has deputised in defence previously. Canvot was signed in the summer for a reported £20 million fee from Toulouse, but only made his senior debut in 2024 and the transfer appeared to be with the future in mind.

While the inexperience of Canvot has stood out at times throughout this season, the departure of Guehi left a void and an opportunity for the France U19 international to experience consistent minutes at the highest level, and fast-track his development. Canvot has taken that opportunity in his stride, becoming a key part of the Palace defensive three.

The match against Newcastle marked Canvot’s 52nd senior appearance, and while the 19-year-old is still developing, his performance against Newcastle was one of a defender beyond his years.

Canvot’s composure on the ball is a sight to behold in a league renowned for its pace and physicality. The Frenchman made 14 passes into the final third, consistently breaking Newcastle defensive lines, and is also capable of carrying the ball forward. Against ACF Fiorentina there had been an eye catching run when Canvot had surged with the ball to the edge of the opposition box before firing a shot at David de Gea.

Versus Newcastle, these runs were displayed again, with Canvot driving forward to help kickstart attacks and opportunities for his side. It was one of these runs which initiated the move for the leveller, and were reminiscent of the contributions Guehi used to provide at Selhurst Park.

Canvot was also fantastic defensively, winning 59% of his duels, and making seven clearances, five recoveries, two blocks and one interception.

While the central defender is still raw, it is clear that Palace have unearthed another gem, and Canvot has an important role to play at Selhurst Park for the remainder of this season and beyond.

Tyrick Mitchell makes his 200th Premier League appearance

Academy graduate Tyrick Mitchell was celebrated before the match for making his 200th Premier League appearance for the Eagles. The England defender is currently 5th for all time Premier League appearances for the South London, and aged just 26, there should be plenty of opportunity for Mitchell to rise up the rankings.

The display from the left wing-back against Newcastle epitomised why Mitchell has been a stalwart in Palace’s starting eleven since his first team debut in 2020.

Up against the dangerous Jacob Murphy, Mitchell was solid defensively, making two tackles, three clearances, six recoveries and winning 55% of his duels. While Mitchell’s defensive prowess has always been evident, it was the defenders attacking intent that made the difference against the Magpies.

Mitchell is tasked with providing the attacking width in Glasner’s system at Palace, with the left ‘ten’ often inverting to occupy the half-spaces and play closer to the striker. Mitchell therefore has to play high and wide when in possession, while also being tasked with completing his defensive diligence.

This side of Mitchell’s game has developed under Glasner’s tenure, as evidenced earlier this week by the 26-year-old scoring in Palace’s 3-0 victory over ACF Fiorentina after the defender’s late run into the box allowed him to pounce on the loose ball to steer home into the far corner.

Against Newcastle, it was a similar run that led to his side’s equaliser. Daniel Munoz crossed in from the right, with the ball finding Mitchell at the back post. The Palace academy graduate controlled the ball with his chest before chipping a cross inside to evade the onrushing Aaron Ramsdale, which Mateta headed into the empty net.

While Mitchell continues to develop his attacking instincts, the assist marked the defender’s sixth goal contribution of the season and highlighted the importance to this Palace side Mitchell continues to have as he celebrated a historic milestone.