Mateta’s Hat‑Trick and Missed Winner Crown 3‑3 Draw at Selhurst Park
When Jean-Philippe Mateta fired a second‑half hat‑trick at Selhurst Park on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the result was a roller‑coaster 3‑3 stalemate that kept both clubs in the hunt for a top‑four finish. The match, part of Matchweek 8 of the 2025‑26 Premier League, pitted Mateta’s Crystal Palace against a surging AFC Bournemouth side led by teenage sensation Eli Kroupi. By the final whistle, the game had turned into a showcase of youthful flair, veteran composure and a nail‑biting missed chance that could have handed Palace all three points.
Background: Early‑Season Stakes
Both clubs entered the weekend with bright ambitions. Palace, under new manager Oliver Glasner, had just stretched their unbeaten home run to ten games, a run that has become a cornerstone of their campaign. Bournemouth, guided by Andoni Iraola, were perched in fourth place after a string of convincing wins. The two teams had exchanged blows earlier in the season, each claiming a home victory, so the fixture carried a sense of unfinished business.
Match Details: Goals, Penalties and Near‑Misses
The opening moments were anything but dull. Kroupi, only 18, found the net in the seventh minute after a well‑timed corner from teammate Justin Clarke. The French striker Daichi Kamada tried to pull Palace level, but the ball hit the post. Kroupi doubled his tally at 38 minutes, latching onto a low cross from Anton Semeno and slotting home before the halftime whistle.
Palace responded with vigor. Mateta’s first goal arrived in the 64th minute, a glancing finish from a Kamada curling ball to the back post. Six minutes later, the striker struck again, this time riding a quick counter‑attack that saw him tap in after a defensive scramble. The drama peaked in the 89th minute when Ryan Christie jerked Bournemouth ahead with a precise finish, sending the Cherries briefly to the top of the table.
VAR entered the fray in stoppage time. Referee Anthony Taylor consulted the video assistant after Bafodé Diakité was judged to have clipped Marc Guéhi in the box. The decision awarded Palace a spot‑kick, which Mateta calmly converted in the 97th minute, restoring parity.
But the story didn’t end there. Moments later, Eddie Nketiah slipped a perfect through‑ball to Mateta inside the six‑yard box. The Frenchman, eyes blazing, unleashed a shot from just eight yards — a chance that any striker would have turned into a winner. Instead, the ball flew over the crossbar, sealing the match as a draw.
Player Performances: Rising Stars and Veteran Poise
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta – 3 goals, 1 missed winner; his first home league goal of the season and first Premier League hat‑trick for Palace since 2023.
- Eli Kroupi – 2 goals; the teenage forward showed composure beyond his years, hinting at a bright future for the Cherries.
- Ryan Christie – 1 goal; his late strike briefly lifted Bournemouth to the summit of the league.
- Daichi Kamada – 1 assist; the Japanese midfielder’s creativity was a constant threat.
- Anthony Taylor – Referee; VAR consultation added tension but ultimately kept the result fair.
Manager Reactions: Tactical Adjustments and Post‑Match Reflections
Glasner praised his side’s resilience but admitted the missed chance “stung” nonetheless. In the post‑match interview he noted, "We showed we can score three times against a quality opponent, but football is unforgiving – one miss can change the narrative." Iraola, meanwhile, highlighted his youngsters’ impact, saying, "Kroupi’s brace proves we have depth. The loss hurts, but we’ll bounce back against Wolves." Both managers emphasized their squads’ fitness and the importance of the next fixtures.
Impact and Future Implications
The draw left Palace sitting on 13 points in tenth place, a modest position but one that feels more secure thanks to the unbeaten home streak. Bournemouth, with 15 points, remain fourth but missed a chance to widen the gap at the top. The result also has a psychological edge: Mateta’s hat‑trick cements his status as Palace’s go‑to striker, while Kroupi’s performance signals Bournemouth’s willingness to trust youth in high‑pressure moments.
Looking ahead, Palace travel to Manchester City on October 25, a test that will likely demand defensive discipline and another goal‑scoring burst from Mateta. Bournemouth host Wolverhampton Wanderers the same night, hoping Kroupi can continue his ascent.
Key Facts
- Final score: Crystal Palace 3 – 3 AFC Bournemouth
- Mateta’s goals: 64’, 69’, 90+7’ (penalty)
- Kroupi’s goals: 7’, 38’
- Attendance: approx. 24,800 spectators
- Referee: Anthony Taylor (VAR used)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Crystal Palace’s league position?
Palace remain in tenth place with 13 points, three points behind the clubs occupying the European spots. The unbeaten home run helps them stay clear of the relegation zone, but they’ll need more wins to climb the table.
What does Eli Kroupi’s performance mean for Bournemouth’s future?
Scoring a brace at 18 showcases Kroupi’s composure and finishing ability. Iraola is likely to give him more minutes, and his emergence adds depth to Bournemouth’s attack, which could prove vital in a tight title race.
Why was the penalty decision controversial?
Replays showed Diakité’s challenge on Guéhi was marginal, sparking debate among fans about whether a hand‑ball or a simple collision occurred. VAR confirmed the foul, but opinions remain split on the consistency of such calls.
What are the key takeaways for Oliver Glasner after the match?
Glasner will applaud the attacking flair, especially Mateta’s hat‑trick, but he must address defensive lapses that allowed Bournemouth to equalise twice. The missed winner also underlines the fine margins in a league where goals win points.
When does each team play their next Premier League match?
Crystal Palace travel to Manchester City on October 25, 2025. AFC Bournemouth host Wolverhampton Wanderers the same evening, offering both clubs a chance to improve their standings.
