Glasner: That was a massive team performance today
Oliver Glasner hailed the Crystal Palace squad for their collective performance – both in terms of the football they played, but the mentality they demonstrated – in coming from behind to defeat Newcastle late on at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles had generally been the better team but, in a match of few chances, trailed until late on against a physically robust visiting side.
But on 80 minutes, a fine team move – finished off by second-half substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta – sparked hopes of a second win at Selhurst Park in the space of three days.
And when Jefferson Lerma was fouled inside the box five minutes into injury time, up stepped Mateta again to – with an emphatic penalty kick – bury the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale and secure three points for his side.
The win was Palace’s first Premier League win after trailing at half-time since 18th October 2022 (against Wolverhampton Wanderers – 35 such games ago).
“I just pass the congratulations forward to the players, to the team,” the Manager told his post-match press conference. “For me, it was a massive performance today, not just regarding football, also psychologically.
“It was really a very tight first-half, not many chances. Then there was one situation, they went 1-0 up straight before half-time. Then coming back against a team like Newcastle, giving them two shots in the entire second-half… you know how difficult it is with all their pace and how good they are in transitions.
“We needed to play forward and create chances. It was just really great to watch. It’s always, but today and it was the same on Thursday, it's a massive team win.
“Again, a great impact from the bench. It was the plan to rotate a little bit, having fresh legs. In the end, I think it's the same: we deserved to win. We could have equalised with Jeff Lerma’s header and defended really well again.
"A great three points.”
Mateta’s first Premier League goals since New Year’s Day – added to his opener against Fiorentina in midweek – saw him move on to 10 league goals for the season.
“When I see his first goal, of course always the goalscorers are the ones in the spotlight,” Glasner noted. “But it's how brave Jaydee Canvot drives the ball through midfield.
“And then T Mitchell is there again. There were so many legs and bodies and chaos in the box. He stays calm and really delivers the ball straight on JP's head, and then he does what he's here for, scoring a goal and being in the right position.
“To be honest, I think it was a penalty, but a little bit lucky that they made this foul. In the 93rd minute, JP can score penalties. I think he has proven it for many years here. He stayed calm and has the confidence.
“He scored the two goals, but as I mentioned, for me it was a huge team effort.”
I was delighted for him – I think that’s what he deserves
—Oliver Glasner
On Mateta, Glasner added: “I was delighted for him – I think that’s what he deserves.
“To be honest, as soon as it was clear that he was to stay at Crystal Palace, he said: ‘Okay, I will work very, very hard to come back and to help the team win and to help us to achieve all our goals'. I think this is what he showed. He's now getting back to his top fitness.
“I also think Jørgen [Strand Larsen] worked very, very hard. The Newcastle centre-backs looked fatigued at the end because they had to work very hard against him and against all the others.”
Glasner also praised the collective performances of his defenders, noting: “It’s everyone at the back to be honest.
“Maxence [Lacroix] maybe was a little partly integrated in the first goal, but he had such an incredible clearance in the second-half because they're always delivering the balls in behind. It's so hard. He had a clearance with his left foot in the air because one of their players was waiting to score at the end.
“And Chris Richards was there when we defended the set-plays really well. They are so strong and that's why we protected the lead.”