Iraola praises ‘nightmare’ Mateta after hat-trick as Crystal Palace draw Bournemouth | OneFootball

Crystal Palace claimed a hard-fought point this weekend at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles desperate to bounce back from a first loss of the season before the break.

Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta bagged a hat-trick against Bournemouth to earn his side a point after one of the most enthralling Premier League matches of the season.

The Crystal Palace ace was on hand at the back post twice to steer in crosses from Daniel Munoz before angling home a penalty.

The 28-year-old French international also had a golden opportunity to clinch the win for the Eagles, but fluffed his lines from close range.

Still, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola clearly respected what he saw from the Palace striker. He was a ‘nightmare’ to deal with, as Alan Shearer claimed.

Following a debut goal on his first international outing, Mateta won 11/15 duels, completed 100% of his dribbles, 100% of his crosses, and 2/2 (100%) of his long balls.

When asked what Crystal Palace did differently in the second half, Iraola said (via the BBC), “They were losing. They had to be braver, more aggressive.

“The long balls with Mateta, he was touching everything. Obviously, with Ismaila Sarr, Eddie Nketiah, fast players in behind. They were punishing us.”

Despite missing three big chances, Mateta deserves plaudits for his showing and with his contract set to expire in 2027, Crystal Palace must act decisively to secure his future.

By next summer, he will be entering the final year of his deal, and if his current form continues, suitors will be lining up across Europe.

Mateta has evolved into the focal point of Palace’s attack under Oliver Glasner, combining physicality with a clinical edge that few strikers in the league can match.

Allowing him to approach the final year of his contract would create unnecessary uncertainty.

Palace have unearthed a forward capable of leading the line for years to come, and now they must show ambition and reward him with a new long-term deal before it’s too late.