Jean-Philippe Mateta produced a late brace to secure Crystal Palace a 2-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, restoring the striker’s bond with home fans and easing recent tension around Mateta’s future following a difficult winter transfer window and a long wait for another Premier League goal.

Crystal Palace trailed before Mateta struck twice, first meeting Tyrick Mitchell’s cross with an 80th-minute header, then driving in a penalty deep into stoppage time. Those goals gave Palace three points and brought Mateta’s first Premier League strike since January 1, ending a league drought that had stretched across several months.

Mateta had pushed for a move during the winter transfer window, with AC Milan interested, but the transfer collapsed after a failed medical and a knee problem. Glasner explained how Mateta responded, saying: “I was delighted for him and I mentioned weeks ago that is what he deserves,” before stressing the attitude shown since that disappointment.

Glasner added that Mateta, who spent time out managing the knee issue after the Milan move fell apart, reacted with a strong pledge once staying became certain. Glasner recalled Mateta’s words: “As soon as it was clear that he had to stay at Crystal Palace, he said: ‘OK, I will work very, very hard to come back and help the team win,’ and to help us achieve all our goals.”

That commitment has carried into recent games. Mateta scored during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Conference League win over Fiorentina on Thursday, then changed the Newcastle match from the bench on Sunday. Glasner believes Mateta’s influence now extends beyond his goals, and that the latest display has helped restore trust among Crystal Palace supporters at Selhurst Park.

Glasner highlighted Mateta’s improving condition, saying the forward is nearing peak fitness again. Glasner also praised Jorgen Strand Larsen’s effort, noting how Newcastle’s centre-backs appeared tired late on after constant physical battles. “For me, it was a massive performance, not just regarding football, but also psychologically,” Glasner said of the team’s response and resilience.

Mateta’s winning spot-kick also underlined an outstanding Premier League penalty record. Mateta has converted all eight league penalties taken, maintaining a perfect record. Only Raul Jimenez, Yaya Toure and Dimitar Berbatov have more successful penalties without a miss in Premier League history, ranking Mateta among the most reliable takers in the competition.

Mateta now has 31 Premier League goals at Selhurst Park, leaving the 28-year-old one behind Wilfried Zaha, who leads Crystal Palace’s home scoring in the competition with 32. With decisive strikes against Fiorentina and Newcastle United in the same week, Mateta’s form, fitness and connection with Crystal Palace fans have strengthened at an important stage.