Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, ending the Red Devils’ three-game winning streak in emphatic fashion. Jean-Philippe Mateta was the hero of the night, scoring both goals to guide the Eagles to a crucial win against Ruben Amorim’s side.
Mateta Strikes Early and Late
The visitors wasted no time imposing themselves on the game, with Mateta opening the scoring in the 18th minute. The French forward capitalized on a defensive lapse from United, slotting the ball past André Onana with a composed finish. Despite United’s attempts to respond, Palace remained well-organized at the back, frustrating the home side with their defensive solidity.
Manchester United dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Palace defense. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho had glimpses of goal, but their efforts were either off target or comfortably saved by Dean Henderson, who delivered a commanding performance against his former club.
As United pushed for an equalizer in the second half, Palace struck again in the 78th minute. A swift counterattack saw Eberechi Eze thread a perfect through ball to Mateta, who once again showed his clinical finishing by firing past Onana to silence the Old Trafford crowd.
United’s Struggles Continue
Ruben Amorim, who has been overseeing a mini-revival at United, looked frustrated on the sidelines as his team failed to create clear-cut chances. Despite bringing on the likes of Rasmus Højlund and Bruno Fernandes in an attempt to shift momentum, United lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, executed their game plan to perfection. Their compact defensive shape and quick transitions exposed United’s vulnerabilities, making the win all the more deserved.
What’s Next?
The defeat is a significant setback for Manchester United, who were beginning to find form under Amorim. With crucial fixtures ahead, the Red Devils will need to regroup quickly and address their struggles in breaking down resilient defenses.
For Crystal Palace, the win provides a massive boost in their battle for a strong finish this season. Mateta’s brace will also give manager Oliver Glasner plenty of confidence as the Eagles look to build on this momentum.
Key Stats:
Possession: Man Utd 63% – 37% Crystal Palace
Shots: Man Utd 14 – 7 Crystal Palace
Shots on Target: Man Utd 3 – 5 Crystal Palace
Corners: Man Utd 8 – 2 Crystal Palace
Key Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta (2 goals)
With this result, Manchester United’s top-four hopes suffer another blow, while Crystal Palace celebrates a rare and well-earned triumph at Old Trafford.
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