Mateta’s Late Penalty Secures Dramatic Draw for Crystal Palace Against Leicester
Jean-Philippe Mateta came to Crystal Palace’s rescue with a dramatic late penalty, securing a 2-2 draw against Leicester City. Mateta, who ended last season in prolific form with nine goals in six games, salvaged a point for Palace in the 92nd minute, denying Leicester their first win back in the Premier League.
Leicester, bolstered by goals from veteran Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi, looked on course for a hard-fought victory. Vardy, now 37, added his second goal of the season, continuing to defy age with his sharp finishing. Leicester took advantage of Palace’s defensive lapses, with Vardy and Mavididi putting the Foxes in control.
However, Mateta pulled one back for Palace, capitalizing on a VAR decision that ruled him onside. As time ticked down, Palace seemed out of ideas, but a reckless tackle by Conor Coady on Ismaïla Sarr handed the home side a lifeline. Mateta coolly converted the resulting penalty, snatching a late equalizer and leaving Leicester devastated after what had seemed like a sure victory.
Both teams remain winless in the league, but Palace will feel relieved to have salvaged a point from a two-goal deficit.
Leicester manager Steve Cooper expressed his frustration: “It does feel like a defeat. I thought we were really good in the first half, especially coming away to a strong team like Palace and playing the way we did. They threw everything at us, but Mads [Hermansen] didn’t have to make save after save. It’s disappointing to lose the win like that.”
