Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta couldn’t contain his excitement after scoring a hat-trick in their impressive 5-0 victory over Aston Villa. The Frenchman’s stellar performance marked a significant milestone for Palace, as it was their first Premier League hat-trick since Yannick Bolasie achieved the feat back in 2015.
Reflecting on the win, Mateta expressed his joy at the team’s success, stating, “I’m very happy because we’re winning a lot of games. We’ve been playing alongside this guy, Ebere Eze, consistently, and the team is on the rise. It’s incredibly enjoyable when you win and score plenty of goals, just like we did today.”
He further added, “We’ve put in a lot of hard work, and now we’re reaping the rewards. We’re having fun on the pitch, just enjoying every moment. I can score goals, but I can also provide assists.”
Eze, who also had an outstanding game with two goals, praised Mateta’s finishing abilities, saying, “He’s exactly what I’m playing for. He’s converting every opportunity that comes his way, which makes my job a lot easier when I’m playing alongside him. It’s fantastic.”
Although Eze came close to securing a hat-trick himself, he emphasized the importance of consistent good performances. He expressed confidence that the team will continue to flourish and have more games where they find the back of the net. Eze highlighted their meticulous preparation and dedication to their work before stepping onto the pitch as the key to their success.
Mateta also took the opportunity to send a message to England coach Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euros. He playfully urged Southgate to consider calling up Eze for the national team, stating, “He has to call him if he wants to win something!”
Crystal Palace fans will undoubtedly be thrilled with Mateta’s exceptional performance and the team’s resounding victory. With their recent form, it seems that Palace is on an upward trajectory, and their players are relishing every moment on the pitch.
