Mateta's Hat-Trick Leads Crystal Palace to Dramatic Draw with Bournemouth
Jean-Philippe Mateta netted a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace staged a remarkable comeback to draw 3-3 with Bournemouth in an exhilarating match at Selhurst Park.
In a thrilling finish, Mateta completed his treble in the 97th minute after Marc Guehi was brought down by Bournemouth's Bafode Diakite during a left-wing corner.
There was still a chance for further drama, but Mateta, who has now scored seven goals for the Eagles this season, missed a potential match-winning opportunity by sending the ball over the bar in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Teenage striker Eli Kroupi, just 19 years old, had earlier scored twice in his first Premier League start, putting Bournemouth on track for a victory that would have temporarily placed them at the top of the table.
Mateta scored twice in a quick five-minute span to level the match at 2-2, but Ryan Christie restored Bournemouth's lead in the 89th minute, leaving them short of victory.
This match continued a successful period for Mateta, who made his France debut on October 10 against Azerbaijan and scored his first international goal just three days later in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.
As a result of this match, Crystal Palace sits in eighth place in the Premier League, while Bournemouth occupies the fourth position. The Cherries could have ascended to the top with a win, but would have been displaced if Arsenal, who started the day in first place, avoided defeat in their late game against Fulham.
More updates to follow.