The Premier League never fails to deliver drama, and the recent clash between Crystal Palace vs West Ham United at London Stadium on January 18, 2025, proved no exception. Crystal Palace, riding a wave of confidence, secured a commanding 2-0 victory over a struggling West Ham side. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace, coupled with a disciplined team performance, showcased Palace’s growing prowess. Meanwhile, West Ham’s lackluster display under new manager Graham Potter raised eyebrows among fans. This article dives deep into the match, exploring team dynamics, key moments, player performances, and what lies ahead for both clubs.
A Tale of Two Teams
Crystal Palace’s Resurgence
Crystal Palace entered the 2024/25 season with cautious optimism. After a strong finish last term, where they won six of their final seven matches, manager Oliver Glasner instilled a sense of belief. The Eagles’ attacking trio of Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Michael Olise (before his departure) dazzled defenses. Despite losing Olise, Palace adapted well, integrating new signings like Ismaila Sarr and Daichi Kamada. Their recent form, unbeaten in five league games before facing West Ham, signaled a team hitting its stride. Glasner’s tactical nous, blending high pressing with swift counterattacks, has turned Palace into a formidable outfit.
The team’s confidence shone through at London Stadium. Mateta, in particular, has emerged as a talisman, scoring eight goals this season. His partnership with Eze, who provided a pinpoint assist for the opener, continues to flourish. Palace’s defense, marshaled by Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, stood firm against West Ham’s sporadic attacks. This victory, their third in four away games, underscores their ability to perform on the road. As Palace climb to 12th in the table, fans dream of a top-half finish, a feat not achieved since 2015.
West Ham’s Struggles
Contrastingly, West Ham United find themselves in a rut. The departure of Julen Lopetegui in December 2024, after a string of inconsistent results, paved the way for Graham Potter’s appointment. Potter, known for his progressive football at Brighton, inherited a squad plagued by injuries and low morale. Key players like Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, and Michail Antonio missed the Palace clash, leaving the attack toothless. Despite a gritty 3-2 win over Fulham days earlier, West Ham failed to build momentum.
The Hammers’ performance against Palace exposed glaring weaknesses. They managed zero shots on target, a damning statistic for a home side. Potter’s decision to deploy Mohammed Kudus as a makeshift striker backfired, with the Ghanaian struggling to link play. Defensively, Konstantinos Mavropanos’ red card late in the game compounded their woes. Sitting 13th with just 10 points above the relegation zone, West Ham face tough fixtures against Aston Villa and Chelsea next. Fans, frustrated by the lack of attacking spark, voiced their discontent at full-time.
The Match: A Breakdown
First Half Stalemate
The opening 45 minutes at London Stadium lacked fireworks. Both teams probed cautiously, with Palace controlling possession and West Ham sitting deep. Crystal Palace’s midfield, led by Will Hughes and Daichi Kamada, dictated the tempo, but clear chances remained scarce. Mateta tested Lukasz Fabianski with a low drive, which the Polish goalkeeper parried comfortably. Meanwhile, West Ham’s attack fizzled, with Lucas Paqueta’s wayward shot their only notable effort.
Tactically, Palace’s high press disrupted West Ham’s rhythm. Glasner’s men targeted Aaron Wan-Bissaka, exploiting his hesitancy in possession. However, the Eagles failed to capitalize on their dominance, with Eze firing over from distance. West Ham’s cautious approach, perhaps a reflection of Potter’s bedding-in period, drew groans from the home crowd. At halftime, the scoreline read 0-0, but Palace looked the likelier to break the deadlock.
Mateta’s Magic in the Second Half
The second half sparked into life within minutes. In the 48th minute, Eze’s incisive through-ball found Mateta, who unleashed a rasping shot from 20 yards. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Fabianski rooted. Palace’s fans erupted, sensing their team’s growing control. Mateta’s goal, his third in three games, highlighted his lethal finishing and growing confidence.
West Ham tried to respond, but their lack of cohesion showed. Potter introduced substitutes Carlos Soler and Danny Ings, hoping to inject urgency. Yet, Palace’s defense, anchored by Guehi, snuffed out any danger. The game’s turning point came in the 80th minute when Mavropanos received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mateta. Down to 10 men, West Ham’s hopes crumbled.
Sealing the Deal
With West Ham reeling, Palace pounced. In the 89th minute, substitute Eddie Nketiah drew a clumsy foul from Fabianski in the box. Mateta stepped up, coolly slotting the penalty into the bottom right corner. The 2-0 scoreline flattered Palace’s dominance, as West Ham failed to muster a single shot on Dean Henderson’s goal. The final whistle triggered boos from the home fans, while Palace celebrated a deserved victory.
Key Players Who Shaped the Game
Jean-Philippe Mateta: The Difference-Maker
Mateta’s brace earned him Player of the Match honors. The Frenchman’s transformation under Glasner has been remarkable. Once criticized for his inconsistency, he now leads Palace’s charge with eight league goals. His first strike, a clinical effort from outside the box, showcased his growing confidence. The penalty, taken under pressure, underlined his composure. Mateta’s hold-up play and link-up with Eze troubled West Ham’s defense all game.
Beyond goals, Mateta’s work rate set the tone for Palace’s press. He chased lost causes, harried defenders, and created space for teammates. At 27, he’s hitting his prime, and Palace fans hope he stays fit for their upcoming fixtures. His partnership with Eze, responsible for eight of his 32 Premier League goals, remains a cornerstone of Palace’s attack.
Eberechi Eze: The Creative Spark
Eze’s assist for Mateta’s opener was a moment of brilliance. The England winger, known for his silky dribbling, glided past West Ham’s midfield with ease. His vision to pick out Mateta’s run split the Hammers’ defense open. Eze’s influence extended beyond the assist, as he completed four key passes and won seven duels. His ability to create in tight spaces makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Despite missing a long-range effort, Eze’s performance was near-faultless. Palace’s five-game unbeaten run owes much to his form, with three assists in his last three games. At 26, Eze attracts interest from bigger clubs, but Palace remain determined to keep their star man. His synergy with Mateta promises more goals in the months ahead.
West Ham’s Struggles: A Collective Failure
No West Ham player stood out positively. Mohammed Kudus, usually a bright spark, looked lost up top. Lucas Paqueta, deployed as a false nine earlier in the week, lacked influence in midfield. Defensively, Mavropanos’ sending-off capped a torrid day, while Fabianski’s penalty concession proved costly. Potter’s substitutes, including debutant Lewis Orford, failed to turn the tide.
The absence of Bowen and Fullkrug left West Ham devoid of focal points. Potter’s insistence on a possession-based approach, with Fabianski and defenders exchanging passes aimlessly, frustrated fans. The team’s lack of shots on target, the first time in 22 games against Palace, highlighted their bluntness. Potter faces a steep challenge to revive this side’s fortunes.
FAQs
Why has Crystal Palace improved so much this season?
Crystal Palace’s improvement stems from Oliver Glasner’s management. He introduced a high-pressing, counter attacking style that suits players like Mateta and Eze. New signings, such as Kamada and Sarr, added quality, while the defense, led by Guehi, gained solidity. Their unbeaten run reflects growing confidence and tactical clarity.
What’s wrong with West Ham’s attack?
Jaycob Tatum West Ham’s attack struggles due to injuries and tactical issues. Without Bowen, Fullkrug, and Antonio, they lack a focal point. Potter’s possession-based approach hasn’t clicked, with players like Kudus misplaced up top. Zero shots on target against Palace Crystal Palace vs West Ham United highlight their inability to create chances.
How important is Jean-Philippe Mateta to the Palace?
Martin Frizell Mateta is crucial to Palace’s success. His eight goals this season, including four in three games, make him their top scorer. His work rate, hold-up play, and link-up with Eze drive their attack. Without him, Palace’s goal threat would diminish Crystal Palace vs West Ham United significantly.
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