"Next level" - Former Arsenal defender lauds Jean-Philippe Mateta's transformation

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown hailed the transformation of Jean-Philippe Mateta under Oliver Glasner after the Crystal Palace forward ensured his side claimed a share of the spoils against the Gunners on Wednesday.

Jakub Kiwior had given the hosts the lead when he headed Martin Odegaard's free-kick in after three minutes before Eberechi Eze's volley restored parity, but Arsenal went ahead again before half-time courtesy of Leandro Trossard's fourth goal in as many Premier League games.

With Mikel Arteta's side on the verge of a win that would see them consolidate second place, an uncharacteristic error from William Saliba allowed substitute Mateta a sniff at goal and, with David Raya a considerable distance from his line, the Frenchman produced a divine, improvised effort to chip the goalkeeper from range.

The goal takes Mateta's tally of Premier League goals this term to 14, only two shy of his season-best tally. By backing up his goalscoring exploits of the previous campaign, the 27-year-old has reinforced his status as one of the league's leading marksman.

Only Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more goals than Mateta in the Premier League since Glasner's arrival at Selhurst Park and Keown praised the progress of the former Mainz man.

"I watched him under [former Palace manager] Patrick Vieira and he hit the bar, hit the post, nothing would come off for him," Keown stated on the Premier League's official channel.

"But then he had a switch and that's the sort of finish that's taking him to the next level. The manager has played a key role in giving him that belief and he's the first name on the team sheet now."

Fellow pundit Clinton Morrison echoed Keown's view, adding: "He's been a revelation, the goal is fantastic, that is a centre-forward in great form."

Palace's form had hit the buffers in recent weeks after conceding 10 goals in trips to Manchester City and Newcastle United.

They stopped the rot by holding Bournemouth to a goalless draw at the weekend but the nature of their comeback against Arsenal will be a significant boost to Mateta and his team-mates, who must now prepare for a tantalising FA Cup semi-final date with Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, Mateta said: "We have struggled for the last three games, but we just listened to the gaffer [Glasner] and today was a good game for us.

"We can go in [to Saturday] with confidence and hopefully we will win the semi-final. It is a very big game for the fans, for everybody and I can’t wait to play on Saturday.

"I am very happy. Hopefully I will score more goals. 14 [Premier League] goals [this season] is good – but I hope for much more."

Jaquob Crooke

• Crystal Palace F.C.
• Premier League
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