Alan Shearer names Crystal Palace ‘nightmare’ as contract situation becomes growing concern

Crystal Palace rescued a result following a last-minute equaliser against Bournemouth as Premier League legend Alan Shearer described one Eagles star as a “nightmare”

Premier League icon Alan Shearer has hailed the talents of Jean-Philippe Mateta after he proved himself a “nightmare” against Bournemouth. The Crystal Palace frontman bagged a hat-trick to salvage a point at home to the Cherries after converting a penalty in the 96th minute.

Eli Kroupi’s brace put Bournemouth two up at the break at Selhurst Park before Mateta scored twice in the space of five minutes to level. Ryan Christie then put the visitors back in front in what looked the inevitable winner, only for Mateta to intervene again in injury time.

The Frenchman, who squandered a one-on-one chance to win the game, now sits on five Premier League goals this season and continues to build after netting his first goal for France in the international break. And Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, gave Palace’s talisman his flowers after another mesmerising display.

“He’s just really, really difficult to play against,” said the Newcastle legend while assessing Mateta’s performance on Match of the Day. “Defenders, you know, do not enjoy playing against this guy. He’s awkward, he’s as game as they come, he’ll run in behind.

“He actually should have had a hat-trick in the first half…his movement is really, really good…I said about his movement, hold-up play is excellent, bringing people into the game, but his movement to get into the six-yard box after he’s played the pass. That’s the impressive thing.”

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Shearer went on to hail Mateta’s high output after having 11 attempts on goal, hitting the target with five of those. And he continued: “I love the way he plays, because he’s a nightmare for defenders.”

Palace have some difficult discussions coming up considering the player’s contract will soon be a point of concern. Mateta’s current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2027, but the timing is difficult with the player set to turn 29 next June.

That being said, with Marc Guehi likely to be on his way out of Selhurst Park, Palace will want to tie down any remaining talismans. And Mateta has done nothing if not show he deserves that tag with the Eagles.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also lauded Mateta’s contribution after the Frenchman dashed his team’s chances at the death. And despite the controversy of the late VAR decision, he was mightily impressed by the forward’s ability to occupy his defence.

“They were losing. They had to be braver, more aggressive,” he told the BBC. “The long balls with Mateta, he was touching everything. Obviously, with Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah – fast players in behind. They were punishing us.”

Palace’s next Premier League task is a Herculean one as they make the trip to Arsenal on Sunday. Before that, however, they’ll host AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

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