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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Luke McLaughlin

Premier League 2025-26 review: matches of the season

Erling Haaland of Manchester City is tugged back by Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai
Erling Haaland of Manchester City is tugged back by Dominik Szoboszlai in a slapstick comedy finale to Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth, 18 October

It is rare for a centre-forward to score a hat-trick and still be disappointed, but in the 10th minute of stoppage time, Jean-Philippe Mateta has a golden chance to win this pulsating affair for Crystal Palace. He clatters the ball down to South Norwood from eight yards out. Even before that it’s a rollercoaster of emotion for all concerned. Eagles fans fear the worst when their team fall 2-0 behind in the 37th minute after Junior Kroupi’s double. On 63 minutes, Mateta’s first Premier League goal of the season at Selhurst Park sparks home hope after a lengthy video assistant referee check for offside. Five minutes later, the Frenchman stretches to turn in a ball from Daniel Muñoz: 2-2. When James Tavernier rifles a low cross into the six-yard box in the 89th minute, Ryan Christie slams it in, seemingly snatching glory. There is time for Mateta to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot before missing his late chance.

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