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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal draw 2-2 with Palace</li><li>Mateta scores stunning goal</li><li>Fans heap praise on striker</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'A true VARclaysman' - Jean Philippe-Mateta sends fans into meltdown with sublime lob against Arsenal as Crystal Palace cult hero's late goal effectively hands title to Liverpool

<p>With one of Mateta's first touches, the substitute intercepted William Saliba's loose pass and fired an unstoppable strike into the top corner from nearly 30 yards in the 83rd minute. Following the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-crystal-palace-jakub-kiwior-raheem-sterling/blt3d0609e01c7f2c02" target="_blank">2-2 draw between Arsenal and Crystal Palace</a> on Wednesday, the Frenchman was branded a "true VARclaysman" on social media - which some fans are calling the current era of Premier League football after the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/what-is-a-barclaysman/blt8d5e63a71ebf2634" target="_blank">Barclaysman period</a>.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SIMPLY SUBLIME FROM MATETA! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/01YNTJ6d54">pic.twitter.com/01YNTJ6d54</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1915144509437911223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>@HLTCO wrote on X: "Joke of a finish. JP Mateta is a true VARclaysman."</p><p>@Yugdeep_LFC tweeted: "Shame on PGMOL for making Saliba assist Mateta for the goal." </p><p>@KennyCPFC commented: "This man has it all. There’s not been a better turn around in a player than this absolute star. JEAN PHILIPPE MATETA."</p><p>@xAlexTHFC put: "Mateta, such a ‘streets won’t forget’ player."</p><p>And @MatchdayCPFC added: "Yeah it’s not an exaggeration anymore, Mateta is one of the best strikers on Earth. Hold-up play elite. Finishing elite. Movement elite. Nonstop work-rate. Makes good decisions. Dribbling/playmaking good. Been near 18 months of superb form. That’s valid sample size."</p><p></p>

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>Mateta's heroics denied Mikel Arteta's side the win they needed to delay Liverpool's Premier League title charge. Now, it is just a matter of time before the Reds win the league as they have a 12 point gap over the Gunners with five matches remaining and they have a game in hand. Incidentally, Palace themselves even poked fun at Arsenal after the contest.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You're welcome Liverpool...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a></p>— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1915151101265141828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With this draw, Liverpool can secure the Premier League title by picking up a solitary point at home to Tottenham on Sunday.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'A true VARclaysman' - Jean Philippe-Mateta sends fans into meltdown with sublime lob against Arsenal as Crystal Palace cult hero's late goal effectively hands title to Liverpool | Goal.com

Jean Phillippe-Mateta has sent football fans into meltdown with his stunning lob against Arsenal to effectively hand Liverpool the league title.

&apos;A true VARclaysman&apos; - Jean Philippe-Mateta sends fans into meltdown with sublime lob against Arsenal as Crystal Palace cult hero&apos;s late goal effectively hands title to Liverpool