In the same week as he scored on his full debut for France, Mateta plundered a poacher’s hat-trick for Palace – his third in the red and blue, and his second in the Premier League, a feat never achieved before by an Eagle in the competition – to help his team twice bounce back from 0-2 and 2-3 deficits.

Although there was a late opportunity for Mateta to win it from Eddie Nketiah’s pull-back – and one which the Frenchman was frustrated to spurn – his performance otherwise rightfully drew plaudits from around the world, as his goals kept Palace’s unbeaten home record so far this season – and second-longest home top-flight run in history (10 matches) – intact.

Mateta said after the game: "We showed today our character, that we are believing every minute, and today we tried to win until the

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