Jean-Phillipe Mateta bullied West Ham’s centre-backs in his match-winning display… rarely have we seen a transformation as remarkable as the one the Crystal Palace star has had

Jean-Phillipe Mateta stepped over the ball with one foot, knocked it through the legs of West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos with the other, skipped past him and waited for the rugby tackle to follow.

Two minutes later, the Crystal Palace striker charged at Max Kilman with such purpose, all the defender could do was retreat until Mateta let fly and rippled the back of the net.

A high boot to his head from Mavropanos late on, having held him off and turned him with ease, was enough for the referee to brandish the Greek’s second yellow card.

Rarely will you see a forward bully a pair of centre backs so brutally as Mateta did in his two-goal, match-winning performance against West Ham. 

And rarely have we seen a transformation as remarkable as the one he has enjoyed under manager Oliver Glasner.

Since the Austrian replaced Roy Hodgson in February, Mateta has 21 goals in 35 league games. Only Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak have more.

Mateta was the star of the show as Palace continued their recent run of good form

Glasner was keen not to single out Mateta for praise, but he is a linchpin for Palace’s revival.

At times, he is unplayable. ‘When he’s playing to his capabilities, it’s hard to stop him,’ said Palace’s Will Hughes. 

‘Physically, technically, he’s got everything — pace, power, hold-up play, technique. It’s great to play with him.’