Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning goal secured Crystal Palace’s first Premier League away win of the season as they triumphed 1-0 over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the match saw both sides level on nine points at the start, but it was the Eagles who delivered the moment of brilliance that earned them a vital three points.
Mateta’s winner came in the 59th minute. The Palace striker initially flicked the ball on in his own half before charging forward, expertly dribbling past Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves and then chipping the ball past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric from a tight angle.
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Up until that point, the match had lacked quality, with few chances created in the first half.
In a notable moment earlier, Palace captain Marc Guehi defied Football Association guidelines by writing a religious message on his rainbow armband for the second consecutive match. The armbands are part of the Premier League’s support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport through the Stonewall charity’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, the only Premier League skipper not to wear the rainbow armband, again opted out, citing his religious beliefs.
Mateta nearly doubled Palace’s lead shortly after his goal when he was set up by Eberechi Eze, but his shot was saved by Muric.
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Ipswich, who had previously lost only three of their past 45 league matches at Portman Road, are still the only team in the Premier League without a home win this season, having drawn four and lost three.
Liam Delap showed flashes of danger for Ipswich but couldn’t find the net against Palace’s resolute defense.
The win lifts Palace to 16th place, marking a positive turn in their season with just one defeat in their last six matches.