Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late penalty secured a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace against Leicester at Selhurst Park, with both sides left waiting for their first win of the season.
The game already felt like an early battle at the bottom, and it was Leicester who took the advantage first. Wilfried Ndidi did well to win the ball back in midfield, releasing Jamie Vardy.
He battled to beat Marc Guehi and rounded the oncoming Dean Henderson, who made an error in coming out so early. It left his goal open for Vardy (21) to score his second league goal of the campaign.
Despite responding well in the first half – although yet again failing to score in the opening 45 minutes this season – another defensive error saw Crystal Palace concede again within seconds of the restart.
Nathaniel Clyne failed to properly collect James Justin’s right-wing cross. Ndidi poked the loose ball back for Stephy Mavididi (46) to fire home.
However, their 2-0 lead lasted about as long as it took to score when Jean-Philippe Mateta (47) slotted home at the other end from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after a VAR review, Mateta was shown to be just onside thanks to Justin on the far side and the goal was given.
The Foxes were content to sit back and defend their lead, but with just minutes of injury time to go, Conor Coady’s sloppy challenge on Ismalia Sarr saw the hosts win a penalty. Mateta took, sending Mads Hermansen the wrong way (90+2) to ensure Crystal Palace came away with a point.
Both teams remain 15th and 16th in the Premier League table with two points from four games with other games to be played this weekend.
More to follow…
