Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta confirmed the club were going to target winning all of their remaining matches of the season. Many felt the Premier League was no longer of importance to Palace but the French striker insists it is.
Crystal Palace’s hero of the hour, Jean-Philippe Mateta, said he wants the club to keep up their late-season form and win every match for the rest of the season.
Palace returned from the international break with renewed energy and vigour and won both of their first two matches after the break.
Mateta, who returned to the side following injury and his attempts to leave in January, was on top form for The Eagles, scoring three goals, including both in the 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
He also opened the scoring as Oliver Glasner’s men eased to a 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of the Conference League semi-final.
Now, with Palace all-but assured of their place in the final and giving them every chance of a top-half Premier League finish, Mateta thanked the fans for their support and pleaded with them to continue it in Florence.
“Today I'm very happy,” Mateta told Palace TV.
“I could help the lads and we ended up with the win - it’s the best!
“The fans play a big part when we play at home, especially when I score, and I kick the corner flag, it’s very loud and yes, I like them!
“They always bring energy. In those type of games, we need them, and I hope they will come to Florence.”
Palace now head to Florence with the simple task of holding onto their 3-0 lead to book their final four spot.
Continuing the unprecedented journey in Europe is certainly a key goal for Palace this season, with the end goal to lift their third trophy in two seasons.
Mateta has played a key role in the FA Cup and Community Shield victories thus far, and he is excited by the prospect of adding a Europea crown to the collection this season.
But, with another seven Premier League matches left too, Mateta’s attention is not entirely on Europe, insisting that he and Palace have every intention of finishing the season as strongly as last year.
“It was a good game to go with confidence to Florence, and now we're focused on it.”
“It’s very exciting,” Mateta said of the final two months of the season ahead. “We have a big squad, and like you see today, the gaffer has changed a lot.
“We beat a great team and we have Europe as well. It gives us a lot of energy.
“I hope we will win all the games!”