Crystal Palace 3-3 AFC Bournemouth: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Crystal Palace 3-3 AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, 18 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The thrilling encounter at Selhurst Park ended in a 3-3 draw between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth, a result that might have surprised some given the recent form of both teams. Crystal Palace, coming off a loss to Everton and a couple of wins against Liverpool and West Ham, showed resilience but couldn't secure the win at home. AFC Bournemouth, on the other hand, had been in fine form with a win against Fulham and a series of draws, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. The match was a testament to both teams' attacking prowess, with Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick for Palace being a standout performance.

The game was a rollercoaster, with Bournemouth taking an early lead and Palace fighting back, culminating in a dramatic penalty in the 90th minute. This result means Palace have now drawn their last home game, breaking a run of wins, while Bournemouth continue their unbeaten streak, extending it to five matches. The draw keeps both teams in the upper echelons of the league, with Bournemouth slightly ahead. The match showcased the competitive spirit of the Premier League, with neither team willing to settle for less than a point.

The statistics from the match reflect the closely contested nature of the game, with Crystal Palace holding a slight edge in possession at 52% compared to Bournemouth's 48%. Both teams had a similar number of corners, with Palace taking six and Bournemouth five, indicating a balanced approach to attacking play. However, Bournemouth's higher successful dribble percentage of 43% compared to Palace's 29% suggests they were more effective in breaking down the opposition's defence. The significant difference in yellow cards, with Bournemouth receiving four to Palace's one, might indicate a more aggressive or perhaps frustrated approach from the visitors.

The match was defined by several key moments that swung the momentum back and forth. Bournemouth took an early lead with a goal in the 7th minute, followed by another in the 38th, setting the tone for an aggressive start. However, Crystal Palace responded with a goal in the 64th minute, and Jean-Philippe Mateta's second in the 69th brought them level. The drama peaked in the 90th minute when Palace were awarded a penalty, which Mateta converted to complete his hat-trick and secure a point for his team.

These moments were crucial in shaping the outcome of the game. Bournemouth's early goals put pressure on Palace, but the home side's resilience and Mateta's clinical finishing ensured they didn't leave empty-handed. The late penalty was particularly significant, as it snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football.

Crystal Palace lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Dean Henderson in goal and a back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guéhi. The midfield was anchored by Daniel Muñoz, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, and Tyrick Mitchell, with Ismaïla Sarr and Yéremy Pino supporting Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises, but Mateta's performance was the standout, scoring all three goals for Palace.

The only substitution made by Palace was a tactical one, suggesting confidence in the starting eleven. Mateta's hat-trick was the highlight, but the contributions from the midfield and defence were crucial in maintaining the pressure on Bournemouth throughout the match. The formation allowed Palace to balance defence and attack effectively, though they will be disappointed not to have secured all three points.

AFC Bournemouth opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Djordje Petrovic in goal and a back four of Álex Jiménez, Bafodé Diakité, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. The midfield was controlled by Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, with Marcus Tavernier, J. Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo supporting Eli Kroupi up top. The lineup was solid, but the five substitutions made during the game suggest a more fluid approach to tactics.

The early goals from Bournemouth showcased their attacking intent, but the team's inability to hold onto the lead was disappointing. The substitutions might have disrupted their rhythm, but the players who started the game did well to keep Palace at bay for most of the match. The formation allowed Bournemouth to press high and create chances, but they will need to work on their defensive solidity to convert draws into wins.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is Coral's Man of the Match, and his performance was nothing short of exceptional. Scoring a hat-trick, including a crucial penalty in the 90th minute, Mateta was the difference-maker for Crystal Palace. His three goals were the only ones scored by Palace, highlighting his importance to the team's attack. Despite not registering any assists or key passes, Mateta's clinical finishing and composure under pressure earned him this well-deserved accolade.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 3-3 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Everton (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Liverpool (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs West Ham United (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 3-3 vs Crystal Palace (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Fulham (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Leeds United (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Newcastle United (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Sitting in 8th place with 13 points, Crystal Palace will face AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League on October 23, 2025, at 20:00. The draw against Bournemouth might encourage them to be more clinical in front of goal in their upcoming match. With Mateta in fine form, Palace will look to build on this performance and secure a win to climb higher in the league standings.

AFC Bournemouth, currently in 4th place with 15 points, will take on Nottingham Forest on October 26, 2025, at 14:00. The draw against Palace keeps them in a strong position, but they will need to be more defensively solid against a struggling Forest side. Bournemouth will aim to convert their good form into a win and maintain their push for a top spot in the league.

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