Crystal Palace’s 2024/25 Premier League season has started on a low note, with two losses and a draw in their first three matches. Their only point so far came from a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They lost their other games 2-1 to Brentford and 2-0 to West Ham at Selhurst Park.
After the international break, Palace will face Leicester City, another team struggling with just one point from their first three games. With new signing Eddie Nketiah, they hope to secure their first win of the season.
Nketiah’s Transfer to Palace
Eddie Nketiah moved to Crystal Palace from Arsenal on transfer deadline day for a £25m fixed fee plus £5m in add-ons.
The 25-year-old striker sought regular playing time after being a backup to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz last season. Nketiah featured 37 times for Arsenal in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 1,393 minutes.
Nketiah’s arrival sets up an intriguing competition with Palace’s main striker, Jean-Phillippe Mateta.
Mateta vs. Nketiah
Jean-Phillippe Mateta, hailed as “extraordinary” by Rory Smith, was a key player for Palace last season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 39 appearances across 2,574 minutes. Despite being valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt, Palace reportedly wouldn’t let Mateta go for less than £42m, showing his importance to the team.
In comparison, Nketiah, two years younger, could be seen as a longer-term asset, but how do they compare statistically?
Performance Comparison (Per 90 Minutes):
– **Goals**: Mateta 0.66, Nketiah 0.38
– **Assists**: Mateta 0.17, Nketiah 0.19
– **xG (Expected Goals)**: Mateta 0.43, Nketiah 0.37
– **Shots**: Mateta 1.75, Nketiah 3.14
– **Goals per Shot**: Mateta 0.34, Nketiah 0.12
– **Aerials Won**: Mateta 1.97, Nketiah 1.79
Mateta proves to be more efficient with his chances, boasting a 0.34 goals-per-shot ratio compared to Nketiah’s 0.12. Nketiah, on the other hand, is more active in shooting but less accurate.
Nketiah’s agility and quickness are evident in his 6.79 touches in the penalty area per 90 minutes and his 1.94 progressive carries, compared to Mateta’s 1.14. However, Mateta offers a more physical presence, winning more aerial duels (1.97 per 90) and utilizing his size and strength to dominate defenders.
Palace have struck gold with Mateta, whose contributions have been invaluable. Nketiah, though, could provide a different dynamic in attack and potentially enhance the team’s options moving forward.