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Arsenal maintained their lead in the English Premier League with a 1-0 win over Fulham, while Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a sensational hat-trick as Crystal Palace came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Bournemouth in a dramatic encounter at Selhurst Park.
In a match reported by Al Jazeera Sport, at Craven Cottage, Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike proved decisive as Arsenal held firm to secure three points and remain top of the table with 19 points from eight matches.
Fulham, who sit 14th and just three points above the relegation zone, have now lost three consecutive league games.
Defending champions Liverpool trail Arsenal by a single point and host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
At Selhurst Park, Jean-Philippe Mateta delivered a stunning performance, scoring all three goals for Crystal Palace as they battled from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Bournemouth — one of the most thrilling matches of the Premier League season so far.
The French striker netted twice in five minutes midway through the second half to spark the comeback after Eli Junior Kroupi had given Bournemouth a 2-0 half-time lead.
According to Sky Sports, Mateta completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot, rescuing a point for Palace after Ryan Christie’s 89th-minute strike had seemingly handed the visitors victory.
Bournemouth dominated the first half, with Kroupi — the 19-year-old forward signed from Lorient — showcasing his composure and technique with two fine goals.
Palace, meanwhile, were second best but improved dramatically after the break.
The turnaround began just after the hour mark when Maxence Lacroix lifted a precise ball into the box for Mateta to guide past Petrovic, before the Frenchman struck again moments later from close range.
The match’s chaotic ending saw Christie restore Bournemouth’s lead before Mateta’s late penalty made it 3-3.
The striker even had a chance to win it in the 99th minute but blazed over from close range, leaving Selhurst Park in disbelief.
After the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his side’s resilience:
“I’m so proud of the performance today — not just the result, but how we played and how many chances we created. Credit to Bournemouth, they were ruthless. But the mentality of our team and the way we fought back was outstanding.”
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