Report and free highlights as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a hat-trick as Aston Villa crumbled to a Premier League final-day thrashing; Eberechi Eze also scored twice as Crystal Palace finished the season unbeaten; Aston Villa had already secured fourth before the game
Tuesday 21 May 2024 08:07, UK
A Jean-Philippe Mateta hat-trick and Eberechi Eze double saw Champions League-bound Aston Villa demolished 5-0 by Crystal Palace on the Premier League's final day.
And given the two sides' form heading into the game, it was perhaps not a surprise. Crystal Palace were unbeaten in six, while Aston Villa had not won in their last three league games.
Mateta continued his fine form under Oliver Glasner too, scoring twice in the first half (9, 36) with two strikes of sublime quality.
But it was a 15-minute period in the second half where Aston Villa capitulated. Eze (54) added a third after a slice of luck fell his way, before Mateta (63) completed his hat-trick. He has now scored 14 goals in 16 Premier League games under Glasner.
The Frenchman thought he had a personal fourth soon after, but it was ruled out for offside. But Eze made sure of Crystal Palace's fifth goal (69) to end their season in style. They finish the campaign in 10th place with 49 points.
For Aston Villa, it was a poor end to what has been a successful campaign that saw them secure fourth place on Tuesday. They will play in the Champions League next season for the first time in 42 years.
Crystal Palace went ahead inside nine minutes with yet another goal from the in-form Mateta. It was the deftest of touches from Michael Olise that saw him through before a powerful effort beat Robin Olsen. There was a VAR review for offside, but the goal was soon given.
Moussa Diaby twice went close in Aston Villa's best chances. However, both efforts were well-saved by Dean Henderson, the second after a poor connection from the Villa forward.
Crystal Palace added their second in the 39th minute. It was another thunderous finish from Mateta too, who fired home Daniel Munoz's cross from close range.
Ten minutes after the break and Crystal Palace continued to extend their lead with a third. It was a slice of bad luck for Aston Villa as Chris Richards' pass bounced off of Diaby and into the path of Eze. He then drove forward before sending a bullet effort past Olsen.
Michael Olise went close to a fourth soon after, just firing wise - but the actual goal and Mateta's hat-trick was not far behind. It was an almighty throw from Dean Henderson that found Eze, with the latter playing in his teammate. It was then a simple slot home from the striker.
Mateta thought he scored a fourth in the 66th minute, but it was ruled out for offside. But there he did pick up an assist for a fine afternoon's work as Eze scored Crystal Palace's fifth.
It was a fine one-two between the pair, before the England international again rifled past a helpless Olsen, giving himself a fine chance of being included in Gareth Southgate's Euros squad on Tuesday.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to Sky Sports:
"When you lose 5-0, it's disappointing, the result is maybe a little bit embarrassing. But today, we weren't 100 per cent with our power as we showed all season.
"We did everything on Monday against Liverpool at home and finished in our minds when we achieved on Tuesday our target for this season.
"Today we tried to get a good balance in 90 minutes, trying to finish the season as best as possible. But we didn't play consistently, the first half were more or less getting chances. We conceded two goals, but we had some possibilities.
"The second half, we were getting worse and at the end, our minds tried to finish the season.
"We tried to be compete, be strong, be organised as we have been for all the season, but we didn't do it. We have to accept it, accept how we've finished the season and how we achieved our objective.
"Today was the day for Crystal Palace with their supporters because they finished strong here.
"Now it's to rest and to work better for next season."
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner to Sky Sports:
"When we see how we play and what the players are doing on the pitch, it could be [the season ending too soon], but it is what it is.
"Another great performance, but there were 10 or 15 minutes in the first half where we could have conceded the equaliser.
"But after scoring the second goals, there were some small adaptations at half-time, we played a brilliant second half. They were having fun on the pitch so it was a great end to the season."
On Mateta: "He has a lot of confidence, he makes great runs and gets assists. He works hard and he has a great finish with the left, right and head.
"They are connected in offense, they can play with one-two touches, and then he is there and has the confidence for the finish.
"A good performance from him but he needs the support from his teammates."
The 2023/24 season has reached its conclusion but planning has already started for the new campaign.
Several Premier League sides have confirmed pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2024/25 term, which kicks off on the weekend of August 17/18, while others have given fresh kits an early airing.
The Premier League fixtures - all 380 of them - will be released at 9am on Tuesday, June 18, with full coverage on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports' digital platforms.
The new EFL season starts on the weekend of August 10/11 and marks the launch of Sky Sports+, giving more choice to sports fans via live streams and a new dedicated channel, at no extra cost. In a broadcasting first, every EFL game across all three divisions - the Championship, League One and League Two - will be streamed live on the opening weekend.
Stand by for another busy summer in the transfer window - clubs can do business from June 14 until August 30 and the Sky Sports Transfer Centre will keep you posted with all the latest news and rumours.
Euro 2024 is just weeks away, too. Keep track of England's Euro fixtures, check out the full tournament schedule in Germany and join us on skysports.com or the Sky Sports app to follow every game with our live match blogs.
