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

Dive into Ladbrokes' 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.

What a thrilling encounter at Selhurst Park! Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth played out a 3-3 draw that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Eagles, coming off a loss to Everton, managed to claw back from behind twice, showing real grit. Bournemouth, on the other hand, continued their impressive form, having only lost once in their last five games. The result might not have been a complete shock given both teams' recent performances, but it certainly was a rollercoaster. Jean-Philippe Mateta was the star for Palace, bagging a hat-trick, while Bournemouth's resilience kept them in the game till the end.

The match was a testament to both teams' attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. Palace, who had won their previous two home games, couldn't hold onto their lead, but they'll take heart from Mateta's performance. Bournemouth, sitting pretty in fourth, showed why they're in the mix for the top spots, with their ability to score at crucial times. This draw keeps the Cherries' unbeaten run alive, while Palace will be looking to build on this result and turn draws into wins.

The stats from this match paint a picture of a closely contested affair. Crystal Palace edged possession with 52% to Bournemouth's 48%, which aligns with the back-and-forth nature of the game. The Eagles had a slight advantage in corners, with six to Bournemouth's five, but it was the Cherries who were more effective in dribbling, boasting a 43% successful dribble rate compared to Palace's 29%. The yellow card count was notably higher for Bournemouth, with four to Palace's one, suggesting a more aggressive approach from the visitors.

Despite the even possession, the game's outcome was influenced by moments of individual brilliance and defensive lapses. The penalty for Palace in the 90th minute was crucial, showing how fine margins can dictate results. Bournemouth's higher number of substitutions might indicate a tactical shift or fatigue management, which could have played a role in the game's ebb and flow.

The key moments in this match were pivotal in shaping the final scoreline. For Crystal Palace, Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick was the standout feature, with goals in the 64th and 69th minutes, followed by a crucial penalty in the 90th. These strikes kept Palace in the game and ultimately secured a point. The timing of the goals, especially the late penalty, was critical in snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat.

AFC Bournemouth, on the other hand, showed their scoring prowess early and late in the game. They took the lead with goals in the 7th and 38th minutes, demonstrating their ability to strike at key moments. The 89th-minute goal was particularly significant, as it looked like it might secure all three points for the Cherries. However, Palace's resilience and Mateta's late penalty ensured the spoils were shared.

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 top. The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises, but Mateta's performance was the highlight.

The only substitution for Palace came late in the game, suggesting confidence in the starting XI. Mateta's hat-trick was the standout performance, and his ability to score at crucial times will be a boost for the team moving forward. The formation allowed Palace to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing enough attacking threat to keep Bournemouth on their toes.

AFC Bournemouth opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Djordje Petrovic between the sticks and a back four of Álex Jiménez, Bafodé Diakité, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. The midfield duo of Alex Scott and Tyler Adams provided stability, while Marcus Tavernier, J. Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo supported Eli Kroupi up front. The lineup was well-balanced, with no major surprises.

Bournemouth made five substitutions during the match, indicating a more fluid approach to managing the game. The impact of these changes was evident in their ability to score at crucial times, with the late goal in the 89th minute nearly securing the win. The formation allowed Bournemouth to maintain a strong defensive shape while also posing a constant threat on the counter-attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is Ladbrokes' Man of the Match, and it's easy to see why. His hat-trick, with goals in the 64th, 69th, and 90th minutes, was the defining factor in Crystal Palace's comeback. Scoring three goals in a high-stakes game like this is no small feat, and Mateta's performance will be remembered as a key moment in Palace's season.

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 look to build on this result when they face AEK Larnaca on October 23, 2025, at 20:00 in the UEFA Conference League. The draw against Bournemouth will give them confidence, and they'll be keen to turn that into a win in their next outing. Mateta's form will be crucial as they aim to climb the league table.

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 their unbeaten run alive, and they'll be looking to maintain their momentum against a struggling Forest side. The Cherries will need to stay focused and continue their solid performances to keep pushing for the top spots.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.