AFCON 2025
Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth treated their fans and neutrals to a six goal thriller on Saturday afternoon and French striker Jean- Phillipe Marteta was the center of attraction.
Jean-Phillipe Marteta scored his third career hat trick for the Eagles as he helped secured a point as Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace suffered a two-goal deficit in the first half as 19-year-old French forward Eli Junior Kroupi bagged a brace in under 40 minutes to put the Cherries up by two goals.
Bournemouth went into the break with the comfortable lead leaving the host to the chase in the second half.
Indeed, Oliver Glasner’s men did chase the game and restored parity before the 70th minute of the enthralling tie.
Jean-Phillipe Marteta scored twice in five minutes to bring the FA Cup holders back into the tie after moments of sustained pressure.
Ryan Christie thought he had given the Cherries the winner in the 89th minute as he scored from close range off Marcus Tarvenier’s cross.
However, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the penalty spot in added time after Bafode Diakite pulled the jersey of an opposition player.
Marteta stepped up and converted as the game ended in a six-goal spectacle – 3-3 at Selhurst Park.
The French striker missed a glorious chance to snatch a win with practically the last kick of the game but ballooned a secure ball from Ismsila Sarr over the crossbar.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continued his imperious start to the season as he bagged a brace in Manchester City’s win over Everton.
Haaland’s second half goals were just enough as Pep Guardiola’s men secured a 2-0 win to see them go top of the league momentarily.
In other results, Burnley ended their six-game winless streak with a 2-0 win over Leeds United while Sunderland added to the woes of Wolves with a 2-0 win at home.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck bagged a brace as Brighton edged Newcastle 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.
