Darren Bent explains why the fan theory behind Jean-Philippe Mateta's surge in form could be correct
talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has explained how a theory about Jean-Philippe Mateta could pay off.
Mateta has been in top form since Oliver Glasner's arrival as manager, scoring nine goals in his last 11 Premier League games.
One distinct change that eagle-eyed fans have noticed is how the striker has been tucking his shirt in since his scoring streak.
talkSPORT expert Andy Goldstein He put it to former Premier League striker Bent, who replied: “It looks cropped. So maybe by tucking the shirt in, I could have gone down a size.”
“You might look in the mirror and think, 'You know what? I sit here.'
“You look good, you feel good, you play good. We central forwards are that rare, if we do something and it works…
“Say you tie your boot a certain way and score a goal, you better believe that next week I'll do exactly the same thing.”
Mateta gave manchester united Monday night's return, scoring in a 4-0 win at Selhurst Park where Michael Olise he bagged twice and Tyrick Mitchell also scored.
The former Mainz star had struggled for goals before Glasner's arrival, scoring two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions last season.
But now he can't stop scoring with the Austrian coach giving him the responsibility of being the main man in attack, something that was no coincidence, Bent insisted.
3
3
The former Tottenham, Sunderland and Charlton star added: “(Glasner) probably called him into his office after getting the job, he's assessing the players, he's probably watched (Mateta) before.
“So he called him into his office and said: 'You will adapt better to the way we play, now you will have a series of games. Score goals, play your football.'
“Sometimes it can be something as simple as what sets everything off.
“It always helps when you get a goal in your first game because that gives you confidence for the next one.
“The most goals he scored for Palace in a single season was five. Now he has 12. He looks completely different, he looks trimmed, he looks confident.”
Palace, who are 14th in the Premier League, will face Wolves before finishing their season at home against the Champions League chasers. Aston Villa.
