Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed that his pre-match prediction came true as Crystal Palace claimed a famous win in the Community Shield against Liverpool.
Having fallen behind to an early Hugo Ekitike goal, the odds were stacked against Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side emerging with their second piece of silverware in 2025.
However, Jean-Philippe Mateta nervelessly slotted home a first-half penalty before repeating the trick in the penalty shoot-out as Palace claimed a famous win.
Winning is becoming a habit for Palace following their FA Cup triumph in May, as they overcame Manchester City thanks to a goal from Eberechi Eze.
However, the Eagles now have a new hero after Justin Devenny stepped up to score the winning penalty, as predicted by Mateta before the Community Shield kicked off.
Justin Devenny of Crystal Palace celebrates after the Community Shield
Justin Devenny is the hero for Crystal Palace
21-year-old Northern Ireland international Devenny was introduced as a late substitute by Oliver Glasner as Palace turned the screw on Liverpool in the closing stages of the game.
The rising star nearly made a dramatic intervention in the dying moments as he rifled a shot just past the post as the Eagles pressed for a late winner.
Having watched five players miss spot kicks, including a wild effort from Mohamed Salah, Devenny nervelessly slotted home the decisive penalty to send the Palace fans into raptures.
The TV cameras then captured a heartwarming moment between Mateta and Devenny, as the pair embraced and Mateta bellowed: “I told him before! I told him before that we’re going to win because of him!”
With two Wembley wins under his belt before his 22nd birthday, Mateta may well be able to predict more success for this young talent.
Northern Ireland legend predicted Devenny’s rise
Although Devenny’s composed finish from the penalty spot may have taken some observers by surprise, one man who saw this coming is former Leeds United and Northern Ireland legend, Stuart Dallas.
Speaking to BBC Northern Ireland in June, Dallas praised Devenny, stating: “This kid’s good”, in a glowing appraisal.
Dallas said: “I was with the under-21s with Tommy Wright in October, and Justin was a player who straight away I looked at and thought ‘he’s got a bit…this kid’s good’.
“I spoke to Michael O’Neill (Northern Ireland head coach) about him, and Michael then involved him in the November internationals. I just like the way he can move. I like what he’s like on the ball; he can receive the ball in tight spaces. He’s not afraid to tackle either, and he has legs too.”
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