Jean-Philippe Mateta should be axed by Crystal Palace against Tottenham

Journalist argues Mateta should be dropped for Tottenham clash after poor form and minimal impact against Newcastle.

Crystal Palace correspondent Oliver has called for manager Pierre Sage to axe Jean-Philippe Mateta from the starting XI for Saturday's Premier League visit to Tottenham, citing the striker's inconsistent finishing and poor recent performances.

Mateta was left out of the matchday squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup win at Fulham, where Eddie Nketiah scored the winner. Against Newcastle last weekend, Mateta covered the least distance of any Palace outfielder (6.9km) in 62 minutes, completed just four passes, and missed two clear chances in the 2-0 defeat that left Palace 17th in the table.

The article also identifies midfielder Adam Wharton and defender Axel Disasi as candidates for the axe, with Wharton having played full 90 minutes in seven consecutive matches and Disasi making a defensive error for Newcastle's opening goal. Sage faces mounting pressure as Palace struggle across multiple competitions.