Does anybody have a stat on Mateta’s longest run as first choice striker in the team?
I doubt it’s more than 3 or 4 games which seems unfair.
It would be easy to overact to today’s performance and last week’s v Liverpool, but I would like to see him given a run in the team.
Despite his size, he’s not going to win headers or even necessarily dominate central defenders.
But he’s an awkward customer and can finish.
Edouard is very unlikely to have provided a similar impact today.
Alternatively, am I being duped by another false dawn and he flatters to deceive through these occasional cameos?

Mateta puts himself about a lot more the Edouard…he should definitely be given a long run in the side.. he basically got the two goals today…and the pen against Liverpool where he got himself in front of the defender…

I checked that out on Transfermarkt last season and as I recall it's 4 games (just the once) and I think there were a couple of 3 game stretches.

I think that in PV's first season he had a decent fun and scored a few goals.
The stats say 13 EPL appearances - 5 goals - 1 assist in that season.
Some of those were as a sub.

I,too have just watched it as, didn't realise we was on 1st(l/n). The pundits also said the same that he chased after the ball when it broke loose & earned that pen, Edouard wouldn't chase it & Benteke certainly wouldn't(he'd still be walking round the 'D' looking lost).

Doubt whether Roy will start them, Hughes/Schlupp, safety 1st.

I'm a blind man, i'm a blind man, now my room is cold,
When a blind man cries, Lord, he feels it from his soul.
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Cannot contribute sitting on the subs bench!!