'I Know His Game' - Sunderland Defender Reveals How He Stopped Crystal Palace’s Star

At a crucial moment for Sunderland, after some important signings and a surprising 0-0 draw away from home against Crystal Palace, all the defensive line of Regis Le Bris’s team offered a formidable performance.
But without a doubt, what stood out the most was the extraordinary determination of Nordi Mukiele. The former PSG player made a stellar performance, and the French defender himself explained in recent statements how he managed to control striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele neutralized the attack of Crystal Palace
Mateta is a born goalscorer and a very competitive player, after a great season with Crystal Palace, but Nordi Mukiele neutralized him perfectly.
The Frenchman revealed how he managed to keep Mateta at bay in this match, preventing him from being decisive in the game.

He explained that he already knew Mateta, having also played in Germany and having played together in the national team, so he knew how he plays. There is also a very big respect in this match and against this player.
MUKIELE POST PALACE
— A LOVE SUPREME (@ALS_Fanzine) September 14, 2025
Nordi Mukiele has explained how he kept Crystal Palace's striker Jean-Philippe Mateta quiet in our goalless draw at Selhurst Park.
FAMILIAR FACE
"I knew him already before because he was playing in Germany also, and we were on the national team together, so… pic.twitter.com/IY0t9Tp4v2
Nordi Mukiele already knew Mateta’s style of play, having played with him in Germany and in the national team, so he knew how to handle him.
A statement that spoke about how it was easier to contain him because of the great knowledge he had about this player. He also highlighted that the team needs to keep working to be able to keep strengthening themselves in the Premier League.
As he declared: “We have to keep working and training daily to keep the goal at zero, but we also need to score because it is very important. But yes, I trust the offensive players because they are really good, and as I said, we do not know each other for a long time and when we find the key, that magic, the key, we will do something really good.”
Nordi Mukiele trusts that the team are still consolidating little by little and that the Premier League is not prepared to see all the potential of Sunderland in the next matches.
The adaptation is becoming more and more positive and it will undoubtedly leave a historic legacy of Sunderland in this Premier League season, newly promoted after several years without knowing what it is to compete in the best league in the world, and it is made more than clear by the French star, Nordi Mukiele.
Read More:

Oscar Daniel Cortés Rincón holds a degree in Sports Management and works as a sports writer, with experience at outlets such as FanSided and Palo Verde Media. His coverage has spanned teams and leagues, including Toronto FC and MLS, the EFL Championship (with a focus on Stoke City), and Ligue 1 (specializing in PSG). His analytical approach blends statistics, tactical insight, and commentary. He currently covers Sunderland AFC for On SI.
Follow oscr_08