Punter wins big after backing Tyrick Mitchell to score hat-trick against Fulham

A lucky punter is celebrating an extraordinary win after backing Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell to score a hat-trick at odds of 500/1.

Mitchell went into Saturday's game against Fulham having scored just six goals in 209 Premier League appearances for Palace, so the prospect of him netting more than one seemed extremely unlikely.

Still, the unfazed punter decided to lump money on the left-back bagging a hat-trick at Craven Cottage, a scenario that almost played out as the Eagles came from behind twice to earn a 3-2 win.

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After scoring Palace's first two goals, Mitchell was replaced in the 74th minute by Ben Chilwell, who went on to bag the winner.

I know what you're thinking. He only scored twice, so how did the punter win big? Bet365's 'Sub On, Play On' feature lets your bet continue with a substitute player if your original selection is replaced during the match.

That, of course, meant that the 500/1 bet came out. Bet365's Steve Freeth spoke about the remarkable series of events on social media.

"We had 1 customer who backed Tyrick Mitchell to score a hat-trick at 500/1," Freeth wrote on X. "The records say he didn’t, but with Ben Chilwell replacing him and getting the third, he did @bet365. Sub On, Play On."

Tyrick Mitchell celebrates scoring his second goal of the game. Image credit: Getty

Tyrick Mitchell makes 'weird' admission after scoring brace against Fulham

Mitchell, meanwhile, scored a brace for the first time in his club career, with his two goals marking the first time he'd been on the scoresheet in the Premier League in 36 games.

Speaking after Saturday's full-time whistle, the 27-year-old admitted it "felt weird" to come so close to scoring a hat-trick.

"It was a tough game, they were 2-1 up and we had a lot to do, but I'm happy I could contribute and get the win," he said.

"That was the first time [I've been on a hat-trick], it felt weird but I've been trying to get into those positions more the past couple of seasons.

"The first goal Eddie [Nketiah] passed it to me and I heard him scream 'shoot'. Second one was right place, right time, a fluke goal."

Pierre Sage reacts to narrow Crystal Palace win

It was a nervy afternoon for Palace head coach Sage, who wasn't exactly thrilled with his team's performance, despite picking up three points.

"We need points, and the strength the fans give us is important. The result is positive but I am aware of the game, but sometimes it is like this, you have to take the points," he said.

"We didn't play as we expected, I'm happy but disappointed for the other team and the coach because they had opportunities [to win] too.

"I am not happy with the way we defended, we have a lot of things to move. The confidence from this result can help us. It's like with a car, when you put petrol inside you can drive."