Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United finally returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, producing a much-improved second-half performance to secure a valuable 2-0 victory away at Crystal Palace.
The result will come as a huge relief to the players, manager and supporters after a difficult run of form that had increased the pressure surrounding the team. Newcastle had entered the fixture looking to respond after consecutive Premier League defeats, including a heavy 4-1 loss away from home.
For much of the opening 45 minutes at Selhurst Park, however, it looked as though another frustrating afternoon could be on the cards.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with the first half ending goalless. Newcastle needed to show greater attacking intent after the break, and that is exactly what they produced.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after half-time when William Osula reacted quickly inside the box to finish from close range following Jacob Murphy’s cross.
The goal changed the mood of the game and gave Newcastle the confidence they had been missing during recent matches.
There was also disappointment for the visitors when Joe Willock thought he had doubled the advantage, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Newcastle did not allow that setback to affect them, though.
Instead, they continued to push forward and eventually found the second goal through Harvey Barnes. The winger kept his composure to finish after being picked out by Amar Dedic, giving Newcastle a two-goal cushion.
From there, Matthias Jaissle’s side managed the game effectively and, importantly, kept a clean sheet.
That defensive solidity was particularly significant considering Newcastle had conceded four goals in each of their previous two away defeats.
The three points also provided a major boost in the Premier League table. A defeat could have left Newcastle just two points above the relegation zone after eight matches, increasing the pressure around Jaissle and his squad.
Instead, the victory lifted the Magpies into the top half of the table and left them within two points of the top five.
And following the final whistle, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer gave his verdict on the performance.
The former Magpies captain praised the improvement after the interval but also made it clear that he was far from convinced by the overall quality of the opposition.
Writing on X, Shearer said:
🗣️ “A good second half from the Toon against an awful Palace side. A much-needed 3 points.”
The comment perfectly summed up the afternoon.
Newcastle got the result they desperately needed, but Shearer’s description of Crystal Palace as an “awful” side suggests he believes there is still plenty of work for Jaissle to do.
Nevertheless, the victory gives the Newcastle boss some breathing room and provides his players with an important confidence boost after a difficult spell.
The clean sheet, two goals and three points could prove particularly valuable as Newcastle prepare for another demanding period of fixtures.
Their next challenge comes on Thursday night when they travel to face Everton in the Carabao Cup.
They will then welcome the Toffees to St James’ Park the following Monday for another Premier League encounter.
For Jaissle and Newcastle, the immediate priority will be to ensure that Sunday’s victory is not simply a one-off response, but the beginning of a much-needed turnaround in form.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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