Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United ended their difficult run with an impressive 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, producing a much-improved second-half display after a disappointing opening 45 minutes.
The Magpies struggled to create clear opportunities before the interval and failed to register a single shot on target during a frustrating first half. However, Matthias Jaissle’s side returned from the break with far greater intensity and purpose, eventually finding the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Newcastle flew out of the blocks after the restart, and their pressure was rewarded shortly after the interval. Lewis Hall and Amar Dedic linked up down the right before Jacob Murphy delivered a superb cross into the area. William Osula reacted quickly and finished from close range to put Newcastle 1-0 up.
The goal immediately lifted the confidence of the visitors, who began to look much more dangerous going forward.
Things could have become even better for Newcastle just five minutes later when Joelinton played Joe Willock through on goal. Willock produced a composed finish, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Despite the disappointment, Newcastle continued to push forward and eventually doubled their advantage in the 57th minute following another excellent attacking move.
Nico Gonzalez showed great composure before playing the ball towards Jacob Murphy. Murphy then found Dedic, who produced a dangerous delivery into the area. Harvey Barnes was in the right position to meet the cross and fired home to make it 2-0.
From there, Newcastle managed the game intelligently and protected their advantage, with the defence producing a much more assured performance than in recent matches.
Here’s how the Magpies fared at Selhurst Park:
Lukas Hornicek — 8
Some important first-half blocks helped lay the foundations for a vital away win, while he also kept a clean sheet. He made a superb fingertip save to deny Darlo Osorio with 20 minutes to go.
Amar Dedic — 9
The difference-maker for Newcastle, with a hand in the first goal and a tidy assist for the second. He provided energy and quality down the right and was one of Newcastle’s most influential players. Man of the match.
Dan Burn — 8
A welcome return as he steadied the ship and brought a calmness to the defence in his first start of the season. His experience was important as Newcastle looked to protect their lead.
Fabian Schar — 8
His first Premier League start since January, and he dovetailed perfectly with Burn. He looked composed throughout and helped Newcastle keep Palace at bay.
Lewis Hall — 7
One of Newcastle’s best passers, Hall grew into the game and became increasingly influential after the break. His link-up play helped create the opening goal.
Joelinton — 7
Produced some important aerial wins and offered a steady presence in front of the back four. He also played a key role in creating Willock’s disallowed goal.
Nico Gonzalez — 8
Kept his composure after receiving a yellow card in the first half and showed why he is trusted by Jaissle. He provided the protection needed in front of the back four and played an important role in the second goal.
Harvey Barnes — 8
Anonymous for long periods of the first half but came alive after the break. His well-taken goal made it four for the season and highlighted his improved influence in the final third.
Joe Willock — 7
Had a goal ruled out after a VAR check. He worked hard but did not conjure up enough in the No. 10 role. Jaissle eventually took him off before the end.
Jacob Murphy — 8
Did not manage a single cross in the first half but came alive after the break. His excellent delivery created Osula’s opener, while he also played an important role in the build-up to the second goal.
William Osula — 8
Gave Newcastle a focal point when they chose to use him. His lethal finish came from his first real bit of service after being starved of the ball in the first half. He gave the team an important boost and will continue to improve if Newcastle keep giving him opportunities.
Substitutes
Yoane Wissa — Came on for Osula in the 77th minute.
Anthony Elanga — Came on for Barnes in the 77th minute.
Jacob Ramsey — Came on for Willock in the 77th minute.
Sean Steur — Came on for Joelinton in the 85th minute.
Malick Thiaw — Came on for Dedic in the 90th minute.
Overall, it was a performance of two very different halves from Newcastle. The first period offered little in attack, but Jaissle’s team responded strongly after the break, scoring twice and defending their advantage with confidence.
The victory will be particularly important for Newcastle after their recent struggles, giving the players and supporters a much-needed lift ahead of the club’s next challenge.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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