Once again, Newcastle have failed to put in an acceptable performance. This time it resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a team that hadn’t won in 8 games.
This is the team that faced Palace yesterday, including the two second-half substitutes.
Here are our individual player ratings for the match.
Martin Dubravka – 8
- Dubravka has made the most saves in the Premier League this season. He was again put to work at Crystal Palace. Martin made two world-class saves on headers by Gary Cahill and Scott Dann, both from corners. On the goal, Martin shifted the wrong way just before Patrick van Aanholt’s free-kick giving him no chance to make the save. He made a few more crucial saves in the second half.
Valentino Lazaro – 6
- Lazaro was easily the best of the three loan signings this afternoon. He made some quality runs going forward but didn’t get much support from his teammates. The Austrian did well containing Wilfried Zaha who, while still a threat, didn’t get the better of Lazaro by any stretch. There was a dip in quality on his corners from last week, which were easily handled by Palace defenders. The red card for dragging Zaha down in the final minute soured what we thought was a decent display.
Federico Fernandez – 4
- Fernandez struggled a bit this match. He allowed Gary Cahill to leap over his back on his 6th-minute header that forced Dubravka into a crucial save. Fede didn’t do enough to prevent Van Aanholt’s cross early in the second half, which reached Jordan Ayew, whose shot hit the post. Later on, Wilfried Zaha just skipped by him like he wasn’t there. Zaha’s cross found Ayew in the box forcing Dubravka into another save.
Jamaal Lascelles – 5
- Lascelles struggled to contain Christian Benteke all afternoon. He allowed Benteke to get in front of him on a set-piece from van Aanholt. Fortunately, the Belgian was out of sorts and headed it well wide. Once again, our defense was too open allowing the opponents acres of space in the box.
Fabian Schar – 6
- Fabian Schar was probably our best defender playing on the unfamiliar left side of the back three. He put in a superb challenge in the 28th minute to prevent a one on one with Dubravka. Schar got forward on occasion and was even moved into the midfield late in the game. Struck the ball very well on his long-range effort that Vicente Guaita did well to save. It was an improvement over the Swiss international’s recent displays, however, still far from what he showed earlier this season.
Danny Rose – 4
- Danny started very brightly on the left. He was a part of two early breaks that threatened Palace, but the final ball was again lacking. He didn’t follow those early runs up enough and struggled to contain Jordan Ayew at times. Rose doesn’t look fully fit and faded late again.
Nabil Bentaleb – 3
- Bentaleb had a woeful afternoon at Selhurst Park. He was full of effort but guilty of trying to do too much. The Algerian continually gifted possession to Palace in dangerous areas. He put in some rash tackles and visibly showed his frustration. Bentaleb also allowed Gary Cahill to fly by him on a second-half set-piece. The former Chelsea defender couldn’t direct his header on target. He’s still very rusty but has now started five straight matches and gone the distance in four of them. After the last two performances, we’d like to see Isaac Hayden or Matty Longstaff come in for Bentaleb if Shelvey is unavailable next weekend.
Sean Longstaff – 4
- Longstaff had his best performance of the season at Oxford when playing in an advanced role. However, Steve Bruce has pinned the youngster deep in a midfield that doesn’t possess a natural ball winner. Sean has struggled immensely as a result. We saw some urgency from Sean to get the ball forward; however, he was part of a midfield that Crystal Palace just steamrolled all afternoon.
Miguel Almiron – 5
- Almiron was full of effort but lacked a threat until being brought off for Dwight Gayle around the 70-minute mark. To be fair, he made a few crafty runs that his teammates didn’t catch quickly enough, and the Paraguayan was caught offside. Miguel tracked back as he always does. Of note was when he threw himself into a timely challenge on a Jordan Ayew cross early that led to Palace’s first corner. Almiron just isn’t being pushed at the moment. He’s an automatic starter when maybe he should have his place under threat to spur him on a bit more. Maybe Valentino Lazaro can provide that competition.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6
- Saint-Maximin played well both going forward and helped Danny Rose defensively. However, he lacked a final ball all game. Allan tries to do too much sometimes, and it can kill promising opportunities. Though he doesn’t get the support he needs from his teammates. Bruce tried to get his talisman going by moving him centrally on occasion. The 22-year-old showed urgency and desire to get Newcastle back into the game but was unable to create that magic moment like at Oxford.
Joelinton – 4
- Joelinton played like he has much of the season. He had glimpses of being a decent hold-up man but shows very little desire to get into the box. He had one effort on target that was from well outside the box. Bruce moved him out wide on occasion with Allan Saint-Maximin going upfront, but it made little difference. The 23-year-old once again was visibly agitated and received a booking for his part in a late-game tussle.
Subs
Matt Ritchie – 6
- Ritchie was full of verve and passion when he came on but had minimal impact going forward. His lack of acceleration was apparent at times when Crystal Palace broke. Ritchie should get back into the team next weekend as he provides the leadership and passion that is going to be necessary to get this team out of this mess.
Dwight Gayle – 5
- Gayle came on in the 70th minute for Miguel Almiron but was non-existent. He had only five touches and just couldn’t get into the game. It wasn’t his fault, and we have a feeling he’ll get the nod next week against Burnley.
Who Was Newcastle's Best Player At Crystal Palace?
- Martin Dubravka (79%, 1,121 )
- A. Saint-Maximin (9%, 133 )
- Valentino Lazaro (3%, 45 )
- Joelinton (2%, 30 )
- Dwight Gayle (1%, 19 )
- Fabian Schar (1%, 15 )
- Miguel Almiron (1%, 13 )
- Sean Longstaff (1%, 10 )
- Federico Fernandez (1%, 9 )
- Matt Ritchie (1%, 9 )
- Nabil Bentaleb (0%, 6 )
- Danny Rose (0%, 5 )
- Jamaal Lascelles (0%, 4 )
Total Voters: 1,419
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33 comments so far
Assassins Inc
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:05 PM
Comment #1Ding,ding bus move.
Only positive I can see from yesterday’s game is we are now one more game closer to not having to watch this shite for a few months.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:10 PM
Comment #2Rotonda
Agreed, to a few we’re neggars or moansters, only a blind man wouldn’t have seen this coming.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:17 PM
Comment #3Munster Mag still claiming that Bruce is by and large doing pretty much the same job as Rafa ????
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:18 PM
Comment #4To have a chance of getting out of our downward spiral
Our supreme Tactical genius in charge will have to bring in fighters in Ritchie and Hayden for starters.
Sadly I cannot see us winning another game this season
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:20 PM
Comment #5Assassins Inc
LOL
That is a positive
wynsleap
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Comment #64 people voted for Bentaleb in your poll and it is still said that we are football’s most knowledgeable supporters. Really???
Nufc-83
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:22 PM
Comment #7Jail I don’t think Richie and Hayden are terrible players so not sure why you are relating the two?
Easy question to make the point do you think the Brighton or Norwich manager would have us playing better than we are with Bruce with our current side?
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:23 PM
Comment #8Maybe the managers after that converted no1 spot ?
The undisputed worst manager in Premier League history
The worst in every single category available
cyprus
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:23 PM
Comment #9You gave Schar a 6 and Fernandez a 4? Did Schar get one correct pass?
Perspective, I guess. For me, he along with Bentaleb were the worst of a bad showing.
They tried and tried but, bless them, they were the lesser side.
We are a work in progress, still experimenting. Willing to give them slack, as long as they find a way to pick up like 8 points till the end. Surely…
Next year is another year. Ask Watford, Stoke etc etc.
Assassins Inc
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:24 PM
Comment #10Let’s be honest here about Rafa V Bruce, yes maybe close on numbers And points until we get our ass handed to us by fcuking Burnley.
Rafa May have smaller hands than Bruce but 100% has bigger balls to push his team more forward to get goals.
When your goal threat is a ricochet in the six hard box it doesn’t do much for fan or even player morale, I hope we sign a player from South America this summer called Rico Chet.
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Comment #11Nufc-83
Your ignoring the fact theres not a chance of either of them coming here
We were turned down by Moyes ffs
Yes a better manager would have us playing better but we aint getting said manager until Jabbas gone
We will end the career of anyone stupid enough to believe Jabbas lies
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:26 PM
Comment #12Nufc83
My dog would be well liked by the players.
Could show them how not to lose the ball, he even passes it with a flick of his head.
I’m sending his CV tomorrow.
Ron Knee
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Comment #13Scott Wilson@Scottwilsonecho
#NUFC’s players have been in training this morning – with Steve Bruce conducting a debrief into yesterday’s latest setback at Crystal Palace….
“Debrief”!!!
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:28 PM
Comment #14If we just sacked the manager and just let the players sort it out between themselves i believe we would be a better team
cyprus
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:28 PM
Comment #15Charlie,
I see your point and it feels like that. But, remember, many amongst us and others had us nailed for relegation candidates.
We’re still doing alright, comparatively, although I think we’re the likeliest to slip, given our stats. So was palace, but they too are inching toward safety.
We need to fight, tooth and nail for some draws and a win, somewhere, and we’ll be ok.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:28 PM
Comment #16Great
No tactics, so the players get a 8 mile cross country to think about what they did wrong.
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Comment #17Op
He needs to keep the injuries stats ticking over
Cant let it slip now
This is his last chance to get that no1 spot
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Comment #18We’d be better off with JFK Pardew or Houghton and its 50/50 whether McLaren would do a better job.
Jeeeeeeeeeeezus
cyprus
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Comment #19Assassins,
I really don’t see much difference at all. We’ve been playing super defensive low possession football for a few years now. Carbon copy.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:32 PM
Comment #20I hope they’ve got the greatest manager in the world on speed dial, after his advice to Bruce this week the club may well ring him.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:35 PM
Comment #21In a really really twisted way I don’t want Ashley to leave, I want to see who he gets to replace Bruce, who the foot (thanks JFA) they going to get?
Is Bubbles, MJs old chimp still alive?
ramboreilly
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:37 PM
Comment #22I can see another fakeover story coming out,in the next few days.Just to calm the restless natives.As Toon 22 says I wonder who.Fans will take it in and the heat will be off.Ashley took Bruce on knowing he would be hopeless,deflects the blame from him.
Novocastrian66
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:38 PM
Comment #23We need to bulk the centre of the midfield. 3-5-2 with three central midfielders and the wing backs higher up the pitch and two holding midfielders and one central midfielder further forward. Get the players higher up the pitch and some support for lonely Joe. Something has to change as we’re sleepwalking in to relegation.
droppy in Wallsend
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:38 PM
Comment #24So Bruce is debriefing the players today.
Is that to make it easier to get totally shafted every week by playing with absolutely no tactics whatsoever?
We may have been defensive under Rafa but at least we had a plan and never looked like getting outplayed by the likes of Palace.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Comment #25The debriefing will be epic.
“Why didn’t you follow my instructions?”
“You didn’t give any boss”
“Well try harder next time”
Jail for Ashley
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Comment #26Nufc-83,
I never referenced them
cyprus
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:41 PM
Comment #27Droppy
but we routinely got outplayed by many a team, TBH. Then and now.
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:43 PM
Comment #28You think maybe the mangers gone senile ?
He just cant remember the game, like it just never happened
So he just keeps on with the same setup as he thinks its working somehow ?
The guy claims to be a toon fan and presides over the worst football in the clubs history
Why hasnt he walked ?
investinyouthtoon
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:44 PM
Comment #29cyprus, the difference is with our former manager who shall not be named, had us in most games until the very end, and hence was able to rely on a piece of magic by Rondon or perez to turn the result our way. Under Bruce he has no plan b and even his plan a is as useful as a chocolate fireguard, therefore the games go away from us except for the matches where luck was a contributing factor.
OP I think hughton could do a job here however whether he would want to work under MA considering the way he was handled before. I guess the same goes for fat Sam too.
MA has made his bed and will keep Bruce on whether we sink or stay afloat. If we stay up, next season will be rinse repeat. If we go down we may very well stay down for a few years at least as imo Bruce won’t be able to have us up fighting for promotion.
droppy in Wallsend
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:44 PM
Comment #30Cyprus
We gave up possession a lot then, but we never looked so completely lost and we always had a spell or two of at least trying to get bodies forward.
IMHO
toon22
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:44 PM
Comment #31Would any supported inflict the rubbish we are getting on anything they claim to love ?
Its beyond a joke
Nufc-83
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:45 PM
Comment #32Toon I didn’t say go out and get them at this moment. Both would have came before their current roles. The point is we need to take a risk on a manager not proven identify someone who has implemented a clear style of play without spending huge amounts of cash. Go for Bielsa at Leeds or something.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Feb 23, 2020 at 12:49 PM
Comment #33Novo
Our midfield has been weak for a few seasons – all a much of a muchness
Small can run around tackle a bit and sit deep in front of our back five and get out muscled.
Also on the ball we never play one-twos pass move at pace
We seem to pass the ball then drift backwards to receive the ball which in due course goes back to the defence then back to Dubs who has to hoof it
Full backs defenders never come short or wide too take the ball off Dubs who hoofs it long to Joe who ain’t got a player within twenty yards of him
Players who got dogs abuse last year are a big miss Perez and Diame