Newcastle have been on the front foot for the bulk of the opening 45 minutes at Selhurst Park. Once again a first-half goal proves elusive as the break arrives in a scoreless stalemate.
Newcastle were set up in their 4-3-3 with Pope behind a back four of Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn. In the midfield were Guimaraes, Longstaff, and Willock. Wilson led the attack with Joelinton on the left and Almiron on the right.
The Magpies had the game’s first chance in the 6th minute. Guimaraes did brilliantly with a deft flick to free Willock down the left. Willock put his cross to the back post where Almiron was charging. The Paraguayan’s volley missed the target going behind the goal.
Vicente Guaita was forced into action in the 13th minute. After regrouping from a corner, Botman floated a long ball to Trippier down the right. The fullback tapped the ball to Burn near the edge of the area. Burn’s blistering shot was comfortably held by the Palace keeper.
At the 20-minute mark, Guaita was tested after possession was again recycled from a corner. Schar surged forward towards the box and toe-poked a pass to Joelinton. The Brazilian cut inside but his shot was tame and easily collected by Guaita.
Guaita made another save after a corner in the 36th minute. The delivery was sent into the box and found Joelinton near the back post. He lashed the ball goalward which deflected off a Palace defender’s arm before Guiata parried it away. The ball was then cleared by Jordan Ayew with a quick VAR check ruling no penalty.
The half ended with Newcastle in control but unable to breach Palace. The Magpies had 60% possession while outshooting The Eagles 8-3. Eddie Howe will likely not wait to long before introducing either Allan Saint-Maximin or Alexander Isak after the break if a breakthrough isn’t found.
182 comments so far
The Taco Taker
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:26 PM
Comment #1Wow so many people are suddenly anti-Wilson I can’t figure out why, is it because Isak is on the bench? Is it because people love finding someone to moan about? Wilson has been and still is a hugely important player for us!!
JohnJ
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Comment #2A joy to watch my only wee negative is in my opinion we should be getting something more from the corners and free kicks!
The Taco Taker
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Comment #3A content laden half time first…that is a first for me
Pat Mania
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Comment #4Willock and Joelinton have been very good.
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Comment #5Stay the way we are for another 15 mins and then bring on Isak and ASM together
Dingo®
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Comment #6Lots of anti Wilson sentiment today – I think he’s playing really well – he’s drawing the defenders into the center freeing up space on the wings – he’s so difficult to play – tricky dickie
Romford mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #7TTT
One of our players gets stick every match day on here!
Seems it’s Wilson’s today 😉
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #8Taco, what has Wilson provided in the first 45 minutes?
I’m not anit-Wilson, but right now, he’s not really contributing.
And yes, we signed a £60m striker who has 3 goals in 4 EPL games. He needs to be involved.
AnyToon in Indiana
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #9Willock seems to be a better fit in front of Joelinton rather than vice versa…plays to both of their strengths and Willock even showing a couple moves and some nice drives with the ball into the box. Still not sure ASM offers more in this situation but will be a good sub when Willock tires as at least big Joe can offer cover.
Dingo®
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #10Exactly Taco – I reposted but we had the same thought at the same time
scott
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #11I’d say Maxi will destroy Ward if he comes on,he definitely can’t handle pace!
IrishRob
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:29 PM
Comment #12I’d take Wilson off for Isak and Longstaff for Maxi at 65-70min if we still haven’t scored. It would be harsh on Longstaff but we need more going forward.
Willock is playing like he will have a say in our score, so he has to stay on.
AnyToon in Indiana
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:29 PM
Comment #13I though Wilson was very lively as well and looks like he is pushing to keep his spot and working a bit harder than the past few games…fitness coming too probably
JohnJ
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Comment #14Have faith – Eddie will put it right!
Pat Mania
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Comment #15Willock is having an excellent season. Great young player with a very bright future.
Jp Mayor
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:31 PM
Comment #16Evening folks, from the looks in the first half, playing some nice stuff, palace defending well, just need to keep working it. Think willock off for maxi and Isak for Bruno 2nd half and go 4-2-3-1. Was a bit surprised by wood leaving, especially as no replacement first, any bids now may get hiked as teams will know we’re 1 short up front with time running out, (unless something already agreed and in the pipeline?) my money would be on Pedro from watford as I heard a ‘done deal’ until we went with Isak?
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:31 PM
Comment #17We’ve created chances 8 shots 3 on goal. It was a dominant first half. The stats prove it. Palace are no mugs and they’ve hardly had a kick.
Howay Isak change it up son and cause havoc. I can see Maxi doing likewise. Big half incoming
JohnJ
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:32 PM
Comment #18I think Willock & Joelinton have very good – it will all come good – we’ll I think it will. 🙂
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:32 PM
Comment #19Willock was the stand out player that first half. Hopefully he carries on into this one.
Toon fans bad
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Comment #20Wilson man bad 😆
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Comment #21Willock has been excellent.
Irish, I want more than 20 minutes from Isak.
Ap
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Comment #22Neves wolves
IrishRob
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Comment #23Yep Willock playing very well, he’d be annoyed if hes the one to leave.
Pat Mania
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #24John J
You gut is spot on 🙂
The Taco Taker
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #25DKillers – strikers often don’t contribute much, then they score. I would not bet against Wilson. Having said that I would expect some changes between 60-70 mins if we are not ahead.
peterk3
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #26Why didnt Wilson shoot there
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #27Someone shoot!!!!!
JP...from The Rock
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #28Wilson laying off a pass for Burn to shoot from 20 yards, strange one that.
IrishRob
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #29What the utter hell was Wilson doing and that pass afterwards omg.
Romford mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM
Comment #30HWTL!!
JP...from The Rock
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:35 PM
Comment #31I want to see us shoot more, we seem afraid to take the shot sometimes.
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:36 PM
Comment #32Taco, I’m just not even seeing the incisive movement from Wilson lately.
JP...from The Rock
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:36 PM
Comment #33If you shoot even if off target an attempted block can divert the ball and it can go in. You never know until you shoot.
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:38 PM
Comment #34I doubt Isak would been looking to pass when set up so well in the opponent’s box.
Toon fans bad
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:38 PM
Comment #35Schlupp has a bit of the Danny Rose about him!
JP...from The Rock
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Comment #36We’re going forward more now. But still need more shots. Come on.
JP...from The Rock
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Comment #37Nearly from Wilson there.
DKillers
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Comment #38Wilson’s touches have been terrible. Period.
peterk3
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Comment #39He should have scored
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 21, 2023 at 6:41 PM
Comment #40Isak and maxi will be on soon