Newcastle United 2–0 Crystal Palace: Match Report & Reaction

Two goals ruled out for offside summed up a frustrating first half, as Newcastle struggled to hit the levels the home crowd were hoping for.

The Magpies raised the tempo after the break and were finally rewarded in the 71st minute when Bruno headed the Toon in front, before a dominant second-half display was capped seven minutes later as man of the match Malick Thiaw reacted quickest from close range after Crystal Palace failed to deal with an in-swinging corner.

To their credit, Crystal Palace didn’t fold, but Newcastle’s growing control of the game kept the visitors goal under constant pressure.

Match Summary

This was the first of four consecutive home fixtures and an early chance for Newcastle United to build momentum across the Premier League, FA Cup and the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

With the result the clear priority, and the performance secondary. Newcastle struggled to find rhythm in a disjointed first half, but a much sharper and more aggressive approach after the break proved decisive. Two goals in quick succession swung the contest firmly in the Magpies’ favour.

Crystal Palace, winless in five, committed bodies forward in search of a way back, which opened the game up and presented Newcastle with further opportunities to extend the lead. None were clearer than Joe Willock’s late chance, when it seemed easier to score.

Goals & Key Moments

After first-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Joelinton were ruled out for offside, Newcastle had to wait until the 71st minute for Bruno Guimarães to head in a breakthrough that finally counted.

The pressure told again soon after, with Malik Thiaw reacting quickest from close range after an in-swinging corner caused chaos in the Crystal Palace six-yard box.

Until that opener arrived, there was a nervous edge around St James’ Park, with the sense lingering that this could become one of those games where a breakthrough wouldn’t come and a smash-and-grab result threatened from Palace..

Even after the first goal was scored the concern among fans was that Newcastle could drop deep and defend their lead but, unlike in previous games, continued pressure on the Crystal Palace defence quickly resulted in the second goal.

Match Verdict & Standout Players

Nothing was more important than three points and whilst the performance wasn't one of Newcastle's best it was far better than some we've witnessed this season.

The win takes the Magpies just five points behind 4th placed Liverpool, two points behind Chelsea in 5th, and only one point behind Sunderland.

Those fans who were saying we have no chance of qualifying again for the Champions League this season need to think again - five points behind at this stage isn't an impossible hill to climb.

The standout players today were Lewis Miley, again, and Malik Thiaw who capped off a superb performance with the goal that sealed the win. Bruno gets a mention too.

We already know that Thiaw has been an outstanding signing at just £35M but we are now finding that we have a potential superstar on the books in young Lewis Miley.

The move to standing in for Tino Livramento at right back has been a masterpiece from Eddie Howe. Miley has had more time on the ball than in a crowded midfield and his natural composure and passing ability have shone ever brighter with each game.

Now that Tino is fit Eddie Howe has a big selection problem; where does Lewis Miley play? On this form he has to be one of the first names on the best eleven team sheet.

Next up it's Leeds on Wednesday night in another home game and a chance to possibly move into a top 6 position if we can get another win.

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