Newcastle Toons
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What we learned from the loss vs. Crystal Palace

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United is challenged by Martin Kelly of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on April 06, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United is challenged by Martin Kelly of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on April 06, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United proved that the better team does not always win as they undeservedly lost to Crystal Palace yesterday.

Newcastle United controlled the match against Crystal Palace from start to finish, but it was the visitors who took all three points yesterday. Crystal Palace managed to steal the game yesterday with a penalty kick from Luka Milivojevic in the 81st minute. Newcastle played with plenty of urgency in this one, but they failed to make the most of their golden opportunities.

Over the last two months, the Toon have actually been quite impressive in front of goal, but that was not the case against Crystal Palace. There are plenty of talking points from this match, but here are the main observations from yesterday’s 1-0 loss that snapped the Magpies’ five-game winning streak at St. James’ Park.

Almiron Loves Playing at Home

Yesterday marked Miguel Almiron’s eighth match in a black and white jersey and it is fair to say that he has been in top form at St. James’ Park. Almiron has been decent on the road, but he always seems to be more involved when the team plays at home. Crystal Palace had no answer for the Paraguayan international as he enjoyed plenty of freedom down the flanks and in the middle of the park.

Newcastle’s most expensive signing also played well off the ball as he hustled back to cover for Matt Ritchie when he would overlap runs to deliver crosses. Almiron is yet to score or bag an assist this season, but his ball distribution and his ability to create open lanes for teammates is helping the team attack more. He was Newcastle’s top player yesterday and there is no doubt that the goals and assists will come soon.

Innovative Attack, Poor Finishing

After a forgettable performance against Arsenal where Newcastle only created three chances, the Toon woke up against Crystal Palace. Despite losing the match, the Magpies looked good offensively and they managed to create 18 shots against a competitive side. Newcastle were attacking down the flanks, up the middle and took some decent shots from distance.

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The problem, however, was precision in front of goal. Yes, Newcastle scored one sloppy goal, but the offside flag was up. Salomon Rondon should have done better in front of goal. The Venezuelan had multiple looks at goal, but his shots were aimed straight at the keeper. In general, the entire team needed to do better as they fired 13 shots off target. The Magpies need to get in gear ahead of their match with Leicester City next weekend.