Newcastle United prevented a third straight defeat as they travelled to Selhurst Park and collected three points. Matthias Jaissle made five changes, including a return to experience at centre-back with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, with the shake-up ultimately proving to be the right decision.
The first half was forgettable and highlighted issues that still trouble the Magpies, but they made up for it with two second-half goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes. The Newcastle attack came alive and earned them a needed three points, while also taking the heat off Jaissle.
Newcastle's Attack awakened
After a miserable first half, in which Newcastle offered nothing in terms of attacking output. They made a quick start to the second half, where Jacob Murphy whipped in a sublime cross for Osula, who finished first-time to break the deadlock.
Full of intensity, drive, and confidence, the Magpies nearly doubled their lead quickly, had Joe Willock not been caught offside.
Jaissle’s side continued to push on and got their reward when Nico Gonzalez played Murphy to his right. The winger fed in Amar Dedic, who cut the ball back for Barnes to fire home with a lovely, whipped, first-time finish.
Big questions were asked about whether Newcastle would respond to their recent defeats and mediocre attacking performances; they answered by taking their chances as they came against Palace.
Starts have to be better
Yes, there is positivity swirling around the two goals Newcastle scored. But that first-half performance can’ be repeated; Palace currently have the league's worst defence, conceding 19 goals.
Newcastle were too slow and too safe in their build-up, looking flat for the most part. Palace could sit in their low block, knowing they were unlikely to be tested or troubled.
Osula had only four touches on the ball, barely mustering a threat. It still comes across that Newcastle are desperately crying out for a creative player, even despite their improved second half.
Osula's goal bailed Newcastle out by instilling some confidence in the forward line; otherwise, it could have been another dreadful afternoon for Jaissle.
Dan Burn and Fabian Schar were pivotal additions at the back
The oldest centre-back pairing in the Premier League, but it worked out for the Magpies. Burn's leadership was valuable on the pitch, and Newcastle were better off for the overall experience of him and Schar.
Calm in defence and with sensible clearances that reassured Lukas Horniceck, who made some good saves in the first half, Newcastle's defence cleared any Palace attempts at goal, even if it was rather boring to watch at times…
After shipping eight goals in their last two away games, the veteran experience of Burn and Schar ultimately paid dividends, grinding out a third clean sheet of the season and proving Jaissle’s decision to change it up at the back a good one.
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