This afternoon’s showing against Crystal Palace certainly wasn’t a vintage one, but Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle will be delighted that his secured a 2-0 win.
Such a result ends a two-game losing run and has propelled the Magpies into the top half of the Premier League and eased the pressure on the German’s position.
It proved to be a clinical showing at Selhurst Park, with his side netting both of their shots on target to pile further doubt onto the opposition manager in the process.
How Newcastle clinched victory over Crystal Palace
Despite claiming victory, you could say that Newcastle’s performance was one of two halves and pretty much summed up the tenure of Jaissle to date.
The Magpies looked lacklustre during the first half and struggled to create any openings despite the Eagles looking frail and devoid of any confidence after their 5-0 hammering last weekend.
Jaissle’s men failed to register a single shot on target in the first period, but it was a much better performance during the second half – resulting in a much-needed three points.
Will Osula, who was making his first start after returning from injury, broke the deadlock just a couple of minutes after the interval after latching onto an inch-perfect cross from Jacob Murphy.
The Magpies thought they had doubled the advantage just a handful of minutes later, but Joe Willock’s effort was ruled out following a VAR intervention.
However, the 58th minute would be the turning point in the contest though, as an intricate move saw Amir Dedic pick out the onrushing Harvey Barnes, who fired home to eventually double the lead.
Newcastle’s star performers against Crystal Palace
Despite the two-goal triumph at Selhurst Park this afternoon, the result could have been much different had it not been for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
The Czech Republic shot-stopper pulled off an inspired performance between the sticks, subsequently making four saves and preventing an xG of 1.09.
The command of his 18-yard box was also on show during the crucial victory, as he made two punches and made two clear-ups when it appeared as though the Eagles were bearing down on goal.
As previously mentioned, full-back Dedic provided a key moment with his assist for Barnes’ goal, but that was only a portion of his impressive showing this afternoon.
The Bosnian international was a constant threat in forward areas, as demonstrated by his superb tally of ten passes into the final third and four touches in the opposition area.
Even without the ball, the 24-year-old managed to contribute, subsequently winning 100% of the aerial battles he contested, whilst also making five ball recoveries.
Why 9/10 Newcastle star is now the PIF’s best signing
Not all of the new summer additions are yet to hit the ground running, it was always going to be a tricky task for the Saudi PIF to replace the talents who departed during the off-season.
Replacing top-level talent with players who are full of potential and somewhat unproven was the avenue they decided to go down to provide Jaissle with the options he craved.
However, it could have been a lot worse for the German during the summer had the board approved a move which would have seen Lewis Hall depart Tyneside.
The left-back has been a consistent performer for the Magpies in recent years, after he arrived from fellow Premier League side Chelsea for a reported £35m in 2024.
As he so often does, the Englishman started the meeting at Selhurst Park and produced a phenomenal showing – one that illustrates why he’s the best signing of the current owners’ tenure.
Hall featured for the entirety of the 2-0 triumph and was able to make an impact at either end of the pitch – which allowed for the needed three points in South London.
The 22-year-old emulated Dedic in offering a marauding presence down the flank, resulting in him completing 11 passes into the final third and two dribbles.
His attacking threat saw the Eagles often struggle to contain the full-back, resulting in Hall drawing four fouls from the opposition – the most of any player on the pitch.
|
Newcastle player ratings vs Crystal Palace |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Rating |
|
Lukas Hornicek |
8 |
|
Amir Dedic |
8 |
|
Fabian Schar |
7 |
|
Dan Burn |
7 |
|
Lewis Hall |
9 |
|
Nico Gonzalez |
7 |
|
Joelinton |
7 |
|
Jacob Murphy |
7 |
|
Joe Willock |
6 |
|
Harvey Barnes |
8 |
|
Will Osula |
8 |
Even without the ball, he showcased why he’s an elite-level talent, subsequently making six clearances – with only Fabian Schar making more for the Magpies.
After such a showing, Hall was handed an impressive 9/10 match rating, with Jaissle undoubtedly relying on the defender to provide the goods during his tenure.
The move to sign him a couple of years ago is now looking like a masterstroke from the hierarchy, but it’s crucial they keep hold of him in the near future if they are to achieve added success.
