Crystal Palace 2-0 Newcastle

On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Crystal Palace secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Selhurst Park. The Eagles dominated the game from start to finish, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

The first goal came in the 23rd minute when Wilfried Zaha unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner of the net, leaving Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with no chance. The home side continued to press forward and were rewarded with a second goal in the 56th minute, as Jean-Philippe Mateta calmly slotted the ball past Dubravka after a swift counterattack.

Newcastle are unbeaten in four games despite myriad injuries, above seventh-place Manchester United on goal differential, two points clear of West Ham, and three ahead of Chelsea (whose played one fewer game).

Crystal Palace is coming off a 5-2 victory over West Ham United at the weekend as they look to bring that momentum into today’s match. Meanwhile, Newcastle will look to end the season on a high note as they play spoiler to Palace, who is desperate for points.

Newcastle also thought they should have had a penalty late in the second half when Sean Longstaff went down after a challenge from Will Hughes but after a VAR check, nothing was given.

The victory is the Eagles third in the row and they can start looking up the table as they start to plan for a club record 12th season in the Premier League rather than worrying about the relegation battle below.

The manager praised the forward before this match for his work rate and the manner in which his runs create space for the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, but it is his finishing which has seen him go to a different level in recent weeks.

He has scored seven goals in his last seven appearances and his tally of 11 league goals is his best since signing for Palace. He has also managed four assists across his 20 Premier League starts.

Soon Eze spotted goalkeeper Martin Dubravka off his line and expecting the Englishman to deliver from a free-kick. So, of course, he shot instead, almost catching the Slovakian out.

Dean Henderson was out smartly to block at the feet of Isak as the mercurial 24-year-old broke away on one occasion, but Newcastle mustered nothing better in a flat first-half performance.

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Sarah H

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