Newcastle United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace, as goals from Will Osula and Harvey Barnes in the second half secured a vital three points at Selhurst Park.
The win came after three defeats in the Magpies' last four matches and following criticism of head coach Matthias Jaissle's tactical set-up. The result eased the pressure on the German before a double-header against Everton in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.
Leadership Vacuum Addressed
Jaissle had said in his pre-match press conference on Friday that he felt there was a 'leadership vacuum' in his side this season, and his team selection reflected that. Dan Burn made his first start of the season alongside Fabian Schar at the centre of defence, with both Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman dropped. Joelinton provided more stability in front of them in just his second start of the season, while Jacob Murphy's return added experience. It was the oldest starting XI Jaissle has named this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Jaissle explained his decision: "For Dan and Fabby, they have been quite a long time out now but due to their leadership and experience and their physicality they will do a great job today. Especially now in the training sessions they showed that. They have given us a huge stability but also quality on the ball which is something we should not miss to mention. This is something what we are aware of and what we need today and it is not only about their leadership qualities."
Crowd Reaction and Dedic's Return
Newcastle headed to Crystal Palace off the back of successive 4-1 defeats away from home, making the win a significant psychological boost. The away end at Selhurst Park celebrated with the chant: "How s--t must you be, we're winning away?"
Amar Dedic made his return from injury and made a huge difference, grabbing an assist and keeping a clean sheet. The full-back, who has experience of playing under Jaissle at RB Salzburg, is a vital cog in the manager's system.
Carragher Call for Patience
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher labelled the criticism of Jaissle as 'harsh' and called for patience. "I have felt the criticism of him, and the journalists up there know him a little better than me, probably a bit harsh," said Carragher. "You look at these players and the clubs they have signed for and it tells you the amount of quality they have lost. They have decided as a club to go with a young squad and a young manager who is new to the Premier League and it doesn't help when you get bashed up and it is live on TV. It was always going to be up and down season in a lot of ways, lots of people getting used to the Premier League. That is just the nature of transfers."
Jaissle's bold team selection, with five changes, paid off, and the win provides greater patience for the head coach.
Premier League Picture
Newcastle kicked off the game in 14th place and ended it in seventh. Defeat would have left the Magpies looking over their shoulder at the bottom of the table. Now, with a home clash against Everton and a trip to Fulham before the November international break, Jaissle's side have the opportunity to put themselves in a healthy position.
