Matthias Jaissle has revealed his half-time team talk after Newcastle United's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, admitting his team forgot to release the handbrake in the first 45 minutes.
Jaissle's team ended a run of poor defeats thanks to goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes, and climbed up to seventh in the Premier League table. But this win was about both defensive efficiency and a clinical touch as the Magpies won at Palace for the first time in six years.
Handbrake released in second half
Jaissle said: "In the first half we weren't bad out of possession, but we did not have an offensive mindset. We had the handbrake on. In the second half we moved and we deserved to win."
It wasn't just about the goalscorers though, as Amar Dedic's return to form laid the foundations for the victory with a hand in both goals as he recaptured his early season heroics.
The Bosnian international returned to the starting XI and had a hand in both goals as he marauded forward from right-back, including setting up Harvey Barnes for the crucial second strike of the game.
Jaissle praises Dedic impact
Jaissle said in his post-game press conference: "We have missed him [Dedic]. Due to his injury situation, he is getting better and better. We have seen how much of an impact he has. He helps a lot with our way of playing."
Jaissle was delighted with the overall performance and his players celebrated wildly afterwards in the dressing room. The German head coach said: "It was a tough game in the first half. We couldn't get our reward for our intensity. In the second half, it was much better. If we are all together - this journey can be successful."
Upcoming double header against Everton
Newcastle now face a double header against Everton in the Carabao Cup then the Premier League, with two clashes that can lay the foundations for a successful run-up to Christmas.
Victory on Merseyside will have Toon fans in party mode, but they enjoyed this 2-0 win in the capital and there were plenty of positive signs, despite a sticky start to the afternoon.
