Newcastle United silenced their early-season critics with a commanding second-half display at Selhurst Park, defeating Crystal Palace 2-0 to get their campaign back on track and climb into a European qualification place.
Goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes in a devastating 15-minute spell after the break secured all three points, while a clean sheet at the other end rounded off a much-needed victory for head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Second-half turnaround
The match started poorly for the visitors, who failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Palace dominated the early exchanges, clocking six goal attempts in the first 10 minutes, but could not break the deadlock.
Newcastle survived an early goalmouth scramble after Adam Wharton's free-kick was dropped into the penalty area, with Lukas Hornicek doing enough to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta. Daichi Kamada also went close, seeing his shot whistle wide of the target.
Jaissle made five changes to his starting lineup, including dropping both centre-halves, yet his side looked toothless in the opening quarter, with Osula left isolated up front. Both Nico Gonzalez and Fabian Schar were booked before the interval as the game grew niggly.
Goals change the game
The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when Jacob Murphy delivered his first cross of the afternoon, allowing Osula to connect and beat Walter Benitez with a stunning close-range finish. It was the striker's first goal of the season and only his sixth touch of the match.
Newcastle thought they had doubled their lead five minutes later when Joelinton threaded a pass through for Joe Willock, who converted, but a VAR check ruled him offside. The second goal did arrive on 57 minutes, however, as Gonzalez skillfully played the ball out to Murphy, who rolled in Amar Dedic before his perfectly arrowed pass found Barnes, who slammed home to make it 2-0.
Closing stages
As the game passed the hour mark, Joelinton and Barnes both sent efforts over the bar as Newcastle pushed for more. With 15 minutes remaining, Jaissle introduced Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey from the bench, and Sean Steur came on for the tiring Joelinton with five minutes left.
Dropped defender Malick Thiaw replaced man of the match Dedic in stoppage time as a tired-looking Palace side spluttered to defeat. Referee Paul Tierney officiated the match.
