Newcastle United ended their away-day misery with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with goals from Will Osula and Harvey Barnes in a golden 10-minute spell early in the second half.
The result came after two heavy 4-1 defeats on the road, and restored the same 2-0 scoreline that brought victory at Tottenham earlier in the campaign. It was also a first clean sheet away from home in recent memory, with the defence holding firm despite three changes in the back four.
Second-Half Surge Decides the Contest
After a dire opening half, the match turned in the 47th minute when Jacob Murphy delivered a wicked first-time cross with pace that invited Will Osula to score his first goal of the campaign. The strike completely changed the face of the match.
Joe Willock was then denied a wonderful finish by a VAR offside decision which owed much to the thickness of his shirt. But Harvey Barnes soon reminded everyone why the departure of Anthony Gordon was cushioned by his presence, finishing like an arrow for his fourth goal so far this season.
Defensive Solidity and Key Contributions
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn brought a solidarity that had been sorely lacking at the heart of the defence, with both lasting the full 96 minutes. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek also played a vital role with a couple of excellent saves.
Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey got vital minutes into their legs after long-term injuries. Both sides entered the match with terrible defensive reputations; Palace had the worst defensive record in the Premier League having conceded 17 in seven games, while Newcastle had the fourth worst with 14 against.
Fans Reward and What Comes Next
The 2,800 Geordies who defied Storm Boelo to undertake a 600-mile round trip were rewarded for their support of a team which had lost three of their last four. Palace were poor opposition who crumbled when hit with a double whammy.
Newcastle now face Everton home and away over four days. They will be tougher than Palace, but confidence previously battered will have taken a welcome boost.
