Jean-Philippe Mateta scored another double as Crystal Palace beat Newcastle 2-0, dealing a setback to the Magpies’ hopes for European football next season.
The Eagles were flying high after two successive Premier League wins against Liverpool and West Ham, and carried that confidence into another impressive performance under Oliver Glasner.
And they deservedly scored just after the break. It was a neat move between Mateta and Jordan Ayew that saw the striker slot home (55).
Mateta was then left unmarked for a late second (88), scoring twice for a second Premier League match in a row. In just nine appearances, he has scored more Premier League goals under Oliver Glasner (8) than he did under either Roy Hodgson (5 in 35 games) or Patrick Vieira (6 in 44).
Newcastle never really got going despite an 11-day break after their 4-0 win against Tottenham, although did have a late penalty appeal waved away by the officials and VAR.
They slip into seventh, three points behind Manchester United – who beat Sheffield United on Wednesday – and two ahead of West Ham. Crystal Palace remain in 14th on 39 points.
After the game, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of their European hopes: “It’s still on. We’re still in the mix but we can’t play like we did today if we’re going to maintain our push to be in the European places. There’s certainly a lot to reflect on.”
How Crystal Palace won again
Crystal Palace dominated the first half. Within minutes early on, Eberechi Eze powered wide from 25 yards out, before Mateta’s pointed header went over from an Eze cross. The striker hit the bar just after half an hour, but was well offside in the build-up.
The pick of Newcastle’s limited first-half chances came as Dean Henderson did well to deny Alexander Isak. He came out of his area to see the ball away from the Newcastle forward’s feet in a dangerous spot.
Within 10 minutes of the restart, Crystal Palace took the lead. It was a quick one-two between Ayew and Mateta, with the former’s pass cutting out two Newcastle defenders with ease. It was then an easy slot home for the in-form Mateta.
The hosts had a few chances to double their lead too. Mateta again wriggled himself free for a header, but it went straight at Martin Dubravka. Then, Will Hughes – who impressed in midfield alongside Adam Wharton – bent a fine effort just wide.
Newcastle had a penalty shout turned down in the 76th minute. Sean Longstaff went down in the area after tussling with Will Hughes, and the referee initially dismissed the claims. VAR checked the incident, but stuck with the on-field decision of no penalty.
Crystal Palace made sure of their points late on. Jeffrey Schlupp’s left-wing pass found Hughes in the middle. He then squared the ball to the feet on an unmarked Mateta, who slotted home through Dubravka’s legs.
Newcastle could have scored a late consolation as Henderson denied Gordon’s effort, but the damage was done as the Magpies’ European hope suffered a blow.
Glasner ‘surprised’ with intensity after West Ham win
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports: “All credit to the players for the performance and big applause to our supporters.
“It was three days after the West Ham game and Newcastle were fresh so I was really surprised by the intensity we played with from the first seconds. After 30 minutes, I thought maybe we would have to make 10 substitutions by minute 60 because how is this possible? This was also the great support from the stands. It was amazing to watch the players.
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Oliver Glasner said he was very proud of his Crystal Palace players’ performance in their 2-0 win against Newcastle and was particularly impressed with the intensity they showed in the dominant victory
“The second half was a little bit closer. We couldn’t play this intensity for 100 minutes but we scored the goals in the right moments, excellent goals. I’m very pleased and proud.
On Mateta: “Once he was running after Guimaraes in the second half. He couldn’t get him but he was so ambitious to win this tackle and he ran 20 metres more. In the end he wins the tackle and we win the ball. It’s the best for me as the manager to see the team working together.”
Howe: We were below our best levels
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports: “It was a difficult game for us. We were below our best levels. Crystal Palace played well.
“It was a high-pressing game, we were both trying to high press each other but they more effective with their game than we were.
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Eddie Howe felt Newcastle were not at their best levels and ultimately not good enough in their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
“We’re disappointed. We came alive a bit in the second half and had moments and opportunities but we weren’t good enough.
On 11-day break affecting performance: “That’s always a fear. We worked to try and make sure that wasn’t a factor in the game – Crystal Palace were better than us today. We can’t make excuses, we’re going to blame ourselves and try to come back better.”
On Longstaff penalty appeal: “It’s a 50-50 call. If the referee gives it, he doesn’t overturn the decision with VAR. He obviously didn’t think it was a penalty at the time and we have to respect that.”
Opta stats: Newcastle’s woes on the road
- Newcastle have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League away games (W3), while they’ve now lost on four occasions in London in the league this term, only doing so more times in a Premier League season in 2000-01 and 2005-06 (both 5).
- Only against Manchester City in August (1) have Newcastle recorded fewer shots on target in a Premier League game this season than their two against Crystal Palace.
- Jordan Ayew’s assist for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was his seventh for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season. Indeed, only Michael Olise (11 in 2022-23), Wilfried Zaha (9 in 2016-17) and Wayne Routledge (9 in 2004-05) have provided more for the Eagles in a single campaign in the competition.
What’s next?
Crystal Palace head to London rivals Fulham on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm. Palace then feature on Monday Night Football at home to Manchester United on May 6, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 8pm.
Newcastle’s push for European football continues at home to rock-bottom Sheffield United on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
