In April, Newcastle United showcased an impressive performance against Crystal Palace, defeating Oliver Glasner’s team 5-1 at St James’ Park, capped off by a brilliant goal from Alexander Isak. However, circumstances have shifted dramatically since then. During their recent visit to Selhurst Park, Newcastle suffered their third consecutive defeat, with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting a penalty in injury time, adding to the woes of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Newcastle initially took the lead just before halftime with a close-range goal from William Osula, who scored against the flow of play. Despite being ahead, Howe’s team appeared to lack confidence, still reeling from previous losses to Barcelona and, more critically, Sunderland.
Crystal Palace capitalized on Newcastle’s fragility, with Glasner introducing Mateta as a substitute in the second half. The influential French striker equalized with ten minutes remaining in the match, heading in the goal after a chaotic sequence in the box. A foul by Sven Botman, who tugged on Jefferson Lerma’s shirt, led to a penalty, which Mateta calmly converted into the bottom right corner to seal the match.
In contrast to Newcastle’s struggles, Crystal Palace entered the game with renewed energy following their recent victory over Fiorentina in the Conference League. They are now poised on the brink of reaching a European semi-final, presenting Glasner with the opportunity to secure another trophy before his anticipated departure this summer. The team is undergoing significant changes, with key players like Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze already leaving, but there remains hope for one last triumphant night.
Newcastle, too, finds itself at a crossroads after a significant moment at Wembley last year. Questions regarding Howe’s future persist, with speculation surrounding key players like Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Kieran Trippier, the first signing under the club’s Saudi ownership, recently confirmed his exit. With no cup competitions left and only a few league matches remaining to secure European qualification, the team faces a potential overhaul.
Howe implemented six changes from the lineup that fell to Sunderland three weeks prior, highlighting the challenges faced this season. With Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade starting on the bench, Osula took the lead position. However, early in the match, there was little for him to work with, as defenders Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot marked him closely.
Osula expressed his frustration at the lack of service from teammates Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, while Palace appeared comfortable during the first half. The first real test for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale came when he had to dive to his left to stop a shot from Yeremy Pino, followed by a quick reaction to deny Daniel Muñoz on the rebound. Canvot later missed a header from a corner after Gordon’s misplaced pass in his own half, as Newcastle struggled to find their footing in London.
Surprisingly, it was Osula and Newcastle who celebrated just before halftime. After a well-executed play on the right flank, Lewis Miley delivered a low cross that Lacroix failed to intercept adequately. Osula, already on the ground, managed to untangle himself and slot the ball home for his third goal of the season, boosting his confidence significantly as he won a free-kick shortly thereafter.
Five minutes into the second half, Osula nearly doubled his tally after Chris Richards mishandled a backpass. He rushed into the box, but Dean Henderson thwarted his attempt. Glasner, managing his squad as they navigate their European campaign, made significant substitutions after the hour mark, bringing on key players such as Adam Wharton, Ismaïla Sarr, and Mateta.
The equalizer almost came from Lerma, who failed to convert a free-kick from Pino, sending his header crashing against the crossbar. Sarr then made a dynamic run into the box as Palace pressed for an equalizer. The goal was set up by the forward-thinking wing-backs; Muñoz crossed from inside the area to Tyrick Mitchell, who then lobbed the ball to Mateta, allowing him to head in calmly amidst the chaos in the penalty area.
Sarr continued to threaten with a cross aimed at Mateta, but the ball eluded him. However, Mateta would not be denied, ultimately sealing the match with a decisive contribution shortly after his initial goal.
