Newcastle United started 2026 strongly with a 2-0 home win over Crystal Palace, a result Eddie Howe views as an important boost before a demanding fixture list. Second-half strikes from Bruno Guimaraes
and Malick Thiaw secured the points at St. James Park, while Palace’s difficult league run continued.
The victory extended Newcastle’s unbeaten Premier League streak at St. James Park to seven matches, underlining consistent home form. They have scored exactly two goals in each of those league games, showing reliable attacking output that Howe believes can support a push through a busy January schedule and the wider winter period.
Reflecting on the display and the next few weeks, Howe highlighted both progress and remaining gaps in performance. He stressed that the team must carry confidence from this result while also sharpening details. Howe emphasised that January will test squad depth and mentality against a series of demanding opponents in the Premier League.
"Its a better position but weve got more work to do, Howe told Sky Sports. Weve got a massive month ahead. We need to build some momentum and confidence and today is a big step forward. It was a tough game, it always is against Palace. Oliver [Glasner] has done an amazing job. We had to be patient. I think the substitutions made a difference and helped us over the line. I think they were two good moves for the goals that weren't. We needed that first goal to relax us. I think we got better and better in the game. "
Newcastle controlled long spells but needed patience before breaking Palace down. Anthony Gordon and Joelinton both had first-half efforts disallowed for offside after promising moves. Those setbacks increased frustration in the stands, yet Newcastle stayed composed and continued to press, eventually turning territorial dominance into clear chances after the interval.
Guimaraes finally made the pressure count in the 71st minute, heading in from close range after smart movement in the box. Seven minutes later, Thiaw reacted fastest during a crowded goalmouth scramble from a Guimaraes corner and poked home the second. That finish effectively ended the contest and left Palace chasing shadows.
The boss on today's win at St. James' Park pic.twitter.com/jq6WCSGIOENewcastle United (@NUFC) January 4, 2026
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace: Miley’s passing masterclass at right-back
One standout figure for Newcastle was 19-year-old Miley, who again impressed while filling in at right-back. Miley attempted 59 passes and completed every single one. That 100% success rate is the best recorded by any player in a Premier League match this season, underlining calm distribution and composure under pressure.
The performance also ranks highly in Newcastle’s recent statistical history. According to Opta records, Miley’s 59 from 59 is the club’s second-best passing completion by volume since 2003/04. Only Cheick Tiote has posted a higher figure, with 66 successful passes from 66 attempts against Arsenal in January 2016.
"Hes been incredible since he came into the team, the Newcastle boss added. You wouldnt know that right-back [isnt his natural position]. Hes excelled in this position [at full-back]. Hes doing a great job in the team. "
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace: Glasner frustrated by set-piece problems
For Crystal Palace, the defeat continued a worrying sequence under Oliver Glasner. Palace have now lost four of their last five Premier League matches and remain without a win in seven games across all competitions. That run is their longest winless spell since an eight-match sequence between November and December 2023.
Glasner pointed to repeated issues defending dead-ball situations, which again hurt Palace at St. James Park. "It was a good performance but in the last four defeats we lost three just from set pieces, Glasner told Sky Sports. Its not acceptable and I have to find solutions to support the players better. We cant afford to give so many goals away from set pieces, its the reason we lost today. I was pleased with how we moved the ball and defended [but] we need to look at where we can improve. We need to do better. "
The match left Newcastle with growing belief before a packed January schedule, supported by solid home form and improved squad contributions. Palace departed assessing another loss shaped by set plays, as Glasner searches for answers, while Howe focuses on turning this winning run into sustained momentum over the coming weeks.
