Newcastle United’s season from hell continued with a 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, extending their losing streak and making Eddie Howe’s presence in Tyneside even more nonsensical than it already was before the game
The result follows a historic defeat to FC Barcelona and a sweep by Sunderland in this season’s Tyne-Wear derby, leaving Newcastle’s season drifting, the Magpies sitting 14th, and the hopes of European football next season minimal to non-existent, given the team’s downhill
trend.
Newcastle controlled possession early but struggled to create clear chances, moving the ball without posing any real threat to the Eagles, as Palace simply remained compact and disciplined, and that was enough for them to keep the Magpies at bay.
The first real danger came from the hosts, in fact, forcing Aaron Ramsdale into a ridiculous double save.
As the half progressed, Newcastle found more rhythm down the right flank, gradually stretching Palace’s defensive line. Their pressure finally paid off late in the first half when a low delivery caused confusion inside the box and Newcastle scored a bizarre goal.
William Osula reacted the quickest on the play in the 43rd minute, adjusting his body to send the ball home from close range and giving Newcastle the lead heading into halftime.
After halftime, Palace increased their intensity and changed the game with savvy substitutions, including bringing in super-sub Jean-Philippe Mateta, who immediately shifted momentum toward the home side.
Newcastle were pushed deeper and struggled to maintain possession, with Palace creating sustained pressure that eventually broke through late in the game. And given NUFC’s unmatched skill of giving away leads, we all knew what was coming.
Mateta equalized in the 81st minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box, finishing from close range after Newcastle failed to clear the initial danger, and the turnaround was completed in stoppage time when Sven Botman decided it was best to grab Jefferson Lerma’s jersey glaringly and blatantly inside the area, allowing Mateta to convert from the penalty spot and seal the comeback.
Newcastle have now dropped 25 points from winning positions this season while continuing to concede late goals in critical moments.
“Really disappointing again for us,” Howe said after the game. No dice.
The Magpies return home to face Bournemouth—who beat title-contending Arsenal on Saturday—next, with increasing pressure on PIF and the whole Newcastle board to have some clarity and decide on who should and shouldn’t be on St. James’ Park touchline then and there.
