We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Crystal Palace 0 Newcastle 2 in the Premier League.
A much-needed win, deserved if not emphatic.
The first half looked like a turgid relegation scrap between two poor teams and I understand that. The weather was foul, neither team had any reason to feel optimistic given recent PL results, and a defeat would have put either team on the 'clubs-in-crisis' list.
Our manager didn't do what a lot of fans were hoping and play the majority of the young lads. Instead, he opted for a centre back pairing with a combined age of 68, and a very recognisable midfield and front four.
I wouldn't have gone with a few of those selected but it turned out to be exactly the right call. Newcastle United took control in the second half and won a game that a different XI may well have lost.
The performance wasn't spectacular and it's only fair to highlight the shortcomings evident in our opponents. But forget what kind of display this was. What it wasn't was all the things we've seen in recent games; nervy, disjointed, chaotic and weak. Burn, Schär, Joelinton, Murphy and González in particular looked relaxed, unphased and confident without putting in a 10/10 performance. I'm sure this rubbed off on those around them, and their reward was a couple of well-worked goals, another beauty disallowed, and a clean sheet. You could see the weight lifting off the shoulders of all involved and finishing the weekend in eighth place will make them feel better still.
A word for the magnificent Toon Army. I went into town today from my home in the millionaires' playground of Gateshead. The weather meant that the Metro was banjaxed and they'd stopped buses from going over the Redheugh Bridge in case they ended up on their sides. Yet a battalion of Geordies travelled down to south London (and back again) at the height of the storm, probably in darkness, and they outsang the Crystal Palace faithful when they got there. 10/10 to them.
Lukáš Horníček 8
I wasn't sure he'd be playing, as another poor display may have ended his season. But he was assured, decisive and untroubled, and made a couple of magnificent saves in the swirling wind. Maybe playing behind our more experienced centre backs did the trick but this was a fine display
Amar Dedić 8
He looked absolute class in his first few games, then – for me – went off the boil a bit. But this was a cracking performance, energetic, intelligent and focused. As will always be the case, he was out of position once or twice when he charged upfield, but it was those charges that meant he had a hand in both of our goals, including a fine assist for the second. Looks a bargain at £29.5m.
Fabian Schär 8
Good to see him back on the pitch.
He didn't have an outstanding game but he just looked assured and unruffled. We've missed that. And I'm guessing this had a calming effect on those around him, especially our keeper and right back.
Dan Burn 8
You could pretty much copy and paste what I said about Schär.
Just having the big man back gave the whole team a more composed look. He did what he had to do and got in the way of just about everything Palace threw at him. I thought Mateta would be a big threat. In the event, he was rendered impotent.
Lewis Hall 7
He's been the player I've marked highest just about every time I've done the ratings this season – one of our few bright sparks. But today he was good not great. Took a whack (two in fact) and I think that might have slowed him down a bit. By no means a poor performance but not his best.
Nico Gonzàlez 8
At the risk of repeating myself, his was a performance of quiet authority rather than dazzling skills, but that is exactly what was needed.
Covered, intercepted, passed and controlled, and was given Player of the Match by the Sky pundit. I wouldn't argue with that.
Joelinton 6
All over the place in the first 20 minutes but slowly got into the game and made the two-man midfield tactic look like it might work.
Ran out of steam later in the game and probably should have been subbed off 10 minutes before he was. But he did his job.
Jacob Murphy 8
My mate, who has been watching Newcastle United home and away for 35 years, texted me thus: "Murphy was MoM for me….who am I?!".
Like him, I wouldn't have picked Murph for this fixture, but he justified his selection. Made the correct decision most of the time and played a part in both goals.
His cross for the first was absolutely top rank and I also thought his delivery from corners was better than a lot of what we've seen this season. He was asked to defend after the subs were introduced, and he did that well, and without complaint. A good day at the office.
Joe Willock 6
Another one that wouldn't have been on my team sheet but no complaints about his showing today.
Enthusiastic, committed and energetic.
VAR robbed him of a lovely goal but he buzzed around effectively for the 70-odd minutes he was on the pitch.
Harvey Barnes 7
Scored a typical Harvey Barnes goal, sweeping a cut back into the net with aplomb.
He is probably the best finisher at the club.
That aside, he didn't set Selhurst Park alight, but was solid and industrious.
Will Osula 7
I'm not sure he saw much of the ball (not necessarily his fault), but when he did, he looked pretty good.
Unlike one or two others who have played the number 9 role this season, he actually looked to get into the box when Murphy and Dedić were attacking down the wing.
He got his reward when Murphy found him five yards from goal for a tap in. It's not rocked science…
Newcastle United Players Clapping Away Fans at Crystal Palace Selhurst Park
Photo by Simon Ritter via The Mag
SUBS
Anthony Elanga 5
Fair play to our manager, who was – allegedly – under pressure before this game.
He could have brought on defenders and midfielders when subs were needed but he went with Elanga et al instead. That made it difficult for Palace to throw caution to the wind.
We got a couple of promising runs out of Elanga; I can see him starting at Everton on Thursday.
Yoane Wissa 5
Another positive substitution, he looked sharp and eager when he joined the fray. Should get a run at Everton.
Jacob Ramsey 5
Couple of good passes, couple not-so-good.
If he's fit and Jaissle is determined to persist with the two-man midfield gambit, he starts alongside Nico for me.
Sean Steur N/A
I would have given him a lengthier cameo, but as it turns out, he wasn't on long enough to judge.
Malick Thiaw N/A
Came on, got kicked in the head. Went off for a minute. Came back on. Ref blew whistle. Probably wishing he hadn't bothered.
