Crystal Palace 2 Newcastle 0
The Eagles welcomed The Magpies to Selhurst Park for the ‘avian derby’. Crystal Palace had back-to-back wins and were looking to keep their good form going. Victory would almost certainly guarantee their Premier League status for next season.
Mateta laid the ball off to Eze outside the box. He twisted and turned, often sending defenders to the shops, before getting a shot off. His effort narrowly missed the far post with Dubravka scrambling across the goal, obviously concerned.
The visitors created their first chance of the game. As the ball was played through to Isak, he looked to get a telling touch before the keeper closed him down. Henderson was quick off his line and managed to get an important block in to keep the scores level.
Eberechi Eze was involved in everything positive The Eagles were doing. Despite this, Eddie Howe’s side were giving the winger too much time and space on the ball. He felt he should have had a penalty when he tried to weave his way into the box but neither the official nor VAR agreed.
Credit: @CPFC
Into the second half, some attractive football from Crystal Palace finally opened the scoring. Eze played it to the edge of the box where Mateta and Ayew exchanged a neat one-two. The big striker ran onto the return pass to slot home and Selhurst Palace erupted.
The only reason The Eagles find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle is the injuries they have had to key players this season. Most notably Eze and Olise. When these two are fit, this team often look capable of beating most sides in the Premier League.
By this stage, Selhurst Park was bouncing, an absolute cauldron of noise. Their direct style of play, mixed in with the skills of their wingers was causing no end of problems for Eddie Howe’s side. After their two recent wins, the hosts were brimming with confidence also.
Newcastle felt they should have had a penalty when Longstaff went down in the box. VAR asked for play to be halted, suggesting something was going to be given. On review, the referee decided it was not to be and booked The Magpies’ midfielder for simulation.
The visitors were desperately trying to get something out of this game. It played into Palace’s hands as they were able to hurt them on the counter-attack. Hughes cut the ball back from the byline and Mateta slotted through the keeper’s legs to seal the win for the hosts.
Late on Anthony Gordon burst into the box and sold the defender with a feigned shot. He checked onto his right foot and got a shot away but once again Henderson made himself big to make an important block. Time had run out for The Magpies.
Credit: @CPFC
Crystal Palace took all three points and all but secured their Premier League place for next season. Oliver Glasner’s side have now won three games on the spin, their best form under the new manager. Holding onto their star players may be their only issue in the summer.
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