Last April Newcastle brought the thrills against Crystal Palace, putting five past Oliver Glasner’s side at St James’ Park, the victory closed by an Alexander Isak special. How things have changed. At Selhurst Park this time round, the visitors succumbed to a third successive defeat, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty in injury time adding to the misery for Eddie Howe and his team.
William Osula’s close-range finish before half-time, against the run of play, had put Newcastle in front if not in control. They looked short of rhythm even with the lead, still on the mend from sapping defeats last month by Barcelona and, crucially, Sunderland.
