The first half was one of the worst 45 minutes of football in Premier League history. The pass completion rate was a meagre 72.8%, although it felt lower. There were only two shots on target. The sun kept popping out from behind the clouds to take a look, and then going back in again, appalled. And the really bad news for Crystal Palace is that, for them, that was the good bit.
Newcastle were much improved after the break. Will Osula touched in a Jacob Murphy cross two minutes after half-time, Joe Willock had an effort ruled out for a marginal offside five minutes later, and Harvey Barnes completed a slick passing move six minutes after that. A smattering of boos from the home fans made clear what everybody already knew. Quarter of an hour of proper football had been enough to win the game, and that leaves Pierre Sage under significant pressure.
