Crystal Palace 2-0 Newcastle: The Magpies' European Football Hopes Are Dealt a Blow as Jean-Philippe Mateta Scores Another Brace

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored another brace in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, dealing a blow to the Magpies’ hopes of European football next season.

The Eagles were riding high after back-to-back Premier League wins against Liverpool and West Ham and carried that confidence into another impressive performance under Oliver Glasner.

And they deservedly scored right after the break. It was a great move between Mateta and Jordan Ayew that gave the striker the decisive goal (55th).

Mateta then remained unmolested for a late second half (88th) and scored two goals in the second Premier League game in a row. In just nine appearances he has scored more Premier League goals under Oliver Glasner (8) than under Roy Hodgson (5 in 35 games) or Patrick Vieira (6 in 44).

Newcastle never really got going despite an 11-day break after beating Tottenham 4-0, although the referees and VAR rejected a late penalty appeal.

They slip to seventh, three points behind Manchester United – who beat Sheffield United on Wednesday – and two ahead of West Ham. Crystal Palace remain in 14th place with 39 points.

Speaking after the game, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of their European hopes: “It continues. We are still capable, but we cannot play like we did today if we want to maintain our desire to be in the European Cup. There’s certainly a lot to think about.”

How Crystal Palace won again

Crystal Palace dominated the first half. A few minutes into the start, Eberechi Eze shot wide from 25 meters before Mateta’s sharp header from Eze’s cross went over the goal. The striker hit the crossbar shortly after half an hour, but was clearly offside beforehand.

The choice came due to Newcastle’s limited chances in the first half, when Dean Henderson successfully saved Alexander Isak. He came out of his penalty area and saw the ball move away from the Newcastle striker’s feet in a dangerous spot.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Crystal Palace took the lead. There was a quick one-two between Ayew and Mateta, with the former easily taking out two Newcastle defenders with his pass. It was an easy home game for the in-form Mateta.

The hosts also had a few chances to extend their lead. Mateta fought back to head the ball, but the ball landed directly at Martin Dubravka. Then Will Hughes – who impressed alongside Adam Wharton in midfield – sent a fine shot just wide.

In the 76th minute, Newcastle had a penalty rejected. Sean Longstaff went down after a scuffle with Will Hughes in the penalty area and the referee initially dismissed the claims. The VAR reviewed the incident but stuck with the on-field decision not to impose a penalty.

Crystal Palace secured the points late on. Jeffrey Schlupp’s left-footed pass landed in the middle to Hughes. He then put the ball at the feet of a free-standing Mateta, who shot through Dubravka’s legs and into the goal.

Newcastle could have scored a consolation goal late on when Henderson parried Gordon’s shot, but the damage was done as the Magpies’ European hopes suffered a setback.

Glasner “surprised” with intensity after West Ham’s win

Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports: “Many thanks to the players for their performance and big applause to our fans.”

“It was three days after the West Ham game and Newcastle were fresh, so I was really surprised by the intensity we played with from the first seconds. After 30 minutes I thought we might have to make ten substitutions by the 60th minute because how is that? Is that possible? That was also the great support from the stands. It was great to watch the players.

“The second half was a little tighter. We couldn’t play with this intensity for 100 minutes, but we scored the goals at the right moment, excellent goals. I am very satisfied and proud.”

He Mateta: “At one point in the second half he ran after Guimaraes. He couldn’t get it, but he was so ambitious to win that tackle and ran 20 meters more. In the end he wins the tackle and we win the ball. That’s the best.” For me as a manager it’s important to see how the team works together.

Howe: We were below our best level

Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports: “It was a difficult game for us. We were below our best. Crystal Palace played well.”

“It was a game with a lot of pressing, we both tried to put a lot of pressure on each other, but their game was more effective than us.”

“We are disappointed. We came alive a bit in the second half and had moments and chances, but we weren’t good enough.”

For an 11 day break affecting performance: “It’s always a fear. We tried to make sure that wasn’t a factor in the game – Crystal Palace were better than us today. We can’t apologize, we’ll blame ourselves and try to come back better.”

Regarding the Longstaff criminal complaint: “It’s a 50:50 decision. If the referee gives it, he does not overturn the decision with VAR. He obviously didn’t think it was a penalty at the time and we have to respect that.”

Opta stats: Newcastle’s problems on the road

Newcastle have lost eight of their last 11 away Premier League games (W3), while they have now lost four times in London this league season, only having lost more times in a Premier League season in 2000-01 and 2005 . 06 (both 5).
Only against Manchester City in August (1) did Newcastle record fewer shots on goal in a Premier League game this season than against Crystal Palace.
Jordan Ayew’s assist for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was his seventh for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season. In fact, only Michael Olise (11 in 2022-23), Wilfried Zaha (9 in 2016-17) and Wayne Routledge (9 in 2004-05) have done more for the Eagles in a single season of the competition.

What’s next?

Crystal Palace Go to London rivals Fulham on Saturday. Kick-off 3 p.m. Palace can then be seen Monday Night Football at home Manchester United on May 6th, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 8 p.m.

Newcastle’s The push for European football continues to fall apart at home Sheffield United on Saturday. Kick-off 3 p.m.

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