Newcastle United’s players were visibly angry and disheartened as the final whistle blew at Selhurst Park, marking the end of a frustrating 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Away from the television cameras, emotions boiled over, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar punching the air in frustration. For Eddie Howe’s team, this wasn’t just the loss of two points; it was the culmination of a bruising and deeply unsatisfying week that saw Newcastle squander valuable opportunities to climb the Premier League table.
A Week of Disappointments
The Magpies entered this stretch of games knowing that victories over struggling West Ham and Crystal Palace could propel them into the top three. Instead, they find themselves languishing in 10th place, having collected a mere point from two matches. While the table remains tight and the season is long, these moments feel pivotal. Howe’s side now faces a daunting schedule, with league leaders Liverpool visiting St. James’ Park on Wednesday and a trip to Brentford—boasting the league’s best home record—looming on the horizon.
Saturday’s encounter against Crystal Palace was a stark reminder of Newcastle’s offensive struggles this season. Despite taking the lead courtesy of an own goal by Marc Guehi, the visitors registered just 10 touches in the opposition’s penalty area and managed an xG of a dismal 0.02. This was a far cry from last season when Newcastle ranked among the league’s most prolific scorers, with only Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool finding the net more often.
Eddie Howe did not mince words in his post-match assessment. “In the final third, we are way off what we were last year,” he admitted. The Magpies’ struggles up front were evident yet again, and Howe found himself apologizing to the club’s loyal traveling fans after Daniel Munoz’s 93rd-minute equalizer snatched victory from their grasp. “I’m sorry,” Howe said, visibly dejected. “Our fans deserve better.”
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses
Anthony Gordon echoed Howe’s sentiments, expressing frustration with Newcastle’s inability to capitalize on “two massive opportunities” against West Ham and Crystal Palace. “It’s not good enough,” Gordon said. “If we want to climb the table, we have to dominate and see games out like the top teams do.”
Newcastle’s failure to kill off the match came as no surprise to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who said his side would have “deserved” all three points. The Eagles, who aren’t known for their attacking prowess, were the better team for large stretches of the match. The hosts created several clear-cut chances, with Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta threatening Nick Pope’s goal throughout. Newcastle, on the other hand, became only the eighth team in Premier League history to avoid defeat in a match where they attempted one shot or fewer.
Losing Alexander Isak to injury midway through the first half compounded Newcastle’s problems. While Isak’s absence was a blow, it’s worth noting that even with him on the pitch against West Ham earlier in the week, the Magpies managed only two shots on target. This lack of attacking spark has become a worrying trend for a side that was so dynamic in front of goal just a season ago.
The Turning Point and Final Blow
The match against Crystal Palace had its moments of drama. Newcastle’s goal came from a clever set-piece routine early in the second half. Lewis Hall, shaping to swing the ball into the box, instead picked out Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder threaded a pass to Gordon, whose cross forced Guehi into an awkward position, resulting in the defender inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
Despite this setback, Guehi didn’t let his mistake define his performance. Determined to make amends, the Crystal Palace captain led by example, delivering a superb long ball to Sarr inside the box just minutes later. While Pope denied the Senegalese winger, it was clear that the Eagles were knocking on the door. Munoz, Burn, and others exchanged critical interventions, but it felt like a goal was inevitable.
That moment came in stoppage time. Guehi, once again at the center of the action, whipped in a pinpoint cross that found Munoz at the back post. The defender’s header left Pope with no chance, and the jubilant Glasner sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with his team. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s players dropped to their knees, their disbelief and despair palpable.
What’s Next for Newcastle?
This draw underscores the challenges facing Newcastle as they navigate a demanding Premier League campaign. Their once-potent attack now looks toothless, and injuries to key players like Isak threaten to derail their season. The team’s current form is a stark contrast to the side that surged into the top four last season, and the pressure is mounting on Howe to rediscover the winning formula.
The upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Brentford could define Newcastle’s trajectory for the rest of the season. A positive result against the league leaders could reignite their campaign, but another setback might deepen the malaise. For now, Newcastle fans can only hope that their team’s frustrations translate into determination as they look to climb back into contention.
This bruising week may be over, but the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. The Magpies need to find answers—and fast—before their season slips away.
