Newcastle look a team others fear

Date: April 16, 2025

Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle

Attendance: 52,197

Newcastle United delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing Crystal Palace 5-0 in a Premier League clash that saw the Magpies climb to third place in the league standings. This victory marked Newcastle's fifth consecutive win, showcasing their formidable form and boosting their hopes for Champions League qualification.

The match started with Newcastle United asserting their dominance early on. Jacob Murphy opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a stunning strike from a tight angle, setting the tone for the evening. Crystal Palace had a chance to equalise when Nick Pope conceded a penalty after colliding with Chris Richards, but Eberechi Eze's tame effort was easily saved by Pope. Newcastle quickly capitalized on Palace's missed opportunity. Marc Guehi inadvertently turned Harvey Barnes' cross into his own net, doubling Newcastle's lead. The Magpies continued their relentless attack, with Barnes finishing a brilliant counter-attack and Fabian Schar heading in a fourth goal from Murphy's cross just before halftime.

The second half saw Newcastle maintain their control over the game. Alexander Isak, who had been denied multiple times by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, finally found the net with a superb curling shot in the 58th minute, sealing the 5-0 victory.

• Jacob Murphy: His early goal set the stage for Newcastle's dominant performance.

• Harvey Barnes: Involved in multiple goals, including scoring one and assisting another.

• Nick Pope: Despite conceding a penalty, his crucial save kept Newcastle's momentum intact.

• Alexander Isak: Persistent throughout the match, his goal was a fitting reward for his efforts.

  
  

• Newcastle United:

  • Shots on Target: 7

  • Possession: 63%

  • Fouls: 9

    
    

• Crystal Palace:

  • Shots on Target: 2

  • Possession: 37%

  • Fouls: 15

    
    

This victory not only solidifies Newcastle's position in the top three but also highlights their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With Eddie Howe recovering from pneumonia, assistant Jason Tindall and coach Graeme Jones have successfully steered the team to impressive victories, closing the gap on second-placed Arsenal. Newcastle fans will be hopeful that this form continues as they push for a top-four finish and a spot in next season's Champions League.