Newcastle United drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace on Saturday in a disappointing performance.
An incredibly boring first 45 minutes went by mostly without incident, with no player on either side doing much of note other than Daniel Munoz managing to miss a great chance after a rapid counter and Alexander Isak leaving the field through injury.
Thankfully, the second half burst into life fairly quickly as a brilliantly worked free-kick led to Marc Guehi directing the ball into his own net, ironic given he continues to be linked with a transfer to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle took the lead without having a shot on target and didn’t even manage to get one in the rest of the game as their poor performance continued. The Eagles pushed for a leveller and grabbed it in added time through Munoz.
It was all Eddie Howe’s side deserved for a negative performance devoid of creativity.
Here’s how the players rated.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace takes on Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Newcastl...
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Nick Pope – 6
Could do little about the goal but had dealt with everything else thrown his way well.
Tino Livramento – 4
A misplaced three-yard pass from the right-back summed up a terrible first half succinctly. Wasn’t his usually assured self as he was poor in possession and often weak in the challenge, with Palace getting joy down his side.
Fabian Schar – 8
Made a vital interception to deny Eberechi Eze in the first half. Had a real battle on his hands against the physical Jean-Philippe Mateta but made one impeccable tackle in the box and stopped him from scoring, Let down by his teammates at the end.
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Dan Burn – 8
Somehow managed to prevent Munoz from finding the equaliser much earlier than he did by making an incredibly-timed block on the stretch. Was generally solid and dug in deep with Schar to keep Palace out but his good work went to waste.
Lewis Hall – 5
Played the initial pass from the free-kick for the breakthrough but then lost Munoz for the late leveller after failing to communicate with Joelinton effectively.
Sandro Tonali – 7
His deft pass into Gordon was the standout piece of skill in the game, a much-needed moment of magic from Sandro Tonali given his spot in the side is by no means guaranteed. Was brilliant at winning back the ball in a good second half display.
Bruno Guimaraes – 5
Moved the ball around nicely at times but was easily surpassed in the middle of the park, with Palace cutting through the Mags quite a lot in the second half.
Joe Willock – 4
Booked for a wild and late challenge and perhaps fortunate his punishment wasn’t more severe. Didn’t do much of note on the ball. Taken off with 15 remaining.
Anthony Gordon – 6.5
Forced to lead the line after Isak’s departure and it clearly doesn’t suit him but he found the breakthrough with an expertly crafted free-kick. He advanced down the right to receive the ball and smashed it across the face of goal for it to bounce off Guehi and in. Didn’t do much else, though.
Alexander Isak – NA
Forced off through his troublesome hip injury after 20 minutes in another huge blow for the star striker and Newcastle.
Joelinton – 4
Had a really quiet game out on the left flank. Might have benefitted from moving back into midfield in a game where Newcastle lacked bite in the middle and struggled to get the ball out wide. Didn’t pick up Munoz as he headed in Palace’s goal.
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes – 5
Brought on to replace Isak, being positioned on the right flank, and didn’t have much success on his unfamiliar side. Didn’t close down the cross that led to the equaliser well enough.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Brought a bit more solidity to the middle but not enough.
Callum Wilson – 5
Had little impact as Newcastle struggled to get the ball up to him. Might have only touched it at the kick-off.
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