Newcastle United delivered a scintillating performance for the second time in just four days at St. James’ Park, dismantling Crystal Palace 5-0 on a night to remember.
Despite manager Eddie Howe’s continued absence due to illness, the Magpies were ruthless, scoring four goals in a sensational first half before Alexander Isak capped off the victory with a clinical strike after the break. The emphatic win lifts Newcastle above Nottingham Forest and into third place, strengthening their push for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Jacob Murphy opened the scoring with his eighth Premier League goal of the season, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle after latching onto a pinpoint pass from Kieran Trippier. Palace had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty following a foul by Nick Pope on Chris Richards, but Eberechi Eze’s effort was tame and comfortably saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Moments later, Newcastle doubled their lead in bizarre fashion as Marc Guehi inadvertently turned Harvey Barnes’ cross into his own net. The hosts weren’t done yet. In first-half stoppage time, they struck twice in five minutes—Barnes added his name to the scoresheet with a composed finish after a lightning-quick counter-attack led by Sandro Tonali, before Fabian Schär powered home a header from Murphy’s curling free-kick to make it 4-0 at the break.
Alexander Isak added a fifth early in the second half with a low strike from the edge of the area after Joelinton dispossessed Maxence Lacroix. The Swedish striker now has 21 league goals this season, continuing his impressive form.
With only Liverpool having won more Premier League matches this season, Newcastle are in red-hot form as they prepare for a tough away fixture at Aston Villa this weekend. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will look to regroup when they host Bournemouth at Selhurst Park.
