Newcastle United stormed to third place in the Premier League with a resounding 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at St James’ Park. Despite the continued absence of manager Eddie Howe, recovering from pneumonia, the Magpies showcased a ruthless streak, racing to a 4-0 lead by halftime and taking a major step towards securing Champions League football next season.
Jacob Murphy opened the floodgates in the 14th minute, squeezing a tight-angled shot past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Crystal Palace briefly threatened to level when awarded a penalty after Nick Pope fouled Chris Richards, but Pope redeemed himself by saving Eberechi Eze’s tame spot-kick. That miss proved pivotal, as Newcastle pressed forward and punished the visitors ruthlessly.
Own Goals and Opportunism Sink Palace Further
Newcastle’s relentless pressure paid dividends again in the 38th minute when Palace defender Marc Guehi, under pressure from Harvey Barnes, inadvertently turned a low cross into his own net. Barnes, brimming with confidence, compounded Palace’s misery in first-half stoppage time, dazzling Maxence Lacroix with a deft step-over before firing clinically into the far corner.
The home crowd barely had time to settle before Fabian Schar made it 4-0 in the eighth minute of added time, heading home a pinpoint cross from Murphy. By the halftime whistle, the outcome was all but sealed, with Newcastle’s supporters creating a raucous, celebratory atmosphere under the lights of St James’ Park.
Isak Rediscovers Scoring Touch as Newcastle Eyes Top Three
Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s leading scorer this season, returned to form with a stunning 25-yard strike early in the second half. Having endured a recent dry spell, Isak’s emphatic finish — his 25th goal of the campaign — capped a near-perfect evening for the Magpies. Joelinton’s tenacity in winning the ball set up the opportunity, which Isak seized with clinical precision.
This emphatic victory marked Newcastle’s biggest win of the season and extended their unbeaten run to six matches. They now sit two points ahead of Nottingham Forest and trail second-placed Arsenal by just four points, with six critical games remaining. With momentum on their side and key players firing, Newcastle’s dreams of a top-three finish and a Champions League berth appear increasingly attainable.
Palace’s Defensive Woes Deepen Amid European Hopes
For Crystal Palace, it was another damaging night in what has become a troubling defensive slump. After shipping five goals against Manchester City in their previous outing, Oliver Glasner’s men again conceded freely, despite the return of captain Marc Guehi from suspension. Palace now sit 12th with 43 points, and while mathematically still in the hunt for European qualification, their form casts serious doubt over that ambition.
The Eagles’ lack of composure was evident not just defensively but also in attack, with their clearest chance — Eze’s penalty — squandered early on. A late opportunity for Daniel Munoz was inadvertently blocked on the line by teammate Eddie Nketiah, summing up Palace’s disjointed performance. Glasner will be desperate for a swift turnaround, with an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa looming large on the horizon.
Howe’s Return Nears as Newcastle’s Attack Thrives
Newcastle’s stunning run has been masterminded by assistant coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones, who have kept faith with an unchanged starting lineup for six consecutive matches. Their consistency has been rewarded with a string of dominant performances, and Eddie Howe’s expected return for the April 26 clash against Ipswich Town could provide an additional boost as the season reaches its climax.
The front trio of Isak, Barnes, and Murphy has blossomed, with each player contributing vital goals and assists. Barnes, in particular, has been instrumental in recent weeks, even keeping England international Anthony Gordon out of the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Murphy’s resurgence, highlighted by six goal involvements in four games, has provided an unexpected but welcome dimension to Newcastle’s attacking arsenal. With crucial fixtures against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Arsenal still to come, Newcastle’s destiny remains firmly in their own hands.
