Newcastle salvaged a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace courtesy of Callum Wilson’s spectacular overhead kick in the second half against the tempo of the game at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace totally controlled the possession throughout the game, but were left ruing their squandered chances that might have earned them only their third Premier League victory instead of settling for just a stalemate at home.
Christian Benteke netted the opener to take the Eagles into the lead, leaping above the Newcastle defenders at the back post to head in a lofted cross. But, the Belgian might easily have had a hat-trick with a little more finesse.
Benteke smacked the post in the first half and then hit the crossbar in the second, as well as shooting wide when provided with a glorious opportunity to restore Palace’s advantage when the score was level at 1-1. Benteke presumed he struck the winner when he found the back of the net again late in the game, only for a VAR review to rule the goal out due to a foul on Ciaran Clark.
Newcastle’s equaliser came unexpectedly. The Magpies had been dreadful in attack and had barely seen much of the ball. They could not even stitch a series of passes together, and inventiveness was virtually non-existent. And despite that, Wilson showed his predatory instinct following a set-piece when a wayward ball was kept alive by Emil Krafth knocking it back into the penalty area to make it 1-1.
The very next moment, the ball flashed past Vicente Guaita into the Crystal Palace goal, and while the home side regained control soon after, the game ended at 1-1, with both sides sharing the spoils. The Hard Tackle will now run the rule over both sets of players.
Crystal Palace
Vicente Guaita: 6/10
Guaita was largely untroubled on the day, but he was strong and produced a great stop in the first half. He could not have done anything to prevent Callum Wilson’s wonder goal.
Joel Ward: 6/10
Ward was unsteady from the outset. Palace were struggling with him, as he was unconvincing. He spent most of his time searching ahead but to no fruition.
Joachim Andersen: 6/10
Positioned himself well, although there was never a direct threat from a Newcastle attack. Received an unnecessary yellow card for a high-footed challenge, but other than that, he was untroubled for most parts. Could have been closer to Callum Wilson for the goal, but it was not his fault.
Marc Guehi: 7/10
Another composed performance from the Chelsea academy product, who made several crunch tackles, the most notable of which came in the first half to prevent Saint-Maximin from taking a shot. Guehi produced many nice passes into the midfield area and played effectively with the ball, blocking Newcastle’s passes.
He was able to keep Saint-Maximin under control. Benteke’s goal was chalked off after he inadvertently grabbed Ciaran Clark’s jersey in the penalty area towards the end.
Tyrick Mitchell: 6.5/10
Mitchell advanced effectively, and his flighted delivery into the box handed Palace the lead. The full-back was a rock-solid performer at the back and was lively throughout.
Conor Gallagher: 7/10
Conor Gallagher vs Newcastle:
– 76 touches
– 2 chance created
– 4 dribbles completed (most)
– 4 fouls drawn (most)
– 85% pass accuracy
– 7 recoveries
– 8 ground duels won pic.twitter.com/rwEIqhUFzr— Chelsea Loan Army (@CFCLoanArmy_) October 23, 2021
The Chelsea loanee was bright during the game, making some exciting runs and was a creative fulcrum for his side. He combined effectively with Michael Olise outside the Newcastle’s box and played a key role in Benteke’s opener by recycling the ball on the edge of the box. Was active and created several chances.
Luka Milivojevic: 6/10
He positioned himself well in the middle of the field, but was lucky to not receive a yellow card in the first half. Milivojevic played well against Newcastle, and his pinpoint passes dictated midfield possession while he was the one calling the shots for Palace. His long and complex switch of plays were risky at times.
James McArthur: 6/10
Another decent shift from the understated McArthur, who provided Palace with bite and grit in midfield. Buzzed all around the pitch and did a good job covering for Milivojevic when Jeffrey Schlupp substituted him in the second half.
Michael Olise: 7.5/10
Up against an unconventional left-back in Matt Ritchie, Olise tormented the Scotsman and put in several dangerous crosses into the box for Benteke. He was tricky, skilful and very unpredictable. All in all a joy to watch.
Michael Olise v. Newcastle (66 minutes):
• 2 key passes (match-high)
• 2 accurate crosses (match-high)
• 2 big chances created (match-high)
• 1 tackle
• 87% passing✅ An impactful first Premier League start. pic.twitter.com/meTtUZChLT
— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) October 23, 2021
Christian Benteke: 8/10
Struck the post and then the crossbar. Compensated with the opener to break the deadlock but then wasted a golden chance to put Palace back ahead following the equaliser. VAR chalked off his late goal. If he was a little more prolific, he could have bagged a hat-trick against Newcastle.
Odsonne Edouard: 6.5/10
Utilised again on the flank but made a good impression sliding inwards to create space for Benteke. He appears to be linking well with Benteke alongside him and was selfless in tracking back to support Mitchell.
SUBSTITUTES
Wilfried Zaha: 6/10
Zaha came on as a substitute to replace Michael Olise and made several surges forwards but was unable to push Palace to victory.
Jeffrey Schlupp: 6/10
Did not have much of an impact on the game after coming on off the bench. Hardly saw much of the ball too.
Jean-Philippe Mateta: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Newcastle United
Karl Darlow: 6/10
Given Palace’s possession of the ball, he did not have much to do. He produced numerous fine saves to keep Newcastle in the game, particularly near the post from Christian Benteke. Darlow was strong at catching and easing pressure on Newcastle throughout the contest, but was helpless for Benteke’s headed goal.
Emil Krafth: 7/10
Rose above everyone on the far post to knock the ball back into the box to keep the play alive so Wilson could equalise at 1-1. Krafth neutralised Palace’s assaults with grit. He appeared to be wobbly at moments, but he handled the situation well. He completed four tackles, 1 interception, 8 clearances and blocked two shots to mark a solid display at the back.
Jamaal Lascelles: 6.5/10
It took a lot of effort from the Newcastle backline to keep Palace at bay. Lascelles was solid, made key blocks and passed well. He was also participating in the attacking plays and was aggressive in defensive actions.
Ciaran Clark: 6/10
As Palace grabbed the lead, he was far too feeble in challenging Benteke. He was fortunate enough to be able to get away with it again very late in the game.
Javier Manquillo: 6/10
Manquillo had a decent game and was good at switching the play. His cross-field balls were a threat to the Crystal Palace backline. Was tenacious and made a few key interventions. He tackled neatly, and notably halted an injury-time counter-attack with a perfect tackle.
Isaac Hayden: 6/10
Dug in deep defensively in the dying minutes to get the result. A very uninspiring performance from Hayden, who made a few interceptions and recycled the possession on several instances but did nothing substantial.
Sean Longstaff: 6/10
Longstaff was reserved and silent against Palace’s intense press. His touches were lacklustre and should have been better, as he lost possession several times. His passing was also uninventive as Palace completely dominated the midfield. He contributed in defensive actions, though, attempting five tackles while being ready to put his body on the line to hold onto the result.
Ryan Fraser: 5/10
Did not do anything in terms of noteworthy chance creation. Fraser was making needless runs in behind the defenders and would not be happy with his lack of impact on the game. He might get replaced by Miguel Almiron after this poor showing.
Matt Ritchie: 5/10
Palace winger Michael Olise pounded Ritchie throughout the game. His positioning was suspect, and Palace’s attacking combinations easily tricked him. He was the weakest link for Newcastle, and the Eagles enjoyed attacking from the left-hand side. His set-piece ability proved handy for the Magpies.
Allan Saint-Maximin: 5.5/10
Saint-Maximin had a rather horrible game on the day. Clumsy with the ball at his feet, he lost possession cheaply a few times. Compared to his usual high standards, the Frenchman had a poor outing and was rightly subbed off early.
Callum Wilson: 7/10
Callum Wilson has now scored in four of his five Premier League appearances this season:
⚽️ vs. West Ham
❌ vs. Aston Villa
⚽️ vs. Southampton
⚽️ vs. Tottenham
⚽️ vs. Crystal PalaceAnd what a finish it was. ? pic.twitter.com/u6SfRmCWV5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 23, 2021
Newcastle United’s talisman was starved of any substantial service upfront and fed off scraps. Still, out of nowhere, he produced an acrobatic overhead kick to secure a vital point for his side. He was neat in possession but committed several needless fouls to get a yellow card in the first half. If Newcastle can keep Wilson fit, he can prove to be the difference between a relegation dog-fight and comfortable survival.
SUBSTITUTES
Miguel Almiron: 6/10
The Paraguayan’s energy, work-rate and drive uplifted Newcastle’s efficiency in counter-attacks. His desire to track back and help out the defenders was a massive positive. Should start the next game against Chelsea.
Joe Willock: 5/10
Willock came off the bench to replace Longstaff in the 74th minute. He made an impression and offered his all. When Newcastle needed a break from Palace’s constant pressure, he cleverly drew several fouls. Still nowhere near the levels he showed when he was on loan from Arsenal last term.
Joelinton: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
