Crystal Palace suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Sunday. The loss leaves the Eagles 16th in the Premier League with just seven points from their opening seven games, a record of two wins, one draw and four losses, piling pressure on manager Pierre Sage.
Will Osula broke the deadlock for the visitors just two minutes after the restart, finishing from close range. Harvey Barnes doubled Newcastle's lead eleven minutes later with a low strike, securing their first win in three matches. The hosts, who were thrashed 5-0 by Brighton last weekend, offered little response.
This poor run includes heavy defeats to Brighton and a 3-2 loss to Lyon, with the only bright spot a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. They have scored just nine goals while conceding 17 this season, leaving them with a minus eight goal difference, the second-worst defensive record in the division. Sage's side created few clear chances, with Jean-Philippe Mateta missing from a free-kick and Dario Osorio's long-range effort forcing a save. A disallowed Joe Willock goal for Newcastle and a VAR check on Jeremy Pino for a potential elbow were the only other notable incidents.
After the match, Pierre Sage acknowledged the growing frustration. "The murmurs of discontent begin to ripple through a previously patient home support," the head coach said.
The result leaves Palace fourteen points adrift of leaders Manchester City. They face another tough test next, travelling to face 12th-placed Tottenham on Saturday, 31 October. The squad continues to be without several key players, including C. Riad, T. Tomiyasu, D. Henderson, J. Larsen and Q. Timber, who are all currently sidelined. Fans can view the full upcoming fixtures schedule on our site.
The report in full is at Sky Sports Football
