Palace went into Christmas on the back of a poor result that failed to reflect the good work the team had put in over recent weeks.
Narrow defeat at Chelsea, with many feeling a point would have been deserved, may have played a negative role in regards to expectation but the Eagles came up against a team in Newcastle that were very much in form.
Whilst the opposition emphasised why before the match they found themselves above the likes of United and Tottenham, they were certainly helped by Palace’s display at a wet Selhurst. There was a noticeable lack of consistent pressure from the home side when Newcastle were building from the back.
It allowed them to take control of the match and was unfortunate because whenever Palace put the pressure on, Newcastle made mistakes and the Eagles were able to push forward, but by sitting off they allowed Newcastle dictate from the back.
They did it well, and although the first two goals could be seen as unfortunate in that they were a deflection and an own goal, they came good build-up work down the Palace left. Palace’s big chance fell to Cameron Jerome in the second half, when from about eight yards out the ball fell to him on the volley, only for the effort to go high over the bar.
The referee did nothing to endear himself to the Palace faithful, as decision after decision seemed to go in favour of Newcastle and against the Eagles. However, this should not take away from the visitors’ performance or the penalty decision, which was correct.
Palace must now dust themselves off and be ready to go again on Boxing Day, and Pulis will certainly be looking for a much improved performance.
Daniel Smith - @dmsmith1987