Newcastle flattered to deceive in the first half but flew out the blocks in fine fashion after the break against the Eagles

Newcastle United ended their poor run with a sparkling win at Crystal Palace after finding their form in the second half at Selhurst Park.

After a torrid first half, in which Newcastle failed to manage a single shot on target, the Magpies flew out the traps in the second period. Lewis Hall and Amar Dedic limked up down the right before Jacob Murphy’s stunning cross was met by William Osula to fire Newcastle 1-0 up.

Things could have been even better had Joe Willock timed his run more thoughtfully five minutes later after Joelinton played him in. There was nothing wrong with the finish, but VAR ruled him offside, and the lead stayed at just one. But Newcastle doubled their lead on 57 minutes after another superb team move with Nico Gonzalez juggling the ball before picking out Murphy with the winger finding Dedic before his cross was slammed home by Harvey Barnes.

Here’s how the Magpies fared at Selhurst Park:

Lukas Hornicek 8

Some important first half blocks helped lay the foundations for a vital away win with a clean sheet thrown in. A superb fingertip save to deny Darlo Osario with 20 minutes to go.

Amar Dedic 9

The difference maker for Newcastle with a hand in the first goal and a tidy assist for the second. The ex-Benfica star is looking like a bargain at £29.5m and he lit up a dull game here. Man of the match.

Dan Burn 8

A welcome return as he steadied the ship and brought a calmness to the scene in his first start of the season.

Fabian Schar 8

His first Premier League start since January and dovetailed perfectly with Burn.

Lewis Hall 7

One of Newcastle’s best passers but starting to shine through as one of the experienced campaigners. An important cog in the machine for Jaissle.

Joelinton 7

Some important aerial wins in a steady showing in front of the back four.

Nico Gonzalez 8

Kept his composure after yellow card in the first half and showed why he is trusted by Jaissle so much. Provided the layer of protection needed in front of the back four and showed his class with a starring role in the second goal.

Harvey Barnes 8

Was anonymous for long periods of the first half but came alive after the break. A well taken goal as he collected his fourth of the season and looked more of a threat in second half.

Joe Willock 7

Denied a goal because of a VAR check. Worked hard but did not conjure up enough as the number 10. Taken off by Jaissle long before the end.

Jacob Murphy 8

Did not manage a single cross in the first half but came alive after the break with a superb assist for Osula and a big part in the second goal.

William Osula 8

Gave Newcastle a focal point when they chose to use him. A lethal finish from his first bit of real service after being starved of the ball in the first half. Boosted the team’s confidence when they needed it and will get better as the season goes on if Newcastle keep him involved.

Subs

Yoane Wissa (for Osula 77)

Anthony Elanga (for Barnes 77)

Jacob Ramsey (for Willock 77)

Sean Steur (for Joelinton 85)

Malick Thiaw (for Dedic 90)