We asked Mark Jankowski to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Newcastle 2 Crystal Palace 0.
Pope 7
A quiet day for our number 1.
He only had to make one save and did a good job when he had to claim the ball. or move on quickly.
Miley 8
Lewis Miley has shown what a top talent he is with his recent performances at right back.
He defended well when necessary and became increasingly confident as the match progressed.
His clever ball across goal was crucial for our opener.
Thiaw 9
He had Mateta in his back pocket the entire match.
I can’t remember any central defender in recent history who has adapted as quickly as Thiaw.
He also managed to get on the scoresheet to calm the nerves of a Palace rally.
He should be one of the signings of the season.
Group 8
Solid from Fabien today.
Made some of his trademark passes across the pitch and covered well when tasked with his defensive duties.
Hall 7
I’m not sure if he was still nursing his ankle during the week, but Hall had a bit of a mixed performance compared to his recent performances.
He was solid enough in his defensive work and made a few forays forward, but lacked the sharpness he has shown recently.
Bruno 9 (MOTM)
Bruno is perhaps having his best season in black and white.
He led by example throughout the match and never hid when pressured in the middle of the pitch.
Another important goal also emerged.
If we achieve anything this season, Bruno will be at the heart of it.
Tonal 6
Tonali looked a little off the pace today.
I thought he had a great shift mid-week and maybe he was feeling the effects a little today.
He worked hard, but was too often loose with his passing in tight spaces.
Joelinton 8
Big Joe is looking back to his best, which is excellent news with a big month ahead.
He was strong in the tackle and linked the play well in the transition to attack.
Murphy5
I’m not sure if he was operating on strict orders to sit back and help Miley, but Murphy was cautious in his attacking efforts today.
Combine that with some very sloppy passing and some stupid offsides and it was a day to forget for Murph.
Warning 6
He looked lively in the first half and could have put us ahead in the opening minutes.
He was marginally offside after falling dangerously behind, leading to a disallowed Gordon opener.
Was quite quiet in the second half, so probably lost a point.
Gordon 7
I thought Anthony Gordon was at the heart of everything good we did in the first half.
He didn’t quite have the same impact in the second, but always looked a threat as he ran onto Palace’s back line.
Unfortunately he wasn’t on the scoresheet today either.
Subs
Barnes 7
Barnes is so much more effective coming off the bench.
His determined attacking intentions only terrify weary defenders.
He was a threat as soon as he stepped onto the pitch and could easily have scored a few on another day.
Ramsey 6
Was positive with his touches in midfield.
Didn’t do much, but was important in moving the ball forward.
Livramento 6
It was great to see Tino back on the field.
He was a little off the pace at times, but he put in a decent shift with the time he had.
Woltemade 6
I didn’t get a sniff of a goal but did manage to win a few important free kicks to end the match.
Willock N/A (not active long enough to review)
I missed a babysitter and worked hard in his few minutes.
Newcastle 2 Crystal Palace 0 – Sunday 3 January 2026 3pm
Match statistics
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Bruno 71, Thiaw 78
Palace:
Possess was Newcastle 59% Palace 41%
Total shots were Newcastle 12 Palace 11
Shots on target were Newcastle 7 Palace 1
Corners were Newcastle 8 Palace 6
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 35 Palace 26
Newcastle team vs Crystal Palace:
Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall (Livramento 63), Tonali (Ramsey 63), Joelinton, Bruno, Jacob Murphy (Willock 88), Gordon (Barnes 63), Wissa (Woltemade 78)
Unused subs:
Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Alex Murphy
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