Brilliant Darlow, Poor Perez – The best and the worst rated Newcastle players vs Crystal Palace

Final Score: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle United picked up a crucial point against Crystal Palace. Mo Diamé opened the scoring off a low drilled Kenedy corner before Milivojevic converted from the spot for the fourth time this season when Ciaran Clark pulled Benteke inside the box.

It was the home team doing all the talking, opening up Newcastle’s defence more often. It was a lively contest with both sides opening up the other’s defence vitally and finding their clear-cut chances, although Palace had more of the ball. The Eagles spilt many chances; two easy ones by Benteke and a sitter by Zaha, which ultimately spared the Magpies.

In the end, both the sides are very much in the relegation mix as neither managed to pull clear. While Crystal Palace are 14th in the table, two points ahead of the drop zone, Newcastle are just two behind them. Overall, Rafa would be the happier manager of the two.

Newcastle United Player Ratings

Karl Darlow: 8.5/10

He came off his lines to clear and collect the ball many times, which saved his side. Made two outstanding stops in the first half.

De Andre Yedlin: 7/10

Kept hold of the ball well but moreover, looked backwards than forward. Narrowed down way too much at times though.

Jamaal Lascelles: 6/10

Made five clearances, put in two slide tackles to save his goal but otherwise, he was nowhere close to his best.

Ciaran Clark: 5/10

A silly pull of shirt to give away a penalty. Although it was mild, he should have maintained discipline. Clark failed to cope with the pace and set-piece threat from the Eagles at times.

Paul Dummett: 7.5/10

Best of the defenders, very neat with his work. Dummett allowed no penetration and kept Townsend in check for most parts of the game.

Jonjo Shelvey: 6/10

He was on and off. On one side, he had phases where he took fine set-pieces, played accurate passes down the empty spaces but on the other, he didn’t work hard enough to get back when not in possession.

Mohamed Diamé: 8.5/10

Defended well in deeper positions when required and finished off his chance with composure.

Matt Ritchie: 5/10

He wasn’t where he was supposed to be and spent most of his time in the middle third, defending and playing in early passes. Not his evening.

Kenedy: 6/10

A bright, lively and an energetic first half where he tried everything and completed some take-ons. In the second half though, Kenedy barely completed the final ball and was lacklustre.

Ayoze Perez: 4/10

Failed to cut inside, create enough for his players. He didn’t hold the ball or get into the space between the defence and the midfield.

Dwight Gayle: 5/10

Completed a couple of good-looking dribbles but still remains goalless for the 12th game running.

Substitutes

Christian Atsu: 5/10

One fine run and an amazing chance to score the winner which he didn’t take.

Isaac Hayden: 6/10

Just sat back and ensured no further damage took place.

Mikel Merino: N/A

Came on for the last 10 minutes.