Newcastle 1 Crystal Palace 2 – Eagles earn superb win in the north-east but lose star man Zaha to injury
BY SAM SMITH
Crystal Palace came from behind against Newcastle United and heroically held on to a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park.
However, the Eagles lost star man Wilfried Zaha to a possible hamstring injury. The forward now faces a race to be fit for the visit to rivals Brighton on February 22.
The Magpies led through Jonjo Shelvey within the opening two minutes.
Quickfire goals midway through the first half by Jairo Riedewald and Gary Cahill – followed by some excellent second-half defending – handed Roy Hodgson’s side back-to-back victories for the first time since the opening two matches of the season.
Palace started poorly. They were not quick enough to close down Shelvey, whose strike from the edge of the area found the bottom corner of Vicente Guaita’s goal.
But the South Londoners grew into the game and drew level through a thumping Riedewald strike. The ball was cleared into the path of the Dutchman, and from 25 yards he unleashed a pile-driver of a first-time effort that found the net via a slight deflection.
And inside three minutes of Palace equalising, Cahill had headed in Eberechi Eze’s free kick to put them in front. It was the defender’s first goal for the club – and his 50th in his club and international career.
Cahill was part of an incredible defensive effort to keep his side in the lead. Nathaniel Clyne made an excellent tackle to deny Callum Wilson as the striker looked to run through on goal.
Scott Dann threw his body in front of a powerful Allan Saint-Maximin shot. Guaita commanded his area excellently and did well to hold on to a late Andy Carroll header.
Palace had few chances to extend their lead, although Riedewald squared for substitute Andros Townsend who somehow fired wide with the goal gaping.
The bad news for Palace is that they lost Zaha to injury midway through the second half. Palace’s bench apparently confirmed to broadcasters BT that the forward had suffered a hamstring injury.
Hodgson’s side are 13th on 29 points.
