‘Not acceptable’ - Oliver Glasner issues brutal verdict as Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace 2-0
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Newcastle United latest news: Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United started 2026 with a win over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park after second half goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw.
Newcastle United’s afternoon began with Howe making just one change from the starting XI that defeated Burnley on Tuesday night with Harvey Barnes dropping to the bench in place of Jacob Murphy. And the Magpies twice had the ball in the net during the first-half, but two offside calls, one made by VAR and the other by the assistant on the field of play, ensured that they headed into the break goalless with their visitors.
It was very much an even game throughout, although the hosts will argue they just shaded proceedings and were deservedly ahead when Guimaraes headed home his seventh goal of the season. The Magpies captain latched onto a pullback from Lewis Miley to nod past Dean Henderson and into the Gallowgate goal.
The Brazilian then turned provider as his corner was poked home by Thiaw from close range for his second goal as a Newcastle United player. Those goals killed any and all momentum that Palace had created up to that point as the hosts eased through to 90 minutes with three points in the bag.
Oliver Glasner criticises ‘not acceptable’ Crystal Palace
Those goals lifted the Magpies into the top half of the Premier League table and ensured they begin 2026 with a much needed victory. They were far from their creative best, though, relying once again on set-pieces to nudge them ahead of their visitors.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Those set-piece goals, though, angered Oliver Glasner who, post-match, described them as ‘not acceptable’: “It was a good performance but in the last four defeats we lost three just from set pieces. It's not acceptable and I have to find solutions to support the players better.
“We can't afford to give so many goals away from set pieces. it's the reason we lost today. I was pleased with how we moved the ball and defended.”
He added: “We need to look at where we can improve. In second phases it's just too much. We need to do better.”
Eddie Howe issues Newcastle United v Crystal Palace verdict
Whilst Glasner and his side will head back to the capital pointless and ruing missed opportunities at St James’ Park, Howe’s side will be relishing upcoming matches with three successive games to play in front of their own fans. That run begins on Wednesday night when they welcome Leeds United to St James’ Park.
Two wins from two games is the minimum they would have wanted from their matches either side of the new year and Howe knows that his side need to use this momentum ahead of a crucial month.
“It was a tough game, it always is against Palace.
“Oliver has done an amazing job. We had to be patient. It was bitty at times. I think the substitutions made a difference and helped us over the lines.
"It's a better position but we've got more work to do. We've got a massive month ahead.
“We need to build some momentum and confidence and today is a big step forward."