Steve Bruce makes case for the defence at Newcastle United after tactical change

Late goals from Wilson and Joelinton gave Newcastle United a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Friday night.

However, Steve Bruce – who switched to a back four for the game – was just as pleased with what happened at the other end of the pitch.

The clean sheet was the first his team had kept in the Premier League since the opening weekend win over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Bruce’s defence, without captain Jamaal Lascelles, limited the home side to just three shots on target, and Karl Darlow – who has faced more shots than any other top-flight goalkeeper this season – made an important save before Wilson got Newcastle's breakthrough.

“The goalkeeper has been very, very good for us,” said Bruce. “He’s pulled off a really good save at 0-0. He’s done fantastically well. It’s good to see. Yeah, playing with a back four, and keeping a clean sheet away from home, is always not a bad thing.”

Bruce also fielded Joelinton up front with fit-again Wilson at Selhurst Park, and the pair combined for both goals.

“I think any striker likes somebody up alongside him, but we don’t see it very often these days the way the game’s evolved and changed,” said United’s head coach.

“Certainly, today they were a handful, that little bit of quality with the link-up play has got them both a goal and an assist each, which is obviously pleasing.”

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