Analysis: Bruising defeat for Howepublished at 20:32 BST
20:32 BST
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This was another damaging afternoon for Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle head coach spoke passionately before the game about how his side had to earn back the trust of supporters after a painful derby defeat by Sunderland left the Magpies languishing in the bottom half.
Howe made six changes to his starting line-up at Selhurst Park in an attempt to jolt his side as he boldly selected William Osula up front and left the majority of his summer signings on the bench, including forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
The Danish forward ended up repaying the head coach's faith with a goal on his first league start since August.
But it was a case of same old story from Newcastle overall in an oddly flat display.
Howe and his staff spent much of the international break going into "analytical mode" about his side's recurring issues, having the luxury of extra training time with the players.
Yet once again this leaky side threw away three precious points in the second half.
Their failure to control games has been a constant and it is hard to see Newcastle rallying to mount a late push for Europe.
They are where they are for a reason as Howe's future comes under increased scrutiny.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle: What Howe and Ramsdale saidpublished at 16:59 BST
16:59 BST
Media caption,
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been speaking to Sky Sports following the defeat at Selhurst Park: "I thought we were in total control with 60 minutes gone, but their substitutes made a difference. Jean-Philippe Mateta, in particular, proved a difficult customer for us to deal with. The defeat is harsh on us because we controlled the majority of the first half and phases of the second half.
"It's becoming difficult for us with how things are going for us, especially when protecting a lead. The goal we conceded at the end is really poor from our perspective."
On whether European football is now out of the conversation: "I don't know. That's the furthest thing from my thoughts at the moment. Delivering for our supporters is definitely number one on our priority list, always. We want to do the supporters justice because they travel across the country to watch and support us. They are very loyal and we are letting them down at the moment."
On the support he is receiving from the club: "I have no complaints about anything internal at all. I have got complaints on the results - and that is my job."
Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also spoke to Sky Sports: "It's probably the story of our season - getting into winning positions and not being able to hold on. I can't really put my finger on it, but we are working hard to come up with something. We could've gone two or three goals up on another day. It wasn't to be."
On whether Crystal Palace bringing on Jean-Philippe Mateta changed the game: "I don't know if that changed the whole structure of the game. We were still in control, passing the ball around, and creating chances. It's hard to say what actually happened straight off the back of it. It's a really disappointing afternoon after a good 85 minutes."
On the club's hopes of European football qualification: "I'm not too sure if it's over. We want to win every single game and we are ready to fight in every single game, but we slipped up again. So we need to find some solutions to keeping hold of a lead in matches and taking three points."
Newcastle United have dropped 25 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season - five points more than any other side.
Since his Premier League debut in August 2019, Joelinton has been shown 56 yellow cards in total - the most of any player in that time, overtaking James Tarkowski (55).
Crystal Palace v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 13:11 BST
13:11 BST
Image source, BBC Sport
Record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen starts as Crystal Palace make five changes for the visit of Newcastle United.
Manager Oliver Glasner has shuffled his pack following the Eagles' 3-0 win against Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie on Thursday night.
Larsen, Brennan Johnson, Yeremy Pino, Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes all come back into the side.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Tottenham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Manchester City".
Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Newcastlepublished at 10:14 BST
10:14 BST
This game is sandwiched between both legs of Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League tie with Fiorentina and, now they are effectively safe from relegation, I wonder if boss Oliver Glasner will prioritise Europe?
That should increase Newcastle's chances but I'm not convinced by their recent form, especially on the road.
They have won on their past two visits to the capital, against Tottenham and Chelsea, but I don't see them getting three points here.
Eddie Howe needs a strong end to the season, but the fact they have lost both derby games against Sunderland, and are below them in the table too, is not really helping him.
I certainly don't think his job should be at risk, but there are a few fans who do.
Man Utd PL2 clash stopped due to drone issuepublished at 14:31 BST 11 April
14:31 BST 11 April
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter at Leigh Sports Village
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Referee Melissa Burgin explains to Newcastle coach Robbie Stockdale why she has stopped the Premier League 2 clash with Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village
Manchester United's Premier League 2 clash with Newcastle at Leigh Sports Village was stopped for three minutes due to an unidentified drone flying over the stadium.
Referee Melissa Burgin stopped the game, which Newcastle won 3-1, in the second half, with the players going to the side of the pitch, before being told it was safe to continue.
She then briefly stopped the match again later in the contest but play quickly resumed.
Drones have been spotted above Leigh Sports Village previously when United's youngsters have been playing but this was the first instance of a match being stopped because of it.
Despite losing their final regular season game, Manchester United still finished second in the table, ensuring home matches up until the final, depending on how far they progress in the end of season play-offs.
It completed a bad week for Adam Lawrence's side, who were beaten by Real Madrid at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup.
Shea Lacey was not involved against Newcastle and midfielder Jack Fletcher was one of three players taken off at half-time after he needed treatment following a hefty collision into an advertising hoarding just before half-time.
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:03 BST 11 April
13:03 BST 11 April
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United need to inject some impetus into their toiling season on Sunday when they visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (14:00 BST) in the Premier League.
The Magpies have had three weeks to stew on their loss to bitter rivals Sunderland last time out. Eddie Howe's side have struggled for consistency this season, yet they remain just four points off the top seven going into the final stretch of top-flight games.
As for Palace, with Premier League safety virtually secured, their focus is on European competition - on Thursday they beat Fiorentina 3-0 at home in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final.
Palace priorities elsewhere?
There have been times this season when Palace's campaign has threatened to spiral out of control. But their depleted squad and departing head coach Oliver Glasner have just about kept things together.
The Eagles have a genuine shot at European glory in the Conference League, and that in turn would mean Europa League football next season. So it would be no surprise if Glasner's focus was mainly on the second-leg in Florence on Thursday.
Palace have found it hard to juggle their European and domestic commitments this campaign. They have only won one of their nine Premier League games that have immediately followed a Conference League clash.
That one success - against Wolves in Februrary - was also a rare one for the home crowd to enjoy - their only victory in the past 10 at Selhurst Park. Only Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur - both two - have fewer home wins this season than Palace's three.
A huge weakness for them in 2025–26 has been dealing with set pieces, and Newcastle do not represent an appealing match-up on that front.
Palace have conceded 43% of their Premier League goals this term from non-penalty set-pieces (15/35), which is the highest ratio of any side. Only Arsenal and Manchester United have scored more non-penalty set-piece goals than Newcastle in the same period.
Newcastle in need
At times, this season has promised plenty for Newcastle. But now it is on the brink of fizzling out.
The week before the recent break was billed as a huge one for the Magpies, and while it started well with a win at Chelsea, it quickly unravelled with a hammering by Barcelona and an agonising late loss to Sunderland.
With that in mind, the break may have come at a good time for the Newcastle squad. The same can be said for their manager Howe, who has been subject to increased scrutiny as the season has rolled on.
The Magpies boss is on the brink of a significant landmark at St James' Park, as he closes in on the number of wins accrued by legendary figures Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan.
Reaching the top of that list will count for little for Howe if Newcastle do not secure European football by the end of the campaign though you suspect.
Having struggled away from home earlier in the season, Newcastle may welcome a fixture away from St James' Park, where they have lost six of their past 10 matches in all competitions.
On the road, Newcastle's overall record leaves a lot to be desired, but there were signs of improvement before the Barcelona mauling, having won four of their previous five away matches.
'You've let people down' - Howe not looking too far aheadpublished at 16:24 BST 10 April
16:24 BST 10 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Nearly three weeks had passed, but the scars of the Tyne-Wear derby defeat were still evident as Eddie Howe spoke.
"You certainly don't go home from that game and move on quickly," the Newcastle United head coach said.
"You know the importance of the game. You have a feeling you've let people down and there's going to be consequences from the result."
This was the first time Howe held a pre-match news conference since that damaging loss against bitter rivals Sunderland, which followed a 7-2 hammering at the hands of Barcelona.
It was also his first sit-down with reporters since chief executive David Hopkinson revealed he did not have a stance on Howe's future, before stressing the club were "not looking to make a change at the moment".
Howe did not appear unduly flustered by those comments and made it clear that nothing had changed from his perspective.
But it was what the head coach did not say which was as intriguing.
"In this day and age, it's difficult to look too far into the long-term," he said. "I can only look at these seven games."
Rather than going too in-depth into the summer, and what the future could bring, Howe's focus was on Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace and the run-in.
Howe and his staff went into "analytical mode" during the international break and savoured the luxury of working with as many as 20 senior players this week for the first time since August
The Newcastle head coach has previously thrived with the benefit of increased training time with his players - ending the club's 70-year wait for silverware by winning the EFL Cup last season and qualifying for the Champions League in 2025 and 2023.
As a relentless schedule eases, Howe needs no reminding of the importance of the run-in as Newcastle look to mount a late push for a European place.
"Pride is at stake," he added. "We want to do our supporters proud in these last seven games. We want to go right until the end of the season."
Howe on Guimaraes injury, summer transfers and expectationspublished at 10:39 BST 10 April
10:39 BST 10 April
Holly Bacon BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe admitted, on reflection, that the break came at a good time for Newcastle. He added: "At the time I probably felt we wanted to play as soon as we could but I think it gave the players a chance to detach."
The Newcastle boss said Bruno Guimaraes will be out for the trip to Crystal Palace and could miss the Bournemouth game. Howe said he has "suffered from mumps on his return from Brazil so that has delayed his return."
Howe said Fabian Shar won't return for "around a month" after suffering an infection in his foot which he has had a small operation on.
On the injury situation Howe added: "On everybody else we're pretty good. Lewis [Miley] has trained and trained well so that has been a great thing for us to see because we've missed him massively. Then of course you had Sandro [Tonali] who played during the international break anyway, with his injury after the Sunderland game, and others are in a good place."
On his future Howe said his "100 per cent commitment" to the job has "never wavered". He added: "I've been working during the break to make sure we come back a stronger team. I think in this day and age it's very difficult to look too far in the long term. I can only look to these seven games and make sure we perform at our very best level and make sure the players are ready for these games."
Howe said he has had good support from CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson and that they are "plotting to try and take the club forward in the smartest way possible".
He said they'll be "as ready as they can be" for the summer which is "very difficult to predict".
On the prospect of more of their best players may being sold Howe said: "If that's the reality and I'm not saying it is - David will know more than me on that - then that is the reality. I have no issue working with the conditions that the club set and finances dictate."
He added: "I've never had an issue with that all through my career so as long as that's made clear to everybody on the outside and the expectations are aligned within that because I don't think you can have expectations that warp reality, everything has to be aligned for the players to enter the pitch and play in their best place where they're relaxed and not under undue pressure."
On chasing a spot in Europe, the Newcastle boss said: "If there is a carrot for us it's European places potentially going down and the gap is small between us and the teams ahead of us so that is a big thing for us to try and chase down."
Finally on Kieran Trippier's departure at the end of the season Howe said: "For me he goes down as one of the best players that's played for me in my time here. He deserves to go with all the plaudits."
'We want to keep fighting for Howe'published at 08:48 BST 10 April
08:48 BST 10 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
A late push for Europe would put a different complexion on a bruising domestic campaign.
But Newcastle must go on a run to do so, which they have failed to do all season.
When Anthony Elanga openly asked whether the dressing room could show they were fighting for the head coach "again, again and again", in a previous interview with BBC Sport, the forward was alluding to his side's inconsistency.
"We want to keep on fighting for him because he's helped us so much," he said.
"I'd even go as far to say he is one of the best managers I've worked for. I'm really grateful to have him as a manager and I try to take everything he says to me on board because I know it's for my benefit.
"I know he will help me so much. All the players feel the same."
Yet you never quite know what you are going to get from Howe's team this term.
Just as Newcastle can beat Manchester United with 10 men and record a rare win at Chelsea, this leaky side can also capitulate and concede seven goals in the Nou Camp or throw away a half-time lead against Sunderland.
All in the same month.
Is there mitigation for the ups and downs of a campaign where Newcastle reached the last 16 of the Champions League and a third EFL Cup semi-final in four years, but also suffered 13 Premier League defeats?
Even as far back as the autumn, there was a belief internally there would be choppy waters to navigate following a turbulent summer.
Newcastle missed out on a host of top-choice targets, buckled and eventually sold star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day and tackled a crucial window without a chief executive and sporting director in place.
Also, whereas the so-called 'big six' are used to fighting on multiple fronts, with deeper squads, this has been relatively uncharted territory for Newcastle, who have already played 51 games this season.
Such has been the relentless nature of the schedule, there has been a feeling within the camp that they "can't breathe" at times.
Fear, anger or excitement - how are Newcastle fans feeling?published at 17:10 BST 9 April
17:10 BST 9 April
The Premier League's return this weekend brings trepidation for some and excitement for others.
Football's emotional rollercoaster becomes intense at this time of year, unless of course mid-table mediocrity has taken a grip of things in recent months.
So how are you feeling as a Newcastle fan with just a handful of weeks left to go?
The league form reads: WLLWWL
The next three league fixtures are: Crystal Palace (a), Bournemouth (h) and Arsenal (a)
Another testing summer to comepublished at 09:58 BST 9 April
09:58 BST 9 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Those at the top remain behind Eddie Howe.
Chief executive David Hopkinson was hardly unequivocal in his backing last week and made it clear he expected a strong finish to the campaign.
But the Canadian stressed Newcastle were "not having those conversations" about a change of manager "at the moment".
With Newcastle estimated to have the eighth-highest wage bill in the top flight, whether or not the club are getting enough bang for their buck would be a consideration when the season is reviewed after a £100m-plus net spend last summer.
Howe has credit in the bank, but the hierarchy have been vocal in their ambition to become one of the world's top clubs by 2030.
Change is already afoot elsewhere.
Last weekend's announcement that defender Kieran Trippier is leaving at the end the season felt like a sign of things to come.
Newcastle are gearing up for another busy summer and are preparing for separate scenarios in the transfer market, depending on whether they qualify for Europe or not.
If Newcastle fail to maintain their Champions League status, and lose out on the associated financial benefits, it is understood they will need to sell at least one - potentially two - prized assets in order to strengthen for the 2026-27 campaign.
Fifth Champions League spot secured for Premier Leaguepublished at 08:19 BST 8 April
08:19 BST 8 April
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League will have at least five teams in the Champions League next season after securing a European Performance Spot for the second straight year.
The extra place was confirmed on Tuesday as Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Uefa awards an additional place to the two leagues with the best overall performance across the three European competitions.
The race for fifth place in the Premier League, currently held by Liverpool on 49 points, is exceptionally tight.
Just seven points separate Arne Slot's side from 13th-placed Bournemouth.
Chelsea (48) sit in sixth followed by Brentford (46), Everton (46), Fulham (44), Brighton (43), Sunderland (43), Newcastle (42) and Bournemouth (42).
If Aston Villa, who are fourth on 54 points, win the Europa League and finish outside the top four, the Premier League would have six teams in the Champions League.
The same logic applies to Liverpool, who face Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.
If either win a European trophy and finish fifth, then sixth would qualify for the Champions League via the EPS place.
If both win European trophies and finish fifth and sixth, that would put seventh into the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. They could emulate Tottenham by winning the competition and finishing in the bottom half of the table.
Just like last season, that would create a sixth team in the Champions League for the Premier League too.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have joined Newcastle in monitoring 21-year-old Italy defender Marco Palestra, who is currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta. (Teamtalk, external)
'Trippier, here are your (verbal) flowers'published at 08:25 BST 7 April
08:25 BST 7 April
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
This summer looks to be transformative for Newcastle United. Much hinges on how we fare through the last seven games and where we finish.
If we secure European football there might be less upheaval, but we're still looking at quite a bit of change in the squad alone.
Several players are out of contract, including Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth. We may yet see new contracts for those players, but this past week we had confirmation that another player out of contract will be leaving at the end of the season.
Kieran Trippier, here are your (verbal) flowers.
When Newcastle were taken over in 2021 we were, as fans, at an all time low. Howe came in and got straight to work, but he had to wait for a transfer window to open to plug any gaps he had identified at that time. So we waited until January, languishing in the relegation zone, wondering what might happen.
And then something we thought was impossible happened. It was announced that Kieran Trippier had agreed to join Newcastle from Atletico Madrid. Everything suddenly seemed possible. He started the new wave of signings; it's entirely likely that, had he not believed in the project at NUFC, we would not have subsequently signed Bruno Guimaraes.
What Trippier represents to Newcastle fans cannot be overstated. He captained us to our first domestic trophy in a generation. He personifies the new era at our club. He helped steady the ship.
In a lot of ways, I wish he could stick around the club forever. As a coach, as a talisman, as a legend. But what is so great about Trippier is that there is still so much more to come from him. If ever there was a way to leave a club with the respect and love of the fans, this was it. Thank you, captain.
Image source, Getty Images
