Crystal Palace played their final match in south London without a single supporter on the terraces against Newcastle United, and the fans’ absence was notable on a chilled night requiring the warmth of an energised crowd.
The 90 minutes showed promising flashes, with both sides troubling the other, but without the reliable Selhurst buzz nothing could fill the short, tame exchanges which punctuated a close affair.
In its final seconds, the game saw a cruel twist of fate as Newcastle snatched two late goals to steal three points from SE25.
Summary
- Roy Hodgson hands Gary Cahill a return to the starting XI, with James Tomkins making his first squad of the season
- Newcastle start the brightest but cannot capitalise on their early dominance
- Authority passes between the two sides throughout the first-half, with Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp testing Karl Darlow
- In the first-half’s final minutes, both sides squander chances to take the lead
- Half-time: Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle United
- The second-half is quieter than the first, with Palace enjoying a smattering of efforts in the face of few defensive challenges
- Palace in particular enjoy the lion’s share of chances after three attacking substitutions but cannot break the deadlock
- Against the run of play, Newcastle score two late goals to take home three points
- Full-time: Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle United
On an evening where neon and blue skins flooded the pitch and steamy breath fumed after hurried bursts, a fast, energetic start felt crucial - and Newcastle enjoyed just that.