Mikel Merino came off the bench to head Newcastle to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace with his first goal in English football.
The Spaniard's bullet header from Matt Ritchie's 85th-minute corner handed the Magpies a win they barely deserved on an afternoon where they were poor for long periods before producing a late flurry.
Palace, who enjoyed the better of much of the game, ultimately paid for not making the most of their chances, the best of which fit-again winger Wilfried Zaha headed wide before the break.
Both sets of fans in a crowd of 52,251 arrived at St James' Park with hope renewed, the locals amid talk of a takeover which they hope will bring fresh investment and the visitors having seen their side finally end their wait for a first league win of the campaign.
Substitute Mikel Merino nets late winner as Newcastle topple Crystal Palace
