Newcastle search for first win goes on as they escape Palace with a point
Newcastle are still searching for their first win of the season after they escaped a Christian Benteke inspired Crystal Palace with a point.
Benteke had already hit the post from a header when he nodded the Eagles into the lead. Callum Wilson levelled with an excellent overhead kick but Palace continued to dominate the game. Benteke hit the bar with another header before scoring again, but VAR ruled the goal out.
Graeme Jones led Newcastle out for the first time against a Palace side who were unbeaten at home heading into the fixture.
The caretaker manager made two changes from Steve Bruce’s last game in charge. Emil Krafth and Ryan Fraser replaced Joe Willock and Joelinton as he opted for five at the back.
Patrick Vieira made one swap to the Palace team that was seconds away from beating Arsenal last time out. Michael Olise came in for Jordan Ayew.
The hosts were quick out of the blocks and nearly scored inside a minute when Odsonne Edouard’s drilled ball across the box was just about dealt with.
A crunching 50-50 collision between Luka Milivojevic and Isaac Hayden then brought play to a halt with both men needing treatment.
The Magpies were next to go close. The ball fell to Wilson in the box, but he could only find the side netting with his shot.
Benteke’s header from an Olise cross struck the post as Palace continued to dominate possession.
A coming together between Wilson and Joel Ward prompted both dugouts to spark into life. The pair were shown a yellow card as a result.
Olise was a popular out ball for the Eagles and had a couple of crosses dealt with by the Newcastle defence.
The electric Allan Saint-Maximin had been quiet but threatened for the first time as half-time approached. He drove into the box but was tackled for a corner, which was cleared.
After the break it was more of the same as Newcastle sat back. Benteke attempted a scissor kick which went just over.
Benteke dominant in the air
The striker found the back of the net with his next effort, though. Tyrik Mitchell chipped a ball in from the left which he headed home.
Benteke nearly repeated the trick soon after as this time another Olise cross from the right was headed onto the crossbar.
But it was the visitors who scored next through a brilliant acrobatic finish from Wilson. A corner deflected to him and he sent an overhead kick into the top corner.
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Palace pushed on once more and should’ve regained the lead but Benteke took a touch and fired wide when he should’ve shot on target first time.
The Belgian had been a constant threat to the Newcastle defence and had another shot at goal saved by Karl Darlow.
He’s thought he’d won it for his side with yet another header. However, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build up.
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