Newcastle moved up to ninth with a win over Crystal Palace, thanks to Miguel Almiron’s first goal for the club.
It was an even game, but the Magpies snatched a late victory to ensure they’ll spend Christmas day in the top half of the Premier League.
Player ratings
Martin Dubravka – 9/10
Yet again, Martin Dubravka was a hero in between the sticks. The goalkeeper made some excellent saves to secure another clean sheet.
Javi Manquillo – 9/10
An excellent performance from the Spaniard. Manquillo had a tough job up against Wilfried Zaha, but more than held his own, just like he did against Raheem Sterling the other week.
Fabian Schar – 7/10
Locked in an ongoing duel with Zaha. A solid performance defensively but not his usual self in possession. Came up with the goods when it mattered, providing the cross that led to Almiron’s winner.
Federico Fernandez 7/10
Solid as usual in the centre of defence.
Florian Lejeune – 8/10
A fantastic return for the defender, coming up against the side who he suffered his knee injury against last season. Lejeune didn’t put a foot wrong and proved his class.
Paul Dummett – 6/10
A difficult afternoon for Dummett, operating in an uncomfortable position. Defensively, he was as dependable as ever. But wing-back isn’t for him. Dummett often had a lot of space out wide, but his delivery left a lot to be desired.
Isaac Hayden – 6/10
A quiet performance from Hayden, who was replaced by Sean Longstaff in the 64th minute. Hayden had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but inexplicably fell over.
Jonjo Shelvey – 7/10
Typical Jonjo Shelvey performance, proving how much we needed him after missing the Burnley defeat. Spraying passes left and right, but unable to carve out any clear cut opportunities.
Miguel Almiron – 9/10
It’s finally happened. Almiron has got his first Newcastle goal. A brilliant finish, topped off by an incredibly passionate celebration. Even without the goal, he looked a lot more comfortable playing to the left rather than wide right.
Joelinton – 6/10
The partnership with Carroll just isn’t working. The Brazilian showed a few moments, playing some nice passes, but yet again no chances came his way. Replaced by Dwight Gayle in the 77th minute.
Andy Carroll – 7/10
Not a great performance from the big man, but he came up with the goods when it mattered. Carroll picked up his third assist and showed his worth after being kept on over Joelinton.
Substitutes:
Sean Longstaff – 6/10
Nothing spectacular from the youngster, but tidy in possession when called upon.
Dwight Gayle – 5/10
Unable to influence the game after replacing Joelinton.
DeAndre Yedlin – NA
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