Match Coverage

Newcastle United player ratings vs Crystal Palace as 9/10 star outshines heroic Bruno Guimaraes

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Newcastle United recorded a crucial 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw scored the goals as Newcastle United began life in the Premier League in 2026 with a vital victory at St James’ Park.

While it was a game often lacking in quality, Anthony Gordon and Joelinton both had goals ruled out in the first half due to offside calls.

Who was your MOTM against Crystal Palace?!

THREE CRUCIAL POINTS 😍

Bruno Guimaraes celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Palace did threaten but, eventually, Eddie Howe‘s side found a way to claim three huge points.

Here’s how Geordie Boot Boys rated the players…

Nick Pope – 7

Didn’t have a lot to do but did it well when called upon.

Lewis Miley – 9

Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are back now but Miley continues to shine at right-back. Excellent on the ball and did brilliantly to keep the ball alive for Guimaraes to score.

Malick Thiaw – 8

Took a knock to the head but was on hand to ensure Jean Philippe Mateta couldn’t race through on goal only a few minutes later.

Thiaw prodded home nicely to put the Toon 2-0 up.

Malick Thiaw celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Fabian Schar – 6

Schar didn’t do much wrong but his passing at times remains wayward. Feels like Sven Botman will soon replace him.

Lewis Hall – 7

A few sloppy touches in the first half but Hall‘s standards are so high that even a slight drop-off is notable. Forced a good save from Dean Henderson.

THREE HUGE POINTS! 😍 Give us your three-word review!

An infographic showing the full-time score (2-0) between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 04/01/2026.
Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster

Bruno Guimaraes – 8

Some brilliant balls in that first half from Guimaraes, including the one to set up Wissa for Gordon. Faded in the second half before scoring a crucial header and playing the corner from which Thiaw scored.

Sandro Tonali – 6

Tonali did improve from his nightmare showing against Burnley earlier this week. Still, we’re yet to see the very best of him and he was somewhat bullied in the middle of the park.

Joelinton – 7

Another solid performance and while his goal was rightly ruled out, it was a brilliant one! Joelinton looks like a starter again.

Jacob Murphy – 5

Strange decision making at times from Murphy. Certainly not his best game and is somewhat lucky that Anthony Elanga is putting next to no pressure on him for a starting berth.

Yoane Wissa – 7

Wissa should really have done better in the opening few minutes when teed up by Gordon. Struggled to get into the game in the first half.

Anthony Gordon – 6

Was a shame to see what would have been a first Premier League goal from open play ruled out by VAR, given the difficulty of the finish.

Gordon was full of energy but lacked a final product.

Subs:

Harvey Barnes – 7

Jacob Ramsey – 5

Tino Livramento – 5

Nick Woltemade – 5

Joe Willock – 4

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