Newcastle United gave their hopes of a top-half Premier League finish a fine boost on Saturday afternoon with a narrow 1-0 victory over a struggling Crystal Palace side, though one that were on a high after beating defending champions Chelsea a week ago.
The Magpies held firm to end a run of three matches without a win and to keep their first clean sheet during that period, rising up the table with a victory and pushing themselves further away from the wealth of clubs struggling at the foot of the table.
Rafael Benitez has certainly worked wonders on Tyneside but fans are looking for better performances from the first-team regulars, with Isaac Hayden coming under criticism for what many perceived to be a poor showing against the Eagles.
With Mikel Merino arriving from Borussia Dortmund and performing admirably, coming off the bench to replace Hayden this weekend, the bar has been raised within Newcastle’s first-team and fans want to see more from the former Arsenal youngster if he’s to remain a consistent starter.
https://twitter.com/GanRadge/status/921756342381137931
https://twitter.com/aboutthetoon/status/921757054355853313
Awful game and palace deserved a point. Will gladly take a late winner #nufc ayoze and joselu were missing all game! Hayden doesn’t look fit
— Jonny Cole ⚪️⚫️ (@JohnnyCole84) October 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/ToonArmyKW/status/921755207930806272
Got to point out that all of #RafaTheGaffer subs were positive and spot on! @IsaacHayden65 clogged the midfield well but we needed more going forward. Perez was getting pushed around &diami held up &I linked better. Mitro not much time but had an impact. @JoseluMato9 good shift!
— Caleb The 🇺🇸Geordie ⬛️⬜️⚔️ (@YankGeordie) October 21, 2017
Have to say:
Perez & Diame do nowt for me.
Merino should be starting ahead of Hayden.
Not sure on Manquillo.#NUFC
— Simon in San Diego (@SimonInSD) October 21, 2017
finally
— Christopher Adisurya (@toto_2607) October 21, 2017
