OPINION
Newcastle United will be kicking themselves after losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies will have earmarked this match as a really winnable clash, and with survival still the order of the day, any points at this stage of the season would be greatly appreciated.
On the day, it was a DeAndre Yedlin error that cost them dearly, with the full-back giving away the penalty that ultimately led to the Eagles’ winner.
Perhaps the Toon Army shouldn’t lose too much heart, however, especially according to club legend Chris Waddle.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, as quoted in the Chronicle (17.16), he said: “Newcastle’s honesty and endeavour has been there, as Palace’s has, but both teams have lacked that bit of quality in the final third, especially Newcastle.
“It could have gone either way. It was two well-matched teams and Newcastle had the best chances. I think Palace played some nice football and got their reward with the penalty.
“They’re safe now, and I think Newcastle only need a point or two then they’ll be safe too.”
If Waddle is right, and you fancy that he is, then it’s hard to see the Magpies succumbing to the drop now.
A point or two is more than attainable, especially considering the fact that Newcastle still have Brighton, Southampton, and Fulham left to play.
There’s no such thing as an easy game in the Premier League, but those are all matches that United will fancy their chances in, and if they rekindle the kind of form that they have shown since the start of the year after this mini blip then they should be home and dry.
That’s a massive achievement for a side that started as poor as they did this season, and many supporters will be sleeping a little easier after Waddle’s prediction for the run in.
There is still a lot of football to be played, but things are looking rosy for the Magpies, even after this defeat.
