Crystal Palace continued to come back from a goal behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 and continue their outstanding week. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored both goals for the Eagles as they delivered another home win.
A Jean-Philippe Mateta brace continued a sensational week for Crystal Palace as they beat Newcastle 2-1 at the death.
Returning to Selhurst Park feeling a million dollars after all but securing their Conference League semi-final place with a 3-0 triumph over Fiorentina, Palace kept up the feeling of goodwill in south London.
The Eagles have now put aside even the faintest of chances of relegation and with it kept up their outside chance of finishing eighth and securing back to back European seasons.
Of course, they may well do that anyway with Conference League glory but it cannot hurt to keep winning games.
So then, who was on particularly good form and who put their hand up for Conference League selection?
Dean Henderson - 6
Perhaps a slightly harsh rating but he was not overly worked, could not stop Osula’s effort from point-blank range and made one solid save early in the second half before momentum swung back in the way of Palace.
Jaydee Canvot - 7
With each game, he looks stronger and stronger, and on this occasion, it was his marauding run from left centre back that started the attack for Palace’s equaliser.
Maxence Lacroix - 6
A composed performance generally but was unlucky that it was his error that led to Osula’s goal.
Committed four fouls too, was not at his very best but his level is so high a six out of 10 is still a strong performance.
Chris Richards - 7
Daniel Munoz's pass that went under his foot looked embarrassing, but it was not his fault.
Otherwise, a largely solid performance, despite a few wayward passes.
Tyrick Mitchell - 8
On his 200th Premier League appearance for Palace, Mitchell showed just why he has become such an important member of the team.
The left back created two chances and was important in defence too but his biggest moment came with the assist for Mateta’s opener.
Will Hughes - 6
Solid but not spectacular.
Hughes as ever, the ultimate professional but was unable to really get Palace going, a notable difference when he went off.
Jefferson Lerma - 7
A top performance from the Colombian and was desperately unlucky not to score when heading against the crossbar.
Won the penalty that won the match for Palace and showed he can be reliable.
Daniel Munoz - 7
Extremely unlucky not to score on two occasions in the first half and once again put in an extremely energetic performance.
Played the pass to Mitchell in the lead-up to the opening goal too.
Yeremy Pino - 7
Was excellent when coming off the bench in the week against Fiorentina and delivered another strong showing against Newcastle.
Will wonder how his cross was not headed in by Lerma.
Brennan Johnson - 6
Just so low on confidence.
Given the chance to try and play his way into the starting team but was unable to get involved and Palace improved with him jot on the pitch.
Jorgen Strand Larsen - 6
Put in plenty of effort but the end product was missing.
Mateta showed Palace what they were missing when replacing the Norwegian after 65 minutes.
Substitutes:
Ismaila Sarr - 6
Palace were better with him on the pitch but not at his usual productive best.
Adam Wharton - 6
Made a notable difference when replacing Hughes, Palace were much more threatening when he was on.
Jean-Philippe Mateta - 8
He had just 25 minutes on the field but netted both the goals to keep up an excellent week.
If he keeps up this form, Palace may well look to keep the Frenchman again after he looked set to leave.
Daichi Kamada - 6
Only on for 14 minutes but was involved in the first goal - as ever, an important player for Palace.
Borne Sosa - NA
Only came on for a minute when replacing Tyrick Mitchell.