Full-time: Crystal Palace 2-0 Newcastlepublished at 21:58 24 April
21:58 24 April
A double from Jean-Philippe Mateta saw Crystal Palace beat Newcastle at Selhurst Park to guarantee Premier League football for another season.
The Frenchman scored his first 10 minutes into the second half as he exchanged passes with Jordan Ayew before sliding the ball past Martin Dubravka.
He sealed the victory two minutes from time, converting from a Will Hughes cut-back for his 11th league goal of the season.
Newcastle had their best chance when Alexander Isak was sent through on goal in the first half but Dean Henderson raced out of the Palace goal to smother the shot.
Newcastle also thought they should have had a penalty late in the second half when Sean Longstaff went down after a challenge from Will Hughes but after a VAR check, nothing was given.
The victory is the Eagles third in the row and they can start looking up the table as they begin to plan for a club record 12th season in the Premier League rather than worrying about the relegation battle below.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?
"The whole process was difficult, it was so hard at the time and that whole process led to me being so mentally tough right now. Liverpool's biggest unity was everyone being together, Scousers taking care of Scousers," he said.
"So, if someone was to leave that environment, not everyone is going to like it and rightly so, but ultimately, I am too ambitious to turn down the opportunity which was presented to me.
“Newcastle United were only going one way and looking from the outside they were flying, I think they were fourth when I was signing, so it’s a no brainer.
“My ambition is to be at the very top of football and I couldn’t do that where I was.”
Soon after Gordon left Everton, the Toffees released a statement about Gordon requesting a transfer., external Asked by Neville, whether it could have ended differently to how it did Gordon said: "It didn’t, that’s the thing.
“A lot of what you see in the media [from Everton] is club-driven and I didn’t care too much to change the perspective, because I’m very comfortable in myself and how it ended up, and ultimately, I got what I wanted. I joined Newcastle.
“I did want to leave, but also, the club did have to sell me.
“The way it played out was that I was desperate to leave and that was never really the case.
“I just wanted to fulfil my ambitions.
“But I was never bothered about wanting to change people’s minds, if they believe what they read, it’s fine by me.”
Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Newcastle published at 11:49 24 April
11:49 24 April
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests. For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday.
Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side's attacking threat.
Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.
Zack's prediction: 1-2
I'm going with Newcastle here, solely because I watched Alexander Isak destroy Tottenham in their last game. I mentioned flair earlier, and he has got that in abundance.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Guimaraes, who reportedly has a £100m release clause in his contract at St James' Park. (Talksport), external
Howe warns of 'cost' should Wilson leavepublished at 15:36 23 April
15:36 23 April
Image source, Getty Images
Eddie Howe has warned Newcastle's owners it would be costly to replace Callum Wilson if he were to leave this summer.
The 32-year-old England striker, who is set to return from injury, is under contract at St James' Park until the end of next season, but - with the club facing difficult decisions to meet profit and sustainability regulations - has been linked with a move away.
Wilson, who has only managed 22 appearances this term, is still deeply admired by a manager who also worked with him at Bournemouth.
"It's undoubted how I feel about Callum, how I feel about his qualities and what he can offer the team," Howe said. "If you lose a player of that quality, to then find a player of equal standard will cost the club a lot of money.
"That's always the big talking point about any business we do in the summer. If you lose a player, how can you replace him with the same quality with Financial Fair Play implications around the corner?"
Crystal Palace v Newcastle: Pick of the stats published at 14:27 23 April
14:27 23 April
Crystal Palace are winless in their past five Premier League meetings with Newcastle United, failing to score in each of the past four.
Having been unbeaten in Premier League games in London last season (W4 D3), Newcastle have lost three of their five in the capital so far this term. However, their one victory was in their last visit (1-0 at Fulham)
Palace have lost six of their past nine midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League games (W1 D2), with their only win in this run coming against Sheffield United in January.
Following victories over Fulham and Tottenham, Newcastle are looking to win three consecutive Premier League games for the second time this season, previously doing so in September. Away from home, they have won three of their past five league games (L2), having won just one of their first 10 (D2 L7).
When Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all started in the Premier League this season, the Eagles have won four of five games (L1), with an average of 2.4 points per game. In contrast, in the 28 games when those three have not all been in the XI, Palace have only won five times (D9 L14), averaging 0.9 points per game.
Anthony Gordon has 10 goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season, though 83% of these have come in home games.
Howe on injuries as Wilson returnspublished at 10:36 23 April
10:36 23 April
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
Here are the key lines from the Newcastle boss:
Lewis Miley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season "to protect him long-term" from a back injury.
Howe said Joe Willock needs time to "strengthen the area around his Achilles" and will also return next season.
The Magpies are unlikely to recover any injured players in time for Wednesday's game but "hope to have one or two back" before the end of the season.
Striker Callum Wilson "has trained really well" and "has come back looking really good." Howe added: "We anticipate he will be able to hit the ground running and make an impact for us."
He said "the lads are feeling good about themselves" after being given a few days rest.
On not playing since the Tottenham win on 13 April: "We have tried to use the time productively as we do not want to lose our rhythm."
He said they "can not underestimate" Crystal Palace and they will have to be at their best level to beat them.
More from Howe on Palace: "They have had two very good performances and that has been coming for them. Credit to the new manager who has come in and played a new system that has got the best out of the players they have."
He confirmed the club have not heard whether Sandro Tonali will still be eligible to return to the matchday squad in August, or if his ban will be extended.
A key week in top-six chasepublished at 17:08 22 April
17:08 22 April
Matty Renton Fan writer
Finally it’s the start of a new week after a long old weekend without football for the Toon Army.
Thankfully we get spoilt this week with two important games. A trip to in-form Crystal Palace awaits Eddie Howe’s side, who are in a great run of form themselves.
Wednesday night under the lights at Selhurst Park should provide some goals if recent results are to go by. The Newcastle players and staff wouldn’t say this out loud but I’m sure the 10 days off was a welcome break for them.
A season cursed and crippled with injuries is nearing the end but there’s still plenty of work to do. This could be a defining and dictating week for the Magpies, with two very winnable games against the Eagles then Sheffield United at home on Saturday. Six points would see them on the path to solidifying sixth place. With the heat on Manchester United after their FA Cup scare and West Ham looking like they’re already on the beach, European football is there for the taking.
These Newcastle players get that, they get what it means for the city, the club and the fans. They’ve had a taste of European football this season in the Champions League and so too have the fans (I loved Milan).
Now we might be swapping Champions League for Europa League, or Milan for Malmo, but it’ll still be a tremendous achievement for Howe and his squad, especially considering the difficulties and challenges they’ve encountered this season.
If we can start this week as we mean to go on, win at Crystal Palace then beat Sheffield United on Saturday, we’re in for a tantalising end to the campaign.
What are Newcastle doing to be more sustainable?published at 16:02 22 April
16:02 22 April
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.
Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.
Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.
The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.
But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.
We have taken a look into some of the key things Newcastle are doing to become more sustainable:
The club became a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action framework in 2021 and aim to reduce emissions by 50% before 2030.
The 'Magpie Mover' scheme is in place to purchase and provide matchday travel on the metro, bus and ferry for every home game.
All food packaging is plastic free at the stadium on matchdays and drinks are served in paper recyclable cups.
Vegan options are available at the stadium and training ground, while more than 70% of food suppliers are local.
Educational work through the Newcastle United Foundation has offered over 20,000 primary school children access to sustainability lessons.
One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.
Why is this important?
Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.
"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.
"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.
"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."
Meanwhile, the Magpies are lining up a £25m move for 19-year-old Juventus and Spain Under-21s defender Dean Huijsen, who is on loan at Roma. (Mirror), external
Will fifth secure a place in Champions League?published at 17:43 19 April
17:43 19 April
Remember when England was in a great position to secure a fifth place in the Champions League next season?
That possibility suffered a significant blow this week with clubs from the country exiting a host of European competitions. Their exits damaged the points tally England had amassed in Uefa's co-efficient rankings.
As a result, there is now a 1.1% chance that a fifth-qualifying place materialises.
Watch BBC Sport's Ben Croucher explain more in our clip.
Media caption,
Could this be Newcastle's chance for more European football?published at 17:30 19 April
17:30 19 April
Joe Nelson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United's 2023-24 season has been a mixed bag.
From starting the season with Champions League football and real hope, to then dropping down the table with an unrelenting list of injuries, the emotions of Geordie supporters have been quite a pendulum.
But like an arrow, sometimes things have to go backwards before flying forwards once more.
Saturday's 4-0 win over Tottenham possessed something that I haven't seen consistently from Newcastle in a long time: intensity.
Of course, there have been periods in matches where Eddie Howe's men have outran and outfought opponents throughout the campaign, such as coming from behind to beat West Ham in that dramatic 4-3 triumph at St. James' Park.
But in the victory against Spurs, Newcastle showed the same athleticism and energy that got us Champions League qualification last term, for the entire 90 minutes.
Joelinton's injury earlier this season was a blow, of course, but in Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson, Howe deployed a committed - and talented - local-lad duo in front of Bruno Guimaraes, who effortlessly conducted proceedings from deep and ensured Tottenham couldn't build up a head of steam.
Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes caused their defence all sorts of problems and, in Gordon and Isak's cases in particular, they are improving with every passing game.
Newcastle sit sixth in the table, with the prospect of securing European football for a second consecutive season now a real possibility for the Magpies.
Can they put a run together and finish the season on a high? Who knows.
Can Geordie supporters start to believe? Quite possibly.
Should they have faith that the players will give everything they can to achieve our aims? Most definitely.
Gossip: Arsenal target Magpies forward Isakpublished at 07:51 19 April
07:51 19 April
Arsenal are looking at bringing in a striker and winger this summer, with 24-year-old Newcastle United and Sweden forward Alexander Isak among their targets. (Guardian), external
Newcastle United and Chelsea are interested in 25-year-old Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. (CaughtOffside), external
Finally, the Magpies are scouting 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as they consider a summer move for the England international. (Chronicle), external
Was Spurs thrashing the performance of the season?published at 17:41 18 April
17:41 18 April
Still thinking about last weekend's thrashing over Tottenham?
The team on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport podcast are, and they think it holds a strong case for being performance of the season.
"I have been thinking about the game a lot this week and it could be a contender for game of the season," said BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck.
"Paris Saint-Germain (in the Champions League) is always going to be way out ahead because of what it was and what it represented, but in the Premier League it has to be up there with the best.
"What Eddie Howe did tactically with what he had available was brilliant and they played so well.
"There has been a lot of analysis about Spurs' defence but you have to praise our attacking play with Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordan and Harvey Barnes.
Gossip: Magpies in race for Sporting Lisbon's Diomandepublished at 06:59 18 April
06:59 18 April
Newcastle United and Liverpool have entered the race to sign Sporting Lisbon's 20-year-old Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande, who is also wanted by Chelsea. (Football Transfers), external
The Magpies have sent scouts to watch Boca Juniors' 22-year-old midfielder Kevin Zenon and defender Nicolas Valentini, 23. (HITC), external
Howe 'played a tactical blinder' against Spurspublished at 16:56 17 April
16:56 17 April
Pat Nevin Former Chelsea and Everton winger
It is rarely dull at St James’ Park so as I tottered along on Saturday I confidently expected fireworks. The home side did not disappoint and the quality of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes should not be glossed over.
They were unstoppable, but what about Spurs!
It must have been shocking for Ange Postecoglou and all Tottenham fans to witness such an uncharacteristically insipid performance. But why did it happen?
Eddie Howe played a tactical blinder, exploiting the naively high defensive line. Will Ange ever change that? The answer is an emphatic no. There is also the fact that the high intensity ‘Ange-ball’ style wears players out over the course of a season. Postecoglou will fix that over the summer by increasing the squad size if he is given the funds.
The most obvious problem on the day however was that the normally brilliant Micky van de Ven had a shocker. I honestly thought he must have been wearing the wrong boots as he slid like Bambi on ice every time anyone threw him a dummy.
Maybe he was carrying an injury or was not getting enough cover, or we were just discovering that he does not have quick enough feet at close quarters for this level. We will find out soon enough.
On the positive side, others have had high profile disasters this season and recovered. Kieran Trippier had a toe-curling few weeks and Raheem Sterling had such a horror show for Chelsea against Leicester in the FA Cup that his own fans booed him off.
Best just ignore social media, blank the highlights on TV, then hope and believe it was just a bad day at the office.
England's fifth-place Champions League hopes take a hitpublished at 11:09 17 April
11:09 17 April
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund's magnificent victory against Atletico Madrid was great news for on-loan Manchester United star Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer, who left Old Trafford after spending the second half of last season on loan with Erik ten Hag's side.
However, it was bad news for England's chances of a fifth Champions League place next term.
Borussia Dortmund gained points for their match victory and a bonus for reaching the semi-final.
Those three co-efficient points are then divided by seven - the number of German teams who played in Europe this season - and added to their total.
It takes Germany onto 17.214, still trailing Italy, who have 18.428, but crucially, clear of England, who have 16.750.
The battle is not over yet but England could really do with Arsenal knocking out Bayern Munich tonight or West Ham reaching the Europa League semi-finals at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.
Gossip: Magpies renew Gibbs-White interestpublished at 07:29 17 April
Juventus will listen to offers for Italian forward Federico Chiesa, who has been linked with Newcastle and Liverpool, after disagreements between the 26-year-old and boss Massimiliano Allegri over his role. (Tuttosport - in Italian, external)
Howe has he done it again? Pardon the pun but at this point I feel obliged to mention Eddie Howe at every given opportunity. The man is a genius.
Despite having 11 injured players for the visit of Spurs, he didn’t just pull off a win, he pulled off a hammering! Playing wingers as full-backs and full-backs as centre-backs, he masterminded an emphatic 4-0 win over the side in fourth place.
Everyone was so quick to put Ange Postecoglou on a pedestal this season, raving about him and his style of play. Yet for me, Howe is still somehow criminally underrated. He destroyed Ange's high line and proved his tactical wit and bravery once again.
He continues to perform miracles at Newcastle United! For the Magpies to be sitting sixth in the league after a horrendous injury crisis this season, losing main summer signing Sandro Tonali to suspension, dealing with Champions League football and deadly cup draws, it is astonishing.
Howe has guided the Toon Army above Manchester United and are front runners for Europa League qualification. What an achievement that would be even without all of the mitigating circumstances this season. It has been a fantastic run of form for the Magpies which has seen them take 10 points out of a possible 12 in the last two weeks.
It is all setting up nicely for Newcastle to qualify for Europe and for Howe to be in contention for manager of the year again!
