Newcastle United

Joe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

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It is quite odd for a player to have a breakthrough season aged 30, but that is exactly what is happening with Jacob Murphy, who did not start more than 17 Premier League matches in a single season until this campaign.

Murphy had a goal, an assist and a whole host of other chances created all before half-time in Wednesday's 5-0 win over Crystal Palace.

It means, of all the English players in the Premier League this season, only Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins have more goal involvements than Murphy.

Or, put another way, Murphy has a higher combined goals and assists total this term than Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze and Dominic Solanke - who were all in the last England squad.

Read more on Murphy's season here

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We asked for your thoughts on Wednesday night's Premier League game between Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans:

Fraser: Brilliant performance and good to see goals coming from different players. Tonali is on another level. Newcastle have tightened up their defence and it's noticeable how much they have improved, it feels like they can beat anyone at the moment.

Chris: Incredible performance. Jacob Murphy playing his way into Tuchel's plans, surely there isn't a better winger in form at the moment. And just another world class performance from a team riding on the crest of a wave. Well done lads, you've done the gaffer proud!

James: What a difference a trophy makes. The fact we can score nine goals in two games without even needing one of our best attackers in Anthony Gordon - and without our manager on the touchline to boot - just shows how high the confidence is on Tyneside at the moment.

Even Isak doesn't look on top of his game since Wembley, but he's giving Barnes and Murphy the chance to shine and boy they're taking it. Trophy in the bag, third in the table and in the driving seat for Champions League football next season? We're pinching ourselves!

Paul: Murphy and Barnes, otherwise mediocre squad players, are currently epitomising what confidence does to a player's form. Murphy suddenly being touted for England and Barnes making it tough for Gordon to just breeze back in to the first team fold. I think the fact Newcastle have stuck by and developed so many 'legacy' players from the Ashley era is credit to Eddie Howe and his staff's ability to get the very best out of players.

Crystal Palace fans:

Bill: We've been found out. One or two players reading their own press and believing it. Minds might be on the cup but they can forget that. Usual finish between 10th and 15th so another 'groundhog' season.

Peter: Our worst performance in months!!

Conceded 10 goals in two games now, as soon as Eze had the penalty saved (which was terrible by the way) we had no confidence as a team and it showed in and out of possession. There were so many mistakes and errors, it wasn't easy to watch.

I love what Glasner has done with the squad and the style of play but a bad day at the office today. I just really hope he stays with us for next season.

Kevin: Diabolical performance! Like we're a team of strangers all of a sudden! From being one of the meanest defences to ship 10 goals in two games is nothing short of a disgrace. The fans who went up to Newcastle should be refunded! Thank God we're safe from relegation - our only saving grace.

Steve: The run-in to the end of the season was always going to be difficult. But, this and the City result show clearly where Palace sit in the Premier League. Newcastle were stronger, quicker to the ball and brutally efficient in front of goal. Glasner has achieved a lot with this group of players, but these two results cry out for more quality. Perhaps, it is time to play Esse, Franca and Devenny at the expense of the more established first team players. If not now, when?

Juventus have made Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali one of their summer transfer targets. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

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There were questions about how Newcastle United will cope in the absence of Eddie Howe during a crucial part of their season.

The Magpies manager was not at St James' Park for Crystal Palace's visit and will also miss the trip to Aston Villa next Saturday as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.

But a ruthless 5-0 victory against Palace will go long way in dispelling any doubts of this Newcastle side's calibre.

The win moved them up to third in the Premier League table and they are only four points behind second-placed Arsenal, who they face in their penultimate game of the season.

With their front three of Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak, all of whom were on target against the Eagles, in superb form, Howe's side will be eyeing a strong finish to their campaign.

They visit seventh-placed Aston Villa on Saturday before games against Ipswich, Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.

It was Isak's 21st league goal of the season while Murphy has now has six goal involvements in four games.

Barnes, who is keeping Anthony Gordon on the bench, has nine goals and three assists this season and trio will play a vital role as Newcastle look to return to European football.

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Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We spoke pre-game about maintaining the standards we set ourselves at the weekend, about being really aggressive and on the front foot. I thought the players went about that and executed that brilliantly."

On naming an unchanged team again: "We've got a fantastic squad and the balance of the team has been great. We've got some players on the bench who can come on the pitch and make a difference. We're confident, we've had a good run of results and we have to remain level headed and work hard every day to go out and deliver performances."

On the boost winning the Carabao Cup gave Newcastle: "That gave us huge confidence, we went out and delivered a performance against arguably one of the best teams in Europe in Liverpool. We were able to enjoy that for a period of time but we knew what our objectives were for the remainder of the season - to finish as high up the league table as possible.

"The manager always leads and sets that example of never switching off. They've gone out there, been really consistent and delivering performances."

On not having spoken to Eddie Howe about footballing matters yet: "I think at a time like this the most important thing is your health, that you rest and recover. We wish Eddie all the best and the more he can rest the sooner he'll be back."

On wanting to be in the Champions League: "That's where we want to get to. Everybody in the Premier League wants to be in the champions league. We've experienced it before and we want more of it.

"We've got six cup finals now remaining and we have to stay focused to be able to go out there and deliver the performances we know will help us to get Champions League."

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Jacob Murphy has been directly involved in 17 goals across his past 18 Premier League games (eight goals, nine assists) - as many as in his previous 59 appearances in the competition. In fact, Murphy's 19 goal involvements this season is as many as in his previous three campaigns combined.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak has scored 21 Premier League goals this season – his joint-best tally across a single campaign in the competition. His 27 goal involvements this term is the most for a Newcastle player in a Premier League season since Alan Shearer in 2001-02 (also 27).

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle forward Jacob Murphy, speaking to Sky Sports: "We're in a great place at the moment. We started off really well.

"We knew this game was going to be really difficult. Their away form recently has been top notch. We knew it would be difficult if we didn't start fast. We started really quick and got our reward.

"We're not studying [the table] too hard. We knew a win today would put us in a good position. We're in a good position but there's a lot more weekends to go and a lot can change so we have to stay on top of our game and keep going."

On whether he meant to shoot for his goal: "I did mean it, yeah! When the juice is flowing, you've just got to hit it. The defender's come out so it was going to be hard to get it through him so I thought 'aah, just shoot here'. Lovely.

"We always knew that the first goal was going to be really important so I'm happy to get it and happy to start of so well."

On how things have been without Eddie Howe: "Everyone has shared texts with him and he's on the road to recovery. We're missing him but once again I think we put a performance in that he'd be really proud of.

"There's so many we need to thank for tonight as well that are continuing the great work the gaffer does with us."

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Newcastle goalscorer Harvey Barnes, speaking to Premier League Productions: "We spoke the other day about building on results, today was a perfect example.

"We knew it was going to be a test tonight. We started the game so well and got a comfortable lead."

On Jacob Murphy's form and fans demanding an England call-up: "He's playing unbelievable. He's such a character in the changing room, and deserves everything he's getting. I'm joining the petition.

On his performance: "I'm really happy. When I'm out on the pitch I just want to help the team. I'm doing that at the minute."

On Eddie Howe: "We haven't heard much to be honest. I know he's recovering and heading the right way which is great news. A few of the lads have sent him some messages. But we're just focusing on our job."

On assistant manager Jason Tindall: "100% record at the minute so he'll be happy. We're so well-drilled throughout the year. Of course the gaffer not being here is a miss, but we know our roles so well.

"This is where we want to be. We've got ourselves in a really good position."

Were you at St James' Park or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

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Newcastle United are "better" for having been restricted by profit and sustainability rules while Eddie Howe has been in charge of the team, says The i Paper's chief football writer Daniel Storey.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, he said: "I understand a lot of Newcastle fans aren't happy with it [PSR] and I understand that Eddie Howe might have liked to have invested more in his squad.

"But, to my mind, if you allow Newcastle United or any team that Eddie Howe is managing to spend whatever money they want, you actually end up removing a little bit of what makes Eddie Howe a fantastic football manager.

"You remove some of the raison d'etre of having him manage your football club, because what he was superb at at Bournemouth is exactly what he has been doing at Newcastle, but he is now doing it with a higher calibre squad.

"I honestly don't believe that if Newcastle had been able to spend £100m or more in the transfer window then the likes of Dan Burn would not have been starting at Wembley.

"You look at the butterfly-effect of that and the difference it makes and it becomes very obvious that Newcastle are better for having to work at that because it allows Eddie Howe to think 'everything else is out of my hands, this is what I have got to work with'.

"He has always been a better coach when he has known what he has go to work with and is able to inspire. And boy is he doing that at the moment."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has had a really tough time and the most important thing is that he makes a speedy recovery from his illness.

His players put in a performance to make him proud in Sunday's win over Manchester United, and I can see them doing the same again here.

The Magpies have won four games in a row and, with a top-five place in their sights, I just can't see past them winning this one too on current form, especially at home.

It will be close though. Crystal Palace have picked up more points on the road this season than they have at Selhurst Park, and they caused Manchester City plenty of problems early on at the weekend.

City fought back well to win after going 2-0 down, but we saw how Palace's plan worked early on and how dangerous they are on the break.

They will do the same thing this time, with their wing-backs picking their moments to spring forward, and they will certainly pose a threat even if Newcastle have most of the ball.

I think Palace will score, but Newcastle are going to be hard to keep out.

I've always been a fan of Harvey Barnes and, with his competition with Anthony Gordon on the left flank, and Jacob Murphy on the other side, they have got lots of firepower alongside Alexander Isak.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Make your own prediction here, external

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Since 14 December, Newcastle have won more games than any other Premier League side (18 of 23) and their tally of 53 goals is only behind Liverpool (61) and Manchester City (58) in that time.

Crystal Palace have won just one of their past seven Premier League games against Newcastle - a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park in April last year.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have scored in their past 13 league matches. Only twice in their top-flight history have they scored in 14 in a row, doing so between August-November 1979 and May-October 1991.

Newcastle United have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Malaga's 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Eddie Howe has told the club's board that he wants to keep their best players this summer, including striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Journalist John Gibson - who has covered Newcastle United since 1966 - selects his all-time Magpies XI on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Newcastle United podcast.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

I cannot overstate to you quite how important it is to Newcastle United fans for us to beat Manchester United.

It is true that Manchester United fans might not consider Newcastle their rivals per se (well, how can they this season... rivals normally sit close together in the league table) but Newcastle fans have considered Manchester United the thorn in their side for a long time.

This goes back to the 1990s, when Kevin Keegan's "Entertainers" were routinely thwarted by Manchester United and unable to secure the top spot in the Premier League.

It was compounded in 1999 when we lost the FA Cup final to them.

For younger fans, it was the 2023 League Cup final loss. It was last year, when we finished the season so close to getting European football at St James' Park again - ahead of them on goal difference - only for Manchester United to win the FA Cup and take the coveted spot.

So then, you can understand the deep, deep joy we all felt on Sunday as we, for the first time since 1931, did the double over Manchester United. It was fitting, too, that Wor Flags did a Kevin Keegan-themed display in three of the four stands before the game. How far we have come!

And how far we still have to go. This week sees us making up a game (against Crystal Palace at home) and going away to Aston Villa.

Neither game will be easy, but we are in excellent form. Our eyes are on the prize of Champions League football, and the team look like they understand the assignment.

All eyes on Harvey Barnes, who has taken the opportunity to turn into an end-of-season goal machine, as we continue to right the wrongs of the past and end the season in glory.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 19:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On manager Eddie Howe, who is in hospital with pneumonia, Tindall said: "We know that he is in the best possible hands and he will be back as soon as he feels he is ready to come back to lead the team."

• He said he has exchanged "a few text messages" with Howe, but otherwise there has been "minimal contact".

• Joe Willock, who missed Sunday's game with Manchester United because of concussion protocols, is available again. Otherwise, Tindall confirmed the "squad is in good shape" and there are no new injury concerns.

• On Sunday's win: "I was really proud. It is testament to the group of players we have and the staff. They showed a fantastic attitude and pulled together when they really need to."

• More from Tindall on the team's attitude: "They stood up and they were there to be counted against United and they will have to do the same for the remaining games, whether the manager is there or not."

• On opponents Palace: "They have been in fantastic form. They don't concede many goals so it's going to be a really difficult challenge for us."

• In response to Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton being the most "balanced midfield" in the league, Tindall said: "They are certainly up there. Whether that is me being biased or not. They're great characters and they don't drop below their standards. They show great leadership and we are going to need that and their quality for the last seven games."

• He said the video of defender Dan Burn helping someone push their car after breaking down "surprised no one because that's just Dan Burn". Tindall added: "He is such a level-headed lad. He has always got time for people and to give a helping hand."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Newcastle United's Carabao Cup triumph could be the turning point that helps them secure Champions League football this season - that is the view of former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin, after the Magpies' 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Newcastle have won all three Premier League games since their Wembley victory over Liverpool and now sit fourth in the table with a game in hand on many of the teams around them.

Impressively, their win also came without boss Eddie Howe in the dugout after the Newcastle manager was taken to hospital late on Friday.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Nevin said: "I give it more than a solid win. I think I saw something different in Newcastle United.

"I see them quite a lot, but there has been a step up since they won the trophy. Every player seems to have improved that bit more.

"There is something about that inner belief. Beforehand they thought they could win something, now they know they can. I could pick out any player but Dan Burn looked like a colossus in the game, it was extraordinary.

"They obviously did it for the gaffer - get well soon, Eddie - but just looking at the team and how they have grown now, I am struggling to see how they don't get a top-five spot now and I wouldn't have said that before the cup final."

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