Newcastle United have struggled to create many openings at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson yet to have his hands warmed in this capital clash.
The opening quarter of this midweek showdown in the capital saw Newcastle having to defend as Palace asked all the early questions at Selhurst Park. Newcastle’s best chance came just before the half hour mark when Bruno Guimaraes hoisted a fine ball into the path of Alexander Isak but he was denied by Dean Henderson who rushed out.
For all Palace’s possession and their nine goal attempts, they find themselves level at the break and the second half can only get better when it comes to real entertainment. TV bosses who overlooked this fixture have so far been justified in their decision.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak contract talks could be on the way at Newcastle United due to salary ‘clause’
READ MORE: I’ve no sympathy after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Newcastle moan when Man United can still save £100m
Here’s how the players rated in the first half:
Martin Dubravka 7
Has watched a couple of ambitious long range efforts drift to safety. Has dealt well with a couple of shots on target.
Jacob Murphy 6
Not adapting as well as Anderson to the duel role.
Emil Krafth 7
Getting stuck in and also trying to be the outlet when Newcastle break.
Fabian Schar 7
A couple of key blocks and has controlled things in the defensive zone.
Dan Burn 7
Assured stuff so far from the skipper.
Elliot Anderson 8
A commanding display as he drifts from being an attacking midfielder to a wing-back.
Sean Longstaff 7
One through ball for Harvey Barnes split the home defence when the £38million man should have done better. A dogged midfield showing so far.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Relatively slick stuff from the Brazil star. A sumptuous ball into the path of Alexander Isak.
Anthony Gordon 6
Working hard to find some gaps in the Palace defence.
Harvey Barnes 6
Has not delivered in the first half. Wasted one good early chance.
Alexander Isak 6
One big opening wasted. No shots at goal yet.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/crystal-palace-0-0-newcastle-29051928
