So much has changed since Christian Benteke scored the opening goal for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United back in October 2021. In what was the second game under the new ownership, and the first since Steve Bruce’s departure, the Magpies had Callum Wilson’s overhead kick to thank for a point in South London under the guidance of Graeme Jones.
Newcastle were on the dawn of a new era and, although it would take a few months for the tide to start to turn, a wave of positivity was sweeping through the club. No one could have dreamt of what was to come next, with Eddie Howe taking the helm and guiding the club first to safety that season and then the Champions League and a top-four finish.
If that match feels like a lifetime ago for Newcastle fans given what has happened since, spare a thought for the Palace faithful. For little did anyone know, but that header from Benteke would be the last time the Eagles scored against United.
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Since then, the two sides have met five times, playing an incredible 514 minutes of football without Palace finding the United net. Many have not been classics, mind, but it’s a record the Magpies will be keen to preserve heading into Wednesday night’s game at Selhurst Park.
Palace were beaten 1-0 in the return game in the 2021-22 season, with Miguel Almiron’s fabulous goal deciding the game, having been put through by Bruno Guimaraes. We probably should savour that goal because what followed was three goalless draws last season.
Newcastle should have won the Premier League game at St James’ Park but Joe Willock’s goal was wrongly ruled-out for a foul by VAR, while United won on penalties after an uninspiring Carabao Cup stalemate. The Selhurst Park game also ended goalless largely thanks to some heroics from Nick Pope in the United goal.
Fast forward to this season and Palace were comfortably despatched at 4-0 at St James’ Park In October, courtesy of goals from Jacob Murphy, Sean Longstaff, Anthony Gordon and that man Wilson again.
Palace may be showing signs of changing under Oliver Glasner – the 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield suggesting they’re a different team these days – but with Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Co in fine goalscoring form, another shut-out could see all three points heading back up the A1 with United.
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