One 9/10, an awful 4 & two 8s - Newcastle player ratings from Crystal Palace win

A solid start to 2026 for Newcastle United, who found two second-half goals to beat a stubborn Crystal Palace side on Sunday.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in yesterday's 2-0 win at St James' Park.

Starting 11

Pope (7) - Our first clean sheet in 12 games and he was fairly untroubled throughout. Made one save to deny Johnson and commanded his box well on the one or two occasions he had to. 

Miley (9*) - Barely put a foot wrong throughout and looks completely at ease at right back. Completed 59/59 passes and his ability to dribble out of tight spaces has improved immeasurably. Showed great determination to hook the ball back for the opening goal and defended with real discipline to help preserve our clean sheet. 

Thiaw (8) - Had Mateta in his pocket throughout and scored the vital second goal to round off a tremendous all round performance. Made some crucial defensive contributions and continues to be a bargain signing.

Schar (6) - Was solid defensively and won plenty in the air, but his lack of care in possession is becoming a real cause for concern. Far too often he just gifts possession back to the opposition and denies us any chance of getting a foothold in the game. Would've been a 7 had he not been careless on the ball in that second half.

Hall (5) - Uncharacteristically poor performance compared to his usual high standards. Lost possession 16 times in the first half and was possibly not 100% fit after twisting his ankle at Burnley. Came off just after the hour mark. 

Tonali (6) - Some crucial defensive recoveries in the first half, where he looked more at it physically, but he continues to be below the standard we expect in possession with some cheap giveaways. Could find his position under threat for the game against Leeds and looks like he could use a rest.

Guimaraes (8) - Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Developing a knack for scoring important goals and this was a very important goal in front of the Gallowgate. Is timing his runs into the box much better this season and is being rewarded with some vital goals. The heartbeat of the team.

Joelinton (7.5) - Physically very impressive and a welcome return to form. Looked more assured in possession too and seems to have regained some of the confidence that had eluded him earlier this season. Had a goal ruled out for offside that he took tremendously well.

Murphy (4) - Has regressed alarmingly in recent weeks with a complete inability to do anything productive in possession, also looking slow to react and weak in much of his play on and off the ball. Will be very fortunate to keep his place in the team against Leeds. Had a real opportunity with Elanga being out to cement his position but has failed miserably.

Gordon (5) - Was the best player for the first 15 minutes and had a goal ruled out for offside which you feel like he needed to boost his confidence. Struggled to really get into the game and will have Barnes pushing for a spot on the left against Leeds after his lively cameo.

Wissa (6) - Starved of any real service as has become the norm for our forwards when we’re in possession. Did a lot of good work off the ball with some intelligent runs in behind, but is still building his understanding with his new teammates. 

Substitutes 

Barnes (7) - Made a real impact when he came on and will find himself in the starting line up at the expense of Murphy. Played a big role in the opening goal and nearly added a third late on.

Livramento (5) - Undercooked and didn’t want any part of a 50/50 challenge with Wharton which led to a chance for Brennan Johnson. Can afford to be eased back into the team with the form of Miley.

Ramsey (5) - Had plenty of time to make an impact but didn’t really do anything of note which has been the story of his season, unfortunately.

Woltemade (NR) - Some nice pieces of link play and won the ball back well.  

Willock (NR) - Missed a sitter.