What Matthias Jaissle said after Newcastle’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace
Newcastle United got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.
Will Osula and Harvey Barnes struck early in the second half to secure all three points, as we bounced back from a poor opening 45 minutes and back-to-back defeats in the league.
Matthias Jaissle was pleased with the improvement after the break, admitting we needed to be more threatening in possession, while praising our determination to protect a lead.
Jaissle delighted with second-half response
We struggled to create much during a sluggish first half, with Palace looking the more likely to score as we failed to muster a single shot on target. However, we came out with greater attacking intent after the interval, as Osula opened the scoring before Barnes doubled our advantage.
Speaking after the match, Jaissle felt the team had not made enough of their hard work without the ball in the first half, but was pleased with our response.
“It was a tough game, especially in the first half. We couldn’t get ourselves the reward for the intensity we put in out of possession after the ball wins.
“In the second half, it was much better. We were more target-oriented, we threatened the opposition more.
“I think when it comes to the second half and that improvement, and in the end also that willingness to defend and to have that clean sheet, it was a deserved win.”
The boss expanded on the difference between the two halves, explaining that his players needed to be more positive when regaining possession.
“The first half out of possession wasn’t that bad but we didn’t have our offensive mindset after the ball wins.
“There were occasions when we could threaten the opposition but we hit the handbrake. In the second half, that was the element we improved and we deserved to win.”
Clean sheet key after defensive woes
After conceding eight goals across our previous two away defeats to Leeds and Coventry, Newcastle’s clean sheet was another important positive for Jaissle.
The head coach was particularly pleased with the fight shown by his players to ensure Palace could not find a route back into the game.
“It’s always nice as a coach that you see a team fighting for the clean sheet.
“It was mentioned quite a lot during the week in training sessions because that’s the fundamentals of football and that helps.
“Even if you don’t play a fantastic game in possession, you can rely on that, so we’re really pleased.”
