Bruno Guimarães has stepped up again for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side started 2026 with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies had Anthony Gordon’s and Joelinton’s goals ruled out for offside in the first half, but they finally found the breakthrough after the restart, with Guimarães well placed to score his seventh goal of the season in a tense game at St James’s Park.
Guimarães caused chaos in the Palace penalty area shortly after with his own corner kick, allowing Malick Thiau to add another point, securing all three points and lifting his team into ninth place.
Palace had a chance after Will Hughes went wide and debutant Brennan Johnson was denied by Nick Pope, but in the end their winless run stretched to seven games.
This is the latest disappointment in a string of poor results for Oliver Glassner, who has had his worst performance since being named Eagles manager. Palace dropped from 4th to 14th place with their fourth defeat on 10th December.
“We have to find a solution. We have to admit that we have completely failed at the moment,” Glasner said in his post-match press conference, referring to his team’s goals, both of which came from set-pieces.
“Five of the last six defeats have only been conceded from set-pieces: Strasbourg, Manchester United, Leeds, Tottenham and today.
“When it’s unstructured, it’s always phase two. You have to problem solve.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle are currently unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions at St James’ Park and will be hoping to extend that run in their next match against Leeds United on January 7, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Guimarães: Good start to the new year but now focused on Leeds
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Bruno Guimarães scores from close range to put Newcastle ahead against Palace
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães told Sky Sports:
“It was very tough. They defended very well. We weren’t good enough in the first half. After the goal, we played good football.”
“I’m happy for the players. We’re starting the year on a good foot. We’ve got to celebrate today and think about Leeds tomorrow.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Malik Thiaw doubles Newcastle’s lead after a scramble in the box
Howe: We need momentum and today was a big step.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:
“It’s a tough game and we always play Palace, so we knew it was going to be a tough game today so we had to be patient.
“It was a little bit tricky at times, but the substitutes did a really good job and helped us get over the line.
“The canceled goals were two good moves. There was tension in the stadium because we needed the first goal.
“The players had to deal with it. We got better as the game went on.
“I always thought we would improve, but we need to build momentum and confidence and today was a big step.”
Glasner: “We allowed too many set pieces, this is unacceptable”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports.
“It was a good performance, but we couldn’t defend the set-pieces. Four times at Leeds, twice today and once at Tottenham. This is unacceptable. We need to find a solution.”
“We can’t afford to concede goals from set-pieces. That’s why we lost today. Other than that, I was happy with everything else.
“Everyone is disappointed because the players have always given their maximum effort.
“We try things, we change things. That’s our responsibility. Always think about what we can improve to provide solutions to the players.”
