Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle has been described as a valuable confidence lift for the hosts, although former Magpies defender John Anderson believes the result alone does not prove they have solved their recent problems.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Anderson felt the opening half offered little from either side. Newcastle then scored twice shortly after the interval, with the first goal changing the feel of the contest and Palace struggling to recover.
Anderson said Palace appeared to lose belief once Newcastle went ahead, allowing the home side to control the remainder of the match. The clean sheet was also viewed as an important positive for Newcastle after their recent results.
However, he stressed that the performance was far from fluent and that Newcastle still have significant work ahead of them. In his view, beating Palace represented an important three points and a boost for the team, but it was too soon to conclude that the club had definitively turned a corner.
William Osula scored for Newcastle after returning to the starting line-up, with the victory completed by the second goal early in the second half.
