Newcastle United Soars to Third in Premier League with 5-0 Demolition of Crystal Palace

Eddie Howe; ‘No Swap For Isak’

April 16, 2025 – Newcastle United delivered a statement performance at St. James’ Park, crushing Crystal Palace 5-0 in a one-sided Premier League encounter. The Magpies’ scintillating display, led by a sensational hat-trick from Alexander Isak, propelled them to third place in the league standings, underlining their credentials as serious contenders this season.

Isak’s Masterclass and Newcastle’s Dominance

From the opening whistle, Newcastle asserted their authority, with their high-pressing game and fluid attacking play overwhelming a beleaguered Crystal Palace side. Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker in scintillating form, was the architect of Palace’s downfall, netting the 5th goals for Newcastle.

Jacob opened the scoring in the 15th minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Bruno Guimarães and slotting past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with composure. The 25-year-old doubled Newcastle’s lead just before the half-hour mark, heading in a pinpoint cross from Marc to send the St. James’ Park faithful into raptures.

Crystal Palace, already reeling, had no answer to Newcastle’s relentless attacking waves. Anthony Gordon added a third in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to rifle a low shot into the bottom corner. The first half ended with Newcastle in complete control, their 3-0 lead a fair reflection of their dominance.

Second-Half Rout

The second half saw no let-up from Eddie Howe’s men. Isak completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after Henderson parried a fierce strike from Miguel Almirón. The goal further deflated Palace, who struggled to create any meaningful chances against Newcastle’s resolute defense.

Valentino Livramento, the young right-back, capped off the rout in the 78th minute with a rare goal, bursting forward from defense and unleashing a stunning long-range effort that flew past Henderson. The 5-0 scoreline was Newcastle’s biggest win of the season and a testament to their attacking firepower and defensive discipline.

Newcastle’s Rise to Third

The victory extends Newcastle’s unbeaten run to five matches, with this being their third consecutive clean sheet. With 21 points from 12 games, the Magpies climb to third in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Nottingham Forest but ahead on goal difference. Arsenal and Liverpool remain ahead, but Newcastle’s form suggests they are firmly in the race for a Champions League spot.

Eddie Howe praised his team’s performance in the post-match press conference, singling out Isak for his “world-class” display. “Alex was unplayable today, but it was a complete team performance,” Howe said. “We’re building momentum, and the lads are playing with real confidence. We’ve got to keep this going.”

Crystal Palace’s Struggles Continue

For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks another low in a torrid campaign. Oliver Glasner’s side remains rooted in the relegation zone with just one win and six points from 12 matches. Their lack of attacking threat was evident, with only one shot on target throughout the game. Palace fans voiced their frustration as the team trudged off the pitch, and Glasner faces mounting pressure to turn things around.

“We were second-best in every department,” Glasner admitted. “Newcastle were clinical, and we couldn’t cope with their intensity. We need to regroup quickly and find solutions.”

Key Stats and Standout Performers

  • Newcastle’s attacking output: The Magpies recorded 22 shots, 10 on target, and an expected goals (xG) total of 3.8, highlighting their clinical edge.
  • Isak’s milestone: His hat-trick takes him to eight goals in 12 Premier League games this season, making him one of the league’s top scorers.
  • Defensive solidity: Newcastle’s third consecutive clean sheet underscores the growing partnership between center-backs Fabian Schär and Dan Burn, with goalkeeper Nick Pope barely tested.
  • Palace’s woes: The Eagles have now conceded 14 goals in their last four away games, with only one goal scored in that span.

Bruno Guimarães was instrumental in midfield, dictating play with his vision and tenacity, while Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon tormented Palace’s defense with their pace and directness. For Palace, Eberechi Eze was a rare bright spark but lacked support, with the team’s midfield overrun by Newcastle’s intensity.

What’s Next?

Newcastle will look to maintain their momentum when they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on April 20, a match that promises to be a stern test of their top-four credentials. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, face a crucial home clash against fellow strugglers Leicester City, where a result is desperately needed to lift morale.

For now, Newcastle fans can revel in their team’s ascent to third place and a performance that showcased their potential to compete at the Premier League’s summit. With Isak firing on all cylinders and Howe’s tactical blueprint yielding results, the Magpies are soaring—and the rest of the league is taking notice.

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