Dogged, determined….doughnuts! Palace keeper earns another sweet treat after heroics at Newcastle

BY ADAM SELLS

The late, great Brian Clough famously said that a top goalkeeper is worth 12 points a season to a team.

Palace’s custodian Vicente Guiata has certainly racked up a couple of points to his new season ‘account’ – following up a crucial late block against Brentford in midweek, with a stunning display at St James’ Park last weekend.

The Spaniard famously buys doughnuts for his team-mates every time they contribute to a clean sheet and his local baker will have been delighted at kneading some extra dough, ahead of the goalkeeper’s Monday morning visit.

Palace’s finance director certainly has plenty of ‘dough’ left, after the transfer window slammed shut some 40 hours prior to kick-off without sporting director Dougie Freedman being able to add much-needed attacking options to Patrick Vieira’s squad.

This was not the only disappointment the Eagles fans had suffered in the past seven days. Those making the 600-mile round trip to the blustery North East on Saturday had seen their team twice surrender leads during the previous week, ending up with just a single point from winning positions. Given the hosts’ excellent home record since Eddie Howe’s arrival, the challenge certainly looked a formidable one.

Though those of a Palace persuasion could be forgiven for thinking that this may have been a perfect time to face Howe’s men.

His Newcastle side were coming off the back of a sickening injury time defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday evening, with a day less rest than the opponents. When the teamsheet was submitted at 2pm Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin were notable absentees too.

But any hope of a hangover was dispelled early on, as Guaita came to fore denying new £60million man Alexander Isak on his home debut – standing up brilliantly after the rangy Swede had charged down Joachim Andersen’s attempted pass.

That was very much the shape of things to come and the Palace stopper next kept out a Sean Longstaff header – ably assisted by Cheick Doucoure, who made a sensational goal-line clearance.

Guaita’s goal was under siege, Miguel Almiron hit a post and the keeper then denied both Sven Botman and Isak again.

The best Palace were able to muster at the other end was a Jean-Philippe Mateta snapshot, parried by Nick Pope, and a tame Eberechi Eze strike on the stroke of half-time.

It was much the same after the interval and the game’s big moment arrived in the 51st minute when Guaita was poleaxed by Joe Willock as he attempted to claim a ball at the far post.

With the goalkeeper prone, the ball struck the hapless Tyrick Mitchell and bobbled into the net. After initially giving the goal, referee Michael Salisbury was advised by VAR official Lee Mason to take a second look – he disallowed the goal, despite it appearing that Mitchell may have pushed Willock into his keeper, who required lengthy treatment following the collision.

The home side continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock, with the Palace rearguard defending doggedly and at times desperately. It was a case of any which way, with a series of blocks, clearances and interceptions as Newcastle forced a number of corners.

The best opportunity for Vieira’s men fell to substitute Odsonne Edouard 18 minutes from time, when the French striker’s quick feet opened up a sight of goal, but his angled shot was repelled brilliantly by Pope’s right leg.

United boss Howe threw on both Chris Wood and Dan Burn in the latter stages, as the mismatch at set-plays was further amplified, but there was no way past the Palace keeper.

Fittingly, it was left to that man Guaita to make another outstanding low save from Willock before the end to ensure the sugar covered treats for his colleagues.

Like Palace at present, they may be a bit stodgy in the middle, but nothing is sweeter than a shut-out for the man between the sticks.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD