Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 4-0 defeat at Newcastle United – Franca impresses in debut cameo as Eagles fall to heavy loss

Crystal Palace suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat on the road at Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts scored three goals in the first half, with Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Sean Longstaff all finding a way past Sam Johnstone.

Callum Wilson added a fourth in the second half as the Eagles suffered their worst result of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

SAM JOHNSTONE – 5

Good save to deny Murphy in the 24th minute, pushing away a shot from the edge of the box.

Could do nothing about the four goals he conceded.

JOEL WARD – 5

Vital interception to steal the ball away from Callum Wilson in the first half, who had the easiest of tap-ins at the back post.

Another important stop later on to block a cross towards Gordon at the back post in the 57th minute.

MARC GUEHI – 4 

At fault for Newcastle’s third, with Sean Longstaff robbing the England defender on the edge of the box before slotting past Johnstone.

Lifted a shot over Nick Pope’s crossbar in the 74th minute.

 JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 5 

Along with the rest of the defence, the Danish defender had a tough afternoon.

Could not use his passing range to find a way through Newcastle’s defence and midfield.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 4 

Had a really difficult first half, with the overlap from Kieran Tripper and Jacob Murphy causing all sorts of problems. 

Looked better in the second half but was asked to do the defensive job of two players in the first half.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 4

Have to question whether he and Jefferson Lerma were 100 per cent fit.

The Mali international struggled up against Newcastle’s combative midfield three.

Had Palace’s first shot on target in the 66th minute.

JEFFERSON LERMA – 4 

Also looked overrun in the middle and was unable to hit the ground running after returning from injury.

WILL HUGHES – 5

Great challenge in the 15th minute to stop Jacob Murphy from creating a sight of goal on the edge of the box.

Played a good pass to Edouard in the 52nd, which forced a corner.

Was replaced by Matheus Franca in the 70th minute.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 4

Was limited out on the left and left Mitchell exposed defensively.

Forced a great save from Pope late on with a free-kick from the edge of the box.

JEAN PHILPPE-MATETA – 4

Went close to equalising just after Newcastle took the lead when he headed Will Hughes’ corner just past Nick Pope’s post.

Had to cope with scraps with most of his time on the pitch – the front three are seriously hindered by the lack of creativity in midfield.

Replaced by Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in the 59th minute.

JORDAN AYEW – 4

Did very little going forward, but helped out Mitchell when he was switched to the left-hand side.

SUBS: 

JESURUN RAK-SAKYI – 5 

Wanted to get on the ball and make things happen, but the game was gone by his introduction.

Nice move towards the end with Franca that led to a shot at Pope from the former Charlton loanee.

MATHEUS FRANCA – 6 

Picked up the ball in the 77th minute and shot from distance. For a 19-year-old making his debut, it showed impetus.

Two good set-pieces from corner situations.

Played a smart ball to Rak-Sakyi to set the winger up before full-time.

DAVID OZOH – NA