Newcastle thrash Crystal Palace 5-0 to boost Champions League hopes

Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak lead Newcastle’s charge past Crystal Palace with a dominant 5-0 victory.

Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United scores the third goal during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at St James' Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on April 16, 2025. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Newcastle thrash Crystal Palace 5-0 to boost Champions League hopes as Eddie Howe’s side climbed to third in the Premier League table following a commanding performance at St. James’ Park. Despite the absence of their manager, the Magpies looked sharper, faster, and hungrier than ever, scoring five unanswered goals in a show of strength that underlined their top-four credentials.

With this result, Newcastle not only bagged their sixth straight win in all competitions but also opened up a crucial five-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea. The win keeps their European dream very much alive, and based on current form, a return to the Champions League looks more than likely.

Ruthless Newcastle tear Palace apart

The match began with an electric pace as Newcastle wasted no time asserting dominance. Alexander Isak was the first to threaten, nearly putting his team ahead twice in the opening 10 minutes. First, he forced a brilliant save from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Then moments later, he headed over the bar from close range after a dangerous Jacob Murphy cross.

But the early pressure paid off soon enough. In the 14th minute, Murphy found the net with an outrageous strike from a tight angle, firing Newcastle into the lead and sending the home crowd into raptures. The finish showcased not just his technical ability but also Newcastle’s aggressive intent.

Palace had a golden opportunity to equalize shortly after when Newcastle keeper Nick Pope clumsily charged off his line and brought down Chris Richards. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. However, Eberechi Eze’s effort from the spot lacked conviction, and Pope atoned for his error with a comfortable save.

That missed opportunity haunted Palace immediately. Within 60 seconds, Newcastle punished their visitors again. Harvey Barnes surged down the flank and whipped in a low cross that defender Marc Guehi accidentally turned into his own net. For the England international, it was the second own goal against Newcastle this season—adding insult to injury.

First-half demolition sets the tone

Things went from bad to worse for the Eagles. Harvey Barnes, who has been in scintillating form since returning from injury, made it 3-0 with a composed finish past Henderson for his fourth goal in just three games. Barnes’ pace and sharp movement caused nightmares for the Palace backline all evening.

By the 41st minute, the hosts added a fourth. Murphy turned provider again as his expertly delivered free-kick was met by Fabian Schar, who glanced the ball past Henderson to leave Palace shell-shocked before the interval.

Assistant manager Jason Tindall, standing in for the unwell Eddie Howe, couldn’t have asked for a better half. Speaking after the game, Tindall credited the team’s recent League Cup triumph for the confidence now radiating through the squad. “That gave us huge confidence,” he said. “We enjoyed that for a while but knew our real goal was to finish as high as possible. The manager sets that standard, and the players are following through.”

Isak finally gets his goal

The second half began in much the same fashion as the first. Newcastle’s intensity didn’t drop. Isak, who had been left frustrated by missed chances and excellent goalkeeping, was finally rewarded in the 59th minute. Collecting the ball from distance, he unleashed a curling effort that beat Henderson and nestled into the bottom corner—his 25th goal of the season across all competitions.

The goal capped off an individual display of determination. Isak’s overall performance highlighted just how vital he is to Newcastle’s attack—capable of playing both as a finisher and creator.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace looked stunned and unable to respond. Their midfield was bypassed with ease, and their defenders had no answer to the pace and movement of Barnes, Murphy, and Isak. Manager Oliver Glasner admitted his side were second-best from start to finish. “There are some days where nothing works, and at the same time everything worked for Newcastle,” he said. “We couldn’t deal with their intensity and directness and pace.”

Champions League within reach

With this emphatic victory, Newcastle have sent a clear message to their Premier League rivals. They are not just contenders for a top-five spot—they’re favorites. Their goal difference, defensive organization, and attacking fluency are all peaking at the right time.

Their run of form comes at a critical point in the season. After ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought by winning the League Cup last month, the Magpies are now focused on finishing strong in the league. Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa looms large—a battle that could define the European positions.

Yet, for now, Newcastle fans can relish a perfect night under the lights. The team’s unity, the roar of St. James’ Park, and the sheer joy on the faces of the players showed that this is a club that believes in something big.

Palace left licking their wounds

For Crystal Palace, the defeat was a stark reality check. The Eagles, now 12th in the table, must turn their attention to the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa later this month. That competition now represents their only chance at silverware this season, and a lift in morale is desperately needed.

Guehi’s own goal, Henderson’s struggles in net, and a general lack of structure will be concerns for Glasner moving forward. Although Palace have shown moments of promise throughout the campaign, consistency has eluded them.

They’ll need to reset quickly. But for now, their trip to Tyneside will be remembered as a bruising encounter.

Newcastle’s top performers

Jacob Murphy was sensational throughout the match. His opening goal set the tone, and his assist from a dead-ball situation showed his versatility. Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, continues to be a revelation since joining the Magpies. Not only has he delivered goals, but his ability to stretch the field gives Newcastle an extra edge.

Alexander Isak may have had a frustrating start to the evening, but his perseverance was admirable. His 25th goal of the season is a landmark and reinforces his growing status as one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards.

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