William Osula praises 'top' Newcastle United star as Matthias Jaissle gives instant Crystal Palace reaction
Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle United: William Osula and Harvey Barnes scored as Matthias Jaissle’s side got back to winning ways in the Premier League.
William Osula marked his return to the Newcastle United starting line-up with a goal in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
It ended a run of successive defeats for Matthias Jaissle’s side in the Premier League as they moved into the top half of the table with a much-needed three points.
The match was Osula’s first start for Newcastle since the opening weekend of the season after being ruled out for a couple of months due to a foot injury. After a goalless first half at Selhurst Park, Osula reacted well to volley in Jacob Murphy’s low cross to give the Magpies the lead.
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It marked Osula’s sixth goal in his last nine Premier League starts, stretching back to his goal in the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace back in March.
“I am really happy to be back with the team and contribute to getting wins like today,” Osula said following the win.
“It was a top cross from Murphy [for my goal]. I was speaking to him about giving me that one cross and I would have the connection ready. I’m so happy he did the cross and I could score.
“It was important that we got a win and the three points today. We need to take what we did today and take it into the next games.”
Joe Willock had a goal ruled out for offside minutes later before Harvey Barnes doubled Newcastle’s advantage with his fourth goal of the season, turning in Amar Dedic’s low cross into the box.
A ‘deserved win’ for NUFC
Reflecting on Osula’s return to the side with a goal, Jaissle said: “A striker's job, right? He did an amazing job. We're happy that he's getting back on track. He was out for a long time, so now physically he's improving, and he's a player with huge potential.
“It was a tough game, especially in the first half. We couldn't get ourselves the reward for the intensity we put in out of possession after the ball wins.
“In the second half, it was much better. We were more target-oriented, we threatened the opposition more and, therefore, I think when it comes to the second half and that improvement, and in the end also that willingness to defend and to have that clean sheet, it was a deserved win.”
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Everton in the Carabao Cup last-16 on Thursday night before they host the Toffees at St James’ Park in their next Premier League match the following Monday.