Newcastle United ‘wow factor’ is even making enemies snub Real Madrid and Arsenal

A former unpopular Toon manager who lasted just eight months in the hot seat, the 70-year-old later managed Sunderland, helping the Black Cats stay up at Newcastle’s expense nine years ago. That chequered history hardly makes Allardyce top of the list when considering United’s most avid followers.

However, “Big Sam” could not switch the channel once the Magpies began their demolition job on Crystal Palace. Newcastle kicked off at 7.30pm, with many neutrals catching the first half an hour before switching to events in Madrid.

But a relentless wave of black-and-white attack saw Newcastle head into the half-time break 4-0 up. Naturally, the Magpies eased off the accelerator following the restart, eventually winning 5-0 to move into third place.

Click here to join NewcastleWorld's dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel for news videos and voice notes. CLICK THE FOR NOTIFICATIONS.

As it happened, Arsenal also emerged victorious at the Bernabeu, completing the Champions League double over Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Former Newcastle and Sunderland manager Allardyce - who also coached Palace - was asked about his thoughts on the European showdown but had a stark confession.

“I do have to admit, I only watched the highlights (of Real Madrid vs Arsenal),” he told talkSPORT. “I got stuck watching Newcastle. They were that good!”

Allardyce was particularly impressed by Jacob Murphy as he completed his Toon turnaround. The 30-year-old scored from an unorthodox angle - similar to Sandro Tonali a fortnight ago - to break the deadlock after 14 minutes.

“He’s like turbo-charged,” Allardyce added. “He’s up and down that right-hand side now. I don’t quite know where it’s come from. It’s not just a one-off, it’s his consistent level of performance. He must have just clicked on what he does week in, week out.”

However, the former Premier League boss had no time for the xG stats that went viral at the full-time whistle. Despite seemingly dominating Palace from the off, Newcastle trailed the Eagles for “expected goals” - with many dismissing the data as nonsensical.

“I’m reading this morning that Crystal Palace should have won according to xG,” Allardyce fumed. “My xG was about seven or eight to Newcastle in the end! Apart from the penalty (that Eberechi Eze missed), you would have expected them (Palace) to score that.”

YOUR NEXT READ: Alan Pardew brutally honest on Harvey Barnes and Jason Tindall - thoughts Newcastle United supporters?