Jean-Philippe Mateta’s double keeps Palace revival rolling and bruises Newcastle’s European hopes

The frightening inconsistency that has always held back Crystal Palace and denied them true Premier League momentum has given way to a richness that swept away Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.

Forget the scoreline, this was every much as inventive as Palace’s 5-2 victory over West Ham on Sunday and as determined as their win over Liverpool at Anfield.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s two goals proved the difference as Newcastle’s Europa League ambitions stalled in south London.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “It was a great performance of energy, of intensity and trying to score goals. I hope the players get addicted to winning games and I want to say thank you to them for their trust.”

Confidence and positivity oozed through the home side from the moment Joachim Andersen had an early shot on the turn blocked by Fabian Schar.

Eberechi Eze teased the Newcastle defenders throughout, while his quickly snapped free-kick forced Martin Dubravka into a scrambling save.

Languid at times, dynamic at others and always calm, Eze was helped by the first thought of his midfielders, particularly the outstanding Adam Wharton, to press and win the ball back.

Newcastle struggled to make headway. Alexander Isak lost control of the ball as he raced through, before Harvey Barnes saw a shot deflected wide.

Palace took the lead with a move of stunning simplicity. Eze played the ball into Mateta who fashioned a delightful one-two with Jordan Ayew before stroking home his shot.

It was Palace’s first goal against Newcastle in six matches. After Will Hughes had clipped a first-time curling shot onto the roof of the net, the midfielder pulled the ball back for Mateta to steer his second through the legs of Dubravka after 88 minutes.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “We were disappointing in most aspects of our play. We have to take responsibility, but maybe that 10-day gap between games hampered us.”