As Benitez takes a point
is another one for us both. I thought we were unlucky not to have taken all three points.”
On the face of things, it was a better point for Newcastle, away from home, against a relegation rival. However, after a composed first-half display, in which they took the lead through Mo Diame, they looked bedraggled and desperate for the final whistle to be blown by the end.
Zaha did that to them, even if it was Luka Milivojevic who scored Palace’s goal, from the penalty spot, after Ciaran Clark was a little unfortunate to be penalised for pulling the shirt of Christian Benteke when the Belgian striker was also pushing him away.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Karl Darlow, got both hands to the spot-kick, but could not keep it out and the Magpies were made to pay for not making the most of the chances they had to score a second goal. Kenedy missed the best of them when he shot straight at Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey just before half-time.
Having scored the equaliser, Palace were rampant. They looked the better, more accomplished side; the team with the superior players and therefore the one that will eventually pull clear of relegation danger.
But they have not done so yet and that is credit to Newcastle’s refusal to accept defeat here. Whatever they lack in quality, they make up for in spirit and that may still be enough to also keep them in the Premier League come May. The double block on the line by Clark in the dying seconds was typical of that determination, although Deandre Yedlin also deserves praise for at least trying to keep Zaha in check. “We are playing against good players like Zaha,” said the Newcastle manager, Rafa Benitez. “Even though we have someone like Yedlin who is quick and can deal with the ball in behind, when Zaha got the ball at his feet he is always dangerous and he did well, especially in the second half.
“Even when you know what he is capable of, when he dribbles, he can still hurt you. In the end our togetherness and spirit has got us through.
“In the first half, we were in control, doing well and we had another chance to score the second goal. But when you do not score the second goal, you are going to be put under pressure.
“The way we were blocking shots at the end, it is still another point extra for us so I’m quite happy.”