What 'match momentum' said about Palace's loss at Newcastle

On the surface, Crystal Palace's 5-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday was as comprehensive as Premier League defeats get. The match momentum below shows the Eagles more than matched their opponents in terms of threat and were frequently the team more likely to score. Palace recorded an expected goals (xG) of 2 compared to Newcastle's 1.39 - inflated by Eberechi Eze's first-half penalty miss - and had 28 touches in the Magpies' penalty area compared to their opponents' 17.

[Getty Images]On the surface, Crystal Palace's 5-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday was as comprehensive as Premier League defeats get.However, the stats tell a slightly different story.The match momentum below shows the Eagles more than matched their opponents in terms of threat and were frequently the team more likely to score.

[BBC][BBC]Palace recorded an expected goals (xG) of 2 compared to Newcastle's 1.39 - inflated by Eberechi Eze's first-half penalty miss - and had 28 touches in the Magpies' penalty area compared to their opponents' 17.However, whereas the hosts were at their clinical best - particularly in the first half - Palace stuttered in front of goal and conceded five for the second game in a row.

The Eagles have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to later this month and retain slight hopes of qualifying for Europe. But while they are still offering a threat in front of goal, Oliver Glasner will need his defence to tighten up for a strong ending to the season..