Newcastle Silence Critics With Palace Win as VAR Denies Joe Willock in Dramatic Second-Half Spell

Newcastle United desperately needed a response, and they delivered at Selhurst Park. After a difficult run of results, the Magpies defeated Crystal Palace 2–0 on Sunday, October 25, but the victory came with a VAR moment that could have made the afternoon even more painful for the hosts.

The first half offered little excitement, with Palace creating some promising opportunities without finding the breakthrough. Newcastle, however, emerged from the break with a different level of urgency. Just two minutes into the second half, Jacob Murphy delivered a superb cross that Will Osula converted to give the visitors the lead. It was a crucial moment for Osula, who was making his first start since the opening day of the season.

Then came the moment that had Newcastle celebrating before VAR intervened. Joe Willock finished brilliantly after Joelinton played him through, seemingly doubling the Magpies’ advantage. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside. Newcastle were denied a second goal, but they refused to let the decision derail their momentum. The disallowed effort became a brief interruption rather than a turning point in Palace’s favour.

Just six minutes later, Newcastle struck again. Amar Dedić supplied a low cross, and Harvey Barnes finished confidently to make it 2–0. The second goal underlined the visitors’ improved attacking intensity after the interval, while Palace struggled to find a convincing response. Goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček also played his part, making important saves as the hosts attempted to get back into the contest. The final whistle confirmed a valuable away victory for Matthias Jaissle’s side.

For Newcastle, this was about more than three points. Having lost three of their previous four matches, they needed to show greater organisation, composure and cutting edge. They did exactly that when it mattered. The VAR decision will naturally attract discussion among supporters, particularly because Willock’s finish looked to have put the game beyond Palace earlier than expected. But the confirmed reason for the disallowed goal was offside, not a subjective foul or a disputed red card. Newcastle’s response after that setback was arguably the more important story.