Crystal Palace earned their first point of the Premier League season with a late goal from Eberechi Eze to secure a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, recovering from a slow start to salvage a share of the points in the improved second half.
The deadlock was broken by the home team in the 25th minute when Palace defender Marc Guehi ventured forward and lost possession unwisely. The Blues responded promptly, as Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net from a short distance after receiving a pass from Cole Palmer.
Despite being outplayed in the first half, Palace managed to change their luck in the second half, with Eze scoring the equalizer in the 53rd minute. Eze capitalized on the rebound from Cheick Doucoure’s blocked shot and skillfully curled the ball into the net from long range.
Both teams had opportunities to score a winning goal during the second half, with Levi Colwill coming close for Chelsea and Daichi Kamada from Palace creating a chance that resulted in a great save. Despite over eight minutes of added time, neither team could find the back of the net, and the match ended in a draw.
During the match at St James’ Park on Sunday, Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak scored a decisive goal in a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, as they held off pressure from the visitors in the second half to secure the win in an entertaining Premier League match.
Newcastle’s early lead from Harvey Barnes was erased by a Dan Burn own goal in the second half as Spurs missed several opportunities to score and ultimately lost to a fast counterattack from the home team.
Joelinton executed a perfect defense-splitting pass to Jacob Murphy, who skillfully drew out goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Murphy then set up Alexander Isak, allowing him to score and secure the victory. This crucial goal ensured that manager Eddie Howe’s team continued their impressive unbeaten streak, maintaining their strong form since January and earning three valuable points in the process.
To Newcastle’s joy, their Italian player Sandro Tonali returned to the league after serving a 10-month ban for breaking betting regulations, and was warmly welcomed by the home fans.
Newcastle currently hold seven points after three matches, while Tottenham still have four.
Isak informed Sky Sports that in general, we weren’t anticipating to have a large amount of possession. “We desired to pose a threat on the counter-attack. Our performance wasn’t the prettiest, but we did a great job defending and managed to score two goals, which is positive.
“You must always maintain focus.” Feeling frustrated comes naturally. The game was challenging and difficult for me – I wasn’t at my best.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou regretted the scoreline but not the performance, as his team dominated the game for extended periods.
“We unfortunately lost control of it,” stated the Australian. “We could have easily won the game, but we ended up with no victory, which is really disappointing to accept.”
Isak hit the post with an opportunity in the beginning before Newcastle scored against the flow of the game after 37 minutes.
A rapid throw-in set up Lloyd Kelly to send a low cross from the left, which was excellently directed into the far corner by Barnes.
The away team equalized after Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope was unable to stop a shot from James Maddison, leading to Brennan Johnson’s attempt being inadvertently scored by Burn.
Tottenham kept attacking the Newcastle goal, but it was the home team that scored the winning goal with Joelinton’s vision and Murphy’s composure to assist Sweden’s Isak.