Daniel Muñoz’s header in stoppage time earned Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday, denying Eddie Howe’s side all three points at Selhurst Park.
Newcastle could have been behind in the first half after Muñoz squandered a golden chance to put Palace ahead. The Eagles had been the more dangerous side until the break but were punished shortly after halftime.
England defender Marc Guehi turned a low cross from Anthony Gordon into his own net following a clever set-piece routine from the Magpies.
Although Newcastle wasn’t at their best, it seemed they were heading for a win until the final moments. In the 94th minute, Muñoz met a deep cross from Guehi and headed it past Nick Pope, who had been superb throughout, sealing a frustrating finish for the visitors.
Howe made a couple of changes for the match, bringing Dan Burn back into the starting lineup following his suspension and opting to play Sandro Tonali in a deeper midfield role.
The early stages saw a fragmented first half, with Palace looking the brighter team. Newcastle survived a couple of injury scares early on when Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Alexander Isak all required treatment within the first 15 minutes.
Fabian Schär made a vital clearance to deny Palace a promising chance when Eberechi Eze was played through by Ismaila Sarr.
Isak’s injury after a collision with Tyrick Mitchell forced Howe into a change, introducing Harvey Barnes.
However, Newcastle struggled to create clear-cut chances as Palace defended resolutely despite only one win in their last six Premier League games.
Palace appeared the more dangerous side in the first half. Trevoh Chalobah’s long-range shot sailed over the bar, and Pope had to be at his best to deny Sarr’s poked effort. A huge let-off came when Muñoz missed a sitter from close range after a quick counter-attack, with Sarr setting him up perfectly.
In the second half, Newcastle came out with more intent and were rewarded in the 53rd minute. A beautifully executed free-kick routine involving Lewis Hall, Gordon, and Tonali led to Gordon’s low cross across the face of goal, which was mishandled by Palace’s defense, with Guehi accidentally putting the ball into his own net.
The goal boosted Newcastle’s confidence, but Palace quickly looked to respond. Sarr forced a fine save from Pope, and Muñoz’s follow-up effort was blocked on the line by Burn.
That clearance proved crucial as Palace pushed for an equalizer. Guehi sent a header over from a corner, and Pope saved Sarr’s strike at the near post. Minutes later, Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a good opportunity when he blazed over after the ball fell to him in the box.
With the game still in the balance, Howe brought on Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff in the final 15 minutes, while Palace made attacking changes with Eddie Nketiah and Jeffrey Schlupp.
Despite a stubborn Newcastle defense and excellent goalkeeping from Pope, Palace found an equalizer in the dying moments. Muñoz’s header from Guehi’s deep cross eluded Pope, earning the hosts a dramatic point.
The draw leaves Newcastle in 10th place as they prepare for a busy December, starting with a visit from league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.
