Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy have raised concerns over Newcastle United's away form in their quest for European football. The Magpies were second best at Selhurst Park last night as they lost 2-0 at Crystal Palace.
A second half double from Jean-Philippe Mateta ended United's four-match unbeaten run. It means Eddie Howe's team have now lost eight of their past 11 Premier League away fixtures (W3).
Speaking on Match of the Day last night, pundit Murphy said: “I think it’s more their away form. They have been a force at home but away they have struggled massively this season.”
Presenter Lineker agreed with Murphy's assessment, saying: “They are a different side away from home, no question about that.”
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Manchester United leapfrogged the Magpies into sixth spot after coming from behind to beat bottom club Sheffield United. With five matches remaining, United trail the Red Devils by three points.
On their below-par display at Palace, Howe said: "We were disappointing today. Never really got into our best fluent rhythm.
"Disappointed especially with the first 60 minutes. We were nowhere near where we wanted to be. Disappointed with our technical performance today, we are usually better than that."
The United boss is demanding a strong reaction from his players, starting at home to the Blades this weekend. "There is a big opportunity for us, we can't let [our season] peter out and we've got a big chance to quickly bounce back," he added.
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