Newcastle may have just come off of one of their worst performances of the season – a convincing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, but that doesn’t mean they all played poorly.
In fact, even with Martin Dubravka probably at fault for Patrick Van Aanholt’s free-kick goal, he probably still has an argument of being the player of the match for the away team.
In the first half, he pulled off two terrific saves to stop Palace going ahead, coming from close range from Scott Dann and Gary Cahill respectively.
It was worrying signs for Newcastle as Roy Hodgson’s side managed to have 18 goal attempts – unheard of for the Eagles this season.
Was Dubravka the bargain of the decade?
Yes
No
Perhaps if Dubravka didn’t have such a great game the game could have been more of a formality for Palace.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Bruce waxed lyrical about the goalkeeper, describing him as “outstanding”.
Plenty of Newcastle fans have had their say on Twitter about whether or not he has been their best player, and the response was pretty overwhelming.
As you can see from the replies below, the fans think he’s the obvious choice…
Not arguably. He is unquestionably our best player
— Ben Simpson (@beno_simmo500) February 24, 2020
Without question. Without him, we’d be fighting to get out of relegation.
— Adam (@tabret2004) February 24, 2020
No arguably Steve.
Bacon you say— Rob Watson (@whickhamrobbie) February 24, 2020
Not even arguable is it
— Rob Murray (@RobbMry) February 24, 2020
Not really that much competition lately in all fairness.
— Dennis Patterson (@DennisP45853921) February 24, 2020
Arguably?? Who’s going to argue?
— NUFC Gallowgate (@NUFCgallowgate) February 24, 2020
Thankfully, despite the shocking performances of late and the lack of goals, they have a seven-point buffer on 17th and have 31 points, so they should just about be okay.