---
title: "Crystal Palace star questioned over Gonzalez goal in Newcastle defeat"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/10/26/perry-groves-adam-wharton-newcastle-defeat/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Shumail Sajid"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2026-10-26T14:33:31Z"
modified: "2026-10-26T14:33:32Z"
---

# Crystal Palace star questioned over Gonzalez goal in Newcastle defeat

**Newcastle United won 2-0 at Selhurst Park, ending their own two-game winless run, while piling up the misery on Crystal Palace.**

Pierre Sage’s side suffered another defeat after losing against Brighton in the previous game as well.

Newcastle’s Gonzalez started in the midfield and made his presence felt in midfield. On the other side, Wharton’s mistake led to the second goal of the afternoon.

Former [Premier League](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/premier-league/) winger Perry Groves criticised the England midfielder and thought Adam Wharton needed to show more strength after the Crystal Palace midfielder lost possession to Newcastle United’s Nico Gonzalez in the build-up to Harvey Barnes’ goal on Sunday.

## **Groves says Adam Wharton must be stronger**

Adam Wharton lost the ball to Gonzalez near the edge of Palace’s penalty area, allowing Newcastle to launch an attack that ended with Barnes scoring in the 58th minute.

[Speaking on talkSPORT as quoted by Insidefutbol](https://insidefutbol.com/2026/10/26/just-didnt-mean-enough-crystal-palace-star-bullied-by-newcastle-man-believes-ex-pl-winger/731125/) after the goal, Groves was asked whether Gonzalez had bullied the Palace midfielder. He made it clear that he expected more from Wharton in that situation.

“He’s got to be stronger. Adam Wharton has got to be stronger”, Groves said.

“It just didn’t mean enough to him. He’s got to put his body in between Gonzalez and the ball.”

Newcastle were able to capitalise, leaving Palace with another goal to chase as they struggled to get back into the game.

## **Groves praises Newcastle’s second-half response**

Newcastle had looked a different side after half-time, according to the former winger, who pointed to their quicker passing and improved work without the ball.

“But Matthias Jaissle, that’s got to be one of his best half-time team-talks because this is a completely different Newcastle team in the second half.

“They are moving the ball quicker, making better decisions, snapping into tackles.”

Barnes’ goal proved a decisive moment in the second half, with Gonzalez’s challenge on Wharton helping Newcastle create the opening.

The result will be another frustrating moment to look back on after a home defeat as pressure mounts over Pierre Sage. Although [Sage is confident of backing by the Crystal Palace](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/10/26/pierre-sage-crystal-palace-backing-newcastle-defeat/)board, [Kieran Mckenna is one of the top contender](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/10/26/crystal-palace-kieran-mckenna-manager-race/) at Crystal Palace.