Oliver Glasner on cloud nine and looking up as Crystal Palace romp to third win on the spin

Just two months into the job, Oliver Glasner’s love of metaphors is already clear.

A third straight win over top-half opposition for Crystal Palace last night was an opportune moment to dust off his latest. “Since the Liverpool game, we’re flying on a cloud,” he said. “It’s so nice there, because it’s sunny, not raining like below.”

After beating Burnley 3-0 in Glasner’s first match in charge, Palace failed to win any of their next five. But high-octane football was present throughout that run, and the tangible rewards are now coming.

Last night’s win over Newcastle follows a 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield and a 5-2 victory against West Ham. Palace, for the first time since last April, have won three games in a row.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace means he now has eight goals in nine games under Glasner, and victory sealed “mission No1” for the Austrian: safety.

Since the Liverpool game, we’re flying on a cloud. It’s so nice there, sunny, not raining like below

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner

The goals continue to flow for Mateta, who has scored more times since Glasner took charge in February than every Premier League player bar Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

He looked a blunt sword under Patrick Vieira, a rough diamond under Roy Hodgson, but is shining now.

Michael Olise was given a rest last night and Eberechi Eze was the best player on the pitch.

The expansion this week of Euro 2024 squads from 23 players to 26 means Gareth Southgate can pick at least one deputy to Jude Bellingham in the No10 position. With James Maddison struggling at Spurs, Eze pushed his own cause no end last night.

Glasner said he was “scared” by his players’ pressing intensity in the first 30 minutes. “Newcastle didn’t get out their half,” he added, and it was certainly surprising how limited the visitors’ threat was, considering they are the side chasing European football.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Will Hughes and Nathaniel Clyne, who was playing at right centre-back, were unsung heroes — players who looked past it under Hodgson but given a new lease of life by Glasner.

“The intensity of training has increased under the new manager,” said Clyne. “The analysts say we’re running more, and it seems to be working for us.”

There were strong performances all round last night. Adam Wharton can do everything, yet never overcomplicates, while Jordan Ayew’s one-touch assist for Mateta’s opener was brilliant.

Palace had 20 shots to Newcastle’s seven and dominated. If they can tally such wins without the injured Marc Guehi, Cheick Doucoure and Jefferson Lerma, what could they achieve with them back?

It showed Glasner’s drive that when asked about winning three games on the bounce, he spoke only of his desire for a fourth. “We win every game two days before the game, on the video screen with our analysts,” he said. “I hope the players get addicted to winning games.”

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.