Eddie Howe labelled Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace as "harsh" as his team's European ambitions were dealt a further blow.

Newcastle took the lead with their first effort on target as William Osula scored from close range towards the end of the first half at Selhurst Park.

Yet the Magpies, who succumbed to a comeback defeat against Sunderland in their previous Premier League outing, were once again on the wrong end of a turnaround.

Palace equalised through substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta after he was picked out by Tyrick Mitchell, and the striker completed the comeback when he scored from the penalty spot after Sven Botman pulled back Jefferson Lerma inside the area.

Howe told Sky Sports: "The defeat is harsh on us because we controlled the majority of the first half and phases of the second. The goal we conceded at the end is really, really poor from our perspective.

"It's becoming difficult for us, with how things are going for us, especially when protecting a lead.

"I thought we were in total control with 60 minutes gone, but their substitutes made a difference. Jean-Philippe Mateta in particular proved a difficult customer for us to deal with.

"The defeat is harsh on us because we control."

Newcastle have now have dropped 25 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season – five more than any other side.

They had only seven attempts, though they did get three of those on target. However, their 1.13 expected goals was less than half that of Palace, who finished with 2.34 xG.

Newcastle sit 14th, below Palace on goal difference.

Oliver Glasner chose to rotate some of his key players after Palace's exploits against Fiorentina in the Conference League on Thursday, but his team still came back to win a home league game after trailing at half-time in the league for the first time since October 2022.

Glasner said: "To get the turnaround and get the win is a lot of credit to the players. We had a great impact from the bench again, which is good.

"It's not easy when you play every three days. Your energy levels are sometimes a bit low. It helped us give some players some rest. Others also did really well and worked hard. It is a boost for the players and boost for Selhurst Park.

"It's not always easy to create momentum. And then you have to keep it and not throw it away. We are on track."

Palace have won two of their last three home Premier League games, as many victories as across their prior 13 outings at Selhurst Park combined (D6 L5).