Pierre Sage's days at Crystal Palace feel numbered as clinical Newcastle triumph 2-0 to ease pressure on Matthias Jaissle, writes BOBBI MANZI

Two managers were desperate to alleviate the pressure on their jobs at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

For 45 minutes, it looked as though both Matthias Jaissle and Pierre Sage would achieve that - with defences on top in a tame affair.

But an 11-minute Magpies masterclass saw Palace implode, leaving the Newcastle boss in a much more secure job than the man in the opposite dugout.

Newcastle sliced through Palace as William Osula roamed free of Chris Richards to poke Jacob Murphy’s cross home from close range. Harvey Barnes added the second, capping off a slick passing move with a neat finish inside the box.

Daily Mail Sport’s Bobby Manzi unpacks a consequential afternoon in south London.

Newcastle had only kept one clean sheet heading into the meeting against the league's worst defence.

Yet this victory was spearheaded by a strong defensive platform. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn marshalled the Palace frontline exceptionally.

Harvey Barnes and William Osula scored within 11 minutes of each other as Newcastle climbed to seventh in the Premier League

Schar managed 13 defensive contributions, nine clearances and was not dribbled past once - Burn could not be beaten either.

There were scruffy occasions, particularly in the first half when Palace had a few scrambles in the box.

However, the backline stood firm, put their bodies on the line and got pressure on the ball.

The midfield pair in front of them were pivotal, too. Nico Gonzalez and Joelinton grafted defensively.

After conceding eight goals in their last two away matches, Jaissle focused on being resolute defensively and that was apparent in the unity Newcastle showed.

Every player knew their role in a dogged showing and that will encourage Jaissle, who has his doubters at St James' Park.

Newcastle did not have many chances, amassing less than one expected goal, but they lethally punished Palace's mistakes to climb to seventh in the table.

Osula's goal came from nowhere after the break. Newcastle had created very little in the first half but Jaissle's team talk seemingly sparked them into life, as they moved the ball quicker and with purpose in attack.

It was a simple goal, a neat cross in and some clever movement. A perfect response to their dull first half where they did not manage a shot on target.

Adam Wharton was sloppy in possession and gave the ball away on the edge of his own penalty area. Newcastle quickly shifted the ball to the right, crossed low into the box before laying off to Barnes for their second.

The first managerial sacking of the season feels imminent. Will it be Sage or Michael Carrick at Manchester United?

At this rate, both clubs could release their statements at the same time. If at least one club hasn’t posted the traditional corner flag picture alongside an official statement by Monday afternoon, something has gone seriously wrong.

Palace, the worst defence in the league, showed signs of improvement in the first 45 against Newcastle. They were disciplined and offered very little in the way of chances.

But they imploded after the break, shipping two cheap goals as they have consistently done this season.

Palace have conceded 19 goals in the Premier League this term, more than any other team. Meanwhile, this was the second game in a row they conceded less than one xG but shipped two goals.

The defensive structure sees any little mistake punished because they are asked to be aggressive and come unstuck when they do not have the ball.