William Osula made an immediate impact on his return to the Newcastle United starting XI, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Danish striker struck in the second half before Harvey Barnes added a late second to end Newcastle’s run of consecutive Premier League defeats and lift Matthias Jaissle’s side into the top half of the table.

Osula had not started for the Magpies since the opening weekend of the season, having spent the past couple of months recovering from a foot injury.

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But the 22-year-old wasted little time making up for lost ground. After a frustrating first half in south London, he connected with Jacob Murphy’s low delivery to put Newcastle ahead and give the visitors a platform to secure three valuable points.

The goal continued an impressive run in front of goal for Osula, who has now scored six times in his last nine Premier League starts, dating back to his strike against Palace in March.

“I am really happy to be back with the team and contribute to getting wins like today,” Osula said after the match.

“It was a top cross from Murphy [for my goal]. I was speaking to him about giving me that one cross and I would have the connection ready. I’m so happy he did the cross and I could score.

“It was important that we got a win and the three points today. We need to take what we did today and take it into the next games.”

Newcastle thought they had doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Joe Willock found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Barnes eventually put the result beyond doubt, turning home Amar Dedic’s low cross to register his fourth goal of the campaign and ensure Newcastle returned to winning ways in the league.

Matthias Jaissle pleased with Newcastle United response

Newcastle head coach Jaissle was pleased to see Osula make a successful return after his spell on the sidelines, highlighting the striker’s potential as he continues to regain full fitness.

“A striker's job, right? He did an amazing job. We're happy that he's getting back on track. He was out for a long time, so now physically he's improving, and he's a player with huge potential,” Jaissle said.

The German admitted his side had struggled to turn their work without the ball into meaningful attacking opportunities during the opening period, but felt the performance improved significantly after the interval.

“It was a tough game, especially in the first half. We couldn't get ourselves the reward for the intensity we put in out of possession after the ball wins.

“In the second half, it was much better. We were more target-oriented, we threatened the opposition more and, therefore, I think when it comes to the second half and that improvement, and in the end also that willingness to defend and to have that clean sheet, it was a deserved win.”

Newcastle now face a quick turnaround, with a trip to Everton in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Thursday before the two sides meet again at St James’ Park in the Premier League the following Monday.