Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew was delighted with his team’s performance

Palace raced into a 3-1 half-time lead and quickly killed the game after the break, leaving former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew inwardly delighted to put one over his former club – if outwardly keen not to crow.

McClaren has told his squad to report to the club’s Benton training ground tomorrow instead of having their scheduled day off.

Although he did a good job in trying circumstances at St James’ Park, he was not the most popular figure among the Newcastle supporters, who accused him of being nothing more than owner Mike Ashley’s puppet in the dugout.

“We think Sako pulled a hamstring, he certainly couldn’t continue and that’s a little bit disappointing because he is a real goal threat for us, particularly when teams are deep”.

“They weren’t functional together as a back four and the two players that were sat in front of them”. McClaren added: “We had not planned to come in on Sunday – we are doing it specially”. “In terms of a performance, we certainly need that”.

“Newcastle don’t expect that, the players know that”. We have 24 games to go and we know we are in a relegation battle. “But I would say I have had a great week on the training field”, he said.

“A couple of mistakes we end up 3-1, a fourth after that and we were never going to come back”.

The Magpies have scored three goals away from home in their last 12 Premier League road trips. The key people who have to be patient are the people like us who are working with the players.

“Connor Wickham showed all the potential that we hoped he could be as a number-nine today with three or four assists and a really outstanding display”, the manager said.

McClaren’s side have won just twice all season and their 30 goals conceded is equal worst, along with Bournemouth. “I want to see the club respected across the country, not just for the fans but what we put on the pitch”. It’s a tough situation they find themselves in.

“They deserve their night out tonight”, Pardew said, sending Palace’s players off to their Christmas celebrations.