Premier League: Palace boss Alan Pardew hails ‘special’ Yannick Bolasie for turning around Newcastle encounter

Manager Alan Pardew labelled Yannick Bolasie “special” after the Crystal Palace substitute helped earn his side a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.

The home team had found themselves trailing 1-0 to Papiss Cisse’s 42nd-minute strike when Pardew went for broke midway through the second half by making a double change.

On came both top-scorer Dwight Gayle and Bolasie, who only recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, with the winger taking all of three minutes to lay an equaliser on a plate for striker Fraizer Campbell.

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And while Pardew was annoyed to have fallen behind to the visitors’ only effort on goal in the first half, he was pleased his men showed the character to fight back after the break.

“I was disappointed to go behind with Newcastle’s only shot on target, the only one slight moment we let them in and they took it,” Pardew told Sky Sports after the match.

“Then it is always going to be difficult because they have a great defensive unit, are used to winning games 1-0 - it is something they are good at - and we had to find a way.

“And in the end we had to look to the bench and a really special moment from Yannick Bolasie.”

Pardew had written at length in his programme notes about facing former club Newcastle but despite being close friends with opposite number John Carver off the pitch, insisted his only focus was on three points for his new club.

"I just came here and tried to get three points," said Pardew.

"Knowing that Newcastle had some very good players, that was my only focus. It was nice to see both sets of players apply themselves in a good manner and the points were fair.