Tony Pulis rues "poor" Crystal Palace defending

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis has bemoaned his side's "poor" defending during Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Eagles were swept aside at Selhurst Park to stay one point from safety in the relegation zone.

"The first two goals were poor goals," Pulis told the club's official website.

"The one thing that we've been since I've come to the football club is solid and pretty disciplined in coping with most things.

"We've really gifted them two poor, poor goals and from that point onwards, you're chasing the game. Against a team that will finish in the top eight, I think, it's always very, very difficult."

Palace return to Premier League action on Boxing Day when they make the trip to Aston Villa.