Nick Pope produced one of the saves of the season so far but Newcastle failed to match their goalkeeper’s heroics by labouring to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace and missing the chance to solidify a top-four spot.
Despite Eddie Howe’s side dominating the game, England goalkeeper Pope denied substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta’s fierce high drive with a superb reflex stop to tip the ball over the bar – with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate watching on.
Newcastle had plenty of chances to break the deadlock themselves but the likes of Joelinton, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak put most of their chances straight at a grateful Vicente Guaita in the Palace goal.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Crystal Palace’s draw against Newcastle in the Premier League.
The sharing of the points is enough to take the Magpies back into third spot ahead of Manchester United, who could take back that place by avoiding defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports (kick-off 4.30pm).
How the Magpies fired a black – again
The first half saw Newcastle dominate the game in terms of chances, but the visitors came up against a stubborn Palace backline – with goalkeeper Guiata frustrating them in particular.
Some good work from Joe Willock down the left led to Miguel Almiron being presented the best chance of the game, but the winger hit the side netting from a tight angle at the back post.
The Magpies, one of the most prolific sides from set pieces in the division, used dead ball scenarios to their advantage as Kieran Trippier’s corner eventually found its way to Dan Burn – who lashed a volley straight at Guaita.
The Spanish shot stopper then denied Joelinton twice in quick succession as he put out a strong hand to deny the Newcastle No 7 after he cut inside the box, before swatting away a deflected close-range strike from a corner moments later.
In a half that saw Palace frustrated for seeing Marc Guehi booked after four minutes while Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes escaped cautions for similar challenges, the home side had two big chances late in the half to take the lead.
First, Wilfried Zaha got the wrong side of Trippier but couldn’t get his feet in order as a penalty appeal fell on deaf ears. From the resulting corner, centre-back Chris Richards headed over with seconds left in the half after being found unmarked at a corner.
Kieran Trippier led the defence to keep another clean sheet for the Magpies
Newcastle continued their pressing on the Palace goal after half-time, with Wilson’s close-range free header from Trippier’s short corner falling straight into Guaita’s gloves. Joelinton was the next to comfortably find Guaita’s palms with a curling shot from 20 yards out while on the break.
Palace’s creativity was dented by Zaha’s withdrawal due to injury but the hosts actually created one of the best chances of the final few minutes.
A high ball in the air towards Odsonne Edouard caused havoc amongst the Newcastle defenders, with a loose ball finding Mateta who sent a rasping drive towards the top corner.
Only Pope’s outstretched right arm denied the Eagles substitute in more frustration for Patrick Vieira’s goal-shy side this season.
Newcastle pushed for a winner in the final ten minutes but Isak and Fabian Schar could only fire close-range headers once again straight a Guaita.
Miguel Almiron (left) was one of a host of Newcastle players to miss gilt-edged chances
As the clock ticked into 90, substitute Allan Saint-Maximin failed to capitalise on a Palace mistake at the back post as his close-ranger thumping strike was deflected wide.
It was one of a host of chances that went begging for Newcastle – their third goalless draw in four Premier League games.
What’s next?
Tuesday 24th January 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Crystal Palace‘s exit from the FA Cup means they have next weekend off. The Eagles return to Premier League action with a trip to Manchester United on February 4.
Palace then have a derby clash at home to Brighton the following weekend, before an away game at Brentford and a home clash with Liverpool to complete their February fixtures.
Newcastle take part in their first semi-final in 18 years in midweek as they play the first-leg of their Carabao Cup last-four clash at Southampton on Tuesday night, live on Sky Sports.
There is no weekend fixture in between the return leg at St James’ Park on January 31, before they return to league action at home to West Ham, live on Sky Sports on February 4, kick-off 5.30pm.
The Magpies are on Sky Sports Saturday Night Football duty for their next two league outings, travelling to Bournemouth and hosting Liverpool on the next two Saturdays. They end February with a home clash against Brighton on February 25.
