Newcastle United missed their clinical edge after being held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe’s side had the better possession stats at Selhurst Park and got themselves into some dangerous positions but couldn’t find a way past the Palace defence for the third time this season.
The earlier league meeting and Carabao Cup tie at St James’ Park both ended 0-0. It’ll feel like two points dropped for United, though the positive is they extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 matches.
United also opened up a six-point lead over fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to seal Champions League football for next season.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Selhurst Park - and here’s his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 8
Had nothing to do all evening before producing an incredible right handed save to deny Jean Philippe Mateta. Recorded a ninth clean sheet of the campaign.
2. Kieran Trippier - 7
His partnership with Almiron down the right wasn’t as fluent as it has been this season. A mixed bag of deliveries. Managed to keep Zaha quiet.
3. Fabian Schar - 8
Dominant display by the Switzerland international. Ridiculously calm in possession and read the game extremely well. Didn’t shy away from a tackle.
4. Sven Botman - 7
A class act is the Dutchman. Did a lot of things Schar did, though perhaps should have done better with Trippier’s corner that he headed off target.