Newcastle extended their unbeaten run to a club-record 15 top-flight games this season with a third goalless draw against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies, who moved up to third, had the better chances with Vicente Guetta denying Joelton three times and Callum Wilson, Sven Boatman and Aleksandar Isk all failing to score headers.
The draw means Newcastle are eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who have played two games more than the Gunners, and is likely to end the spirited talk of a title bid.
Palace have yet to win a game in 2023, although it was their second point in four days against a top-four side, who host Manchester United on Wednesday.
They had to wait 72 minutes for their only shot on target as Jean-Philippe Mattita’s drive was expertly tipped over the bar by Nick Pope – who has now kept nine clean sheets in a row.
In a mixed night for the Eagles, they lost talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha to a hamstring injury in the second half.
The Magpies are on a remarkable run
When Newcastle lost 2-1 to Liverpool on August 31, even their most optimistic fans could hardly have dreamed that they would enter February as their only defeat.
Palace’s run saw them beat their own record of 14 top-flight games without defeat – achieved in 1950 and 2011 (both times over two seasons).
Their run of first-half clean sheets is even longer. Eddie Howe’s side are now the first in more than 20 years – since Liverpool in 2002 – to go 16 Premier League games without conceding in the opening term.
Evidence points to a goalless draw. It was 0-0 between the sides at St James’ Park in September and November, with the Magpies winning the Carabao Cup tie on penalties.
They had plenty of chances to win it, but it is now their third goalless draw in four league games.
Joelinton’s three first-half attempts saved by Guaita were all quite wishy-washy. The Spaniard also kept out headers from Wilson and substitute Isak, and Boatman powered one of his own wide.
Miguel Almiron fired an early chance into the side netting, and Dan Byrne and Boatman were also denied by the Palace keeper.
“I’m very happy with the team today,” Howe told JEE News. “We were ourselves and we had chances, we just didn’t take them.”
“There were a lot of half-chance moments and chances to deliver – a lot of moments where we didn’t get our last ball quite right.
“We have high expectations of ourselves. These were two teams that were trying to impose themselves and try to win. We dominated for long spells, they defended well.”
Another mixed bag for Mahal
Palace are 12th, seven points clear of the relegation zone, but have scored just 18 goals in 20 Premier League games this season. Another mid-table season beckons and maybe that’s fine for them.
The potential is there but solid growth, not so much.
Boss Patrick Vieira made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Manchester United, although the quartet came off in the second half – along with late debutant David Ozu. The 17-year-old is now Palace’s youngest Premier League player.
Their best chances came back-to-back in the first half. Odsonne Edouard had a shot blocked wide and, from the following corner, Chris Richards headed over.
Mateta’s powerful shot inside the box was his only effort on target in the game.
They will hope that Zaha’s injury, pulled while chasing the ball, is not serious. He is Palace’s top scorer in all competitions, with six goals, which sums up his woes.
“When Wilfred comes out with injuries, it can’t just be good news because he always wants to stay on the field and continue,” Vieira said.
“I’m trying to improve the squad. We know the profile of the players we want. Now it’s up to the club to try to make it happen. The team needs help and I hope so. That we will bring these players in.”
