High-flying Newcastle held by Palace away from home in stalemate
Crystal Palace had the opportunity to take points off a top-four side for the second time in four days after rescuing a point late on in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Thursday. Meanwhile, Newcastle were hoping to extend their incredible unbeaten run to 15 PL games. As expected, from a side who had only won once in their last 6 games, the hosts started slowly, allowing English compatriots Callum Wilson and Dan Burn go close early on. Joelinton had a fantastic chance to give his side the lead 20 minutes in following a great through ball by Fabian Schär, however the Brazilian tame shot did not trouble goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
The host’s best chance of the first-half fell to their young centre-back Chris Richards, who climbed highest at a corner to send a powerful header flying over the bar to keep the scores level at the break. The Magpies started the second-half the brighter of the two sides and should have taken the lead through the usually reliable Wilson who put his free header straight at Guaita. To make matters worse for the Eagles their talisman Wilfried Zaha was forced off on the hour mark after appearing to tear his hamstring. Despite rarely being called upon, Nick Pope then displayed his credentials, brilliantly saving Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning effort from close range to keep the scores level.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw Howe turned to his last-minute matchwinner against Fulham, record signing Alexander Isak, who almost repaid his manager's faith immediately by getting on the end of Kieran Trippier’s cross and heading straight at Guaita. Even with all their fire power on the pitch Newcastle had to settle for a draw, taking them up to third. Palace remain in 12th with 24 points.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
