Crystal Palace failed to score away from home for their sixth Premier League game in a row as they lost 1-0 to Newcastle United.
The Eagles were bitterly unlucky in what was a very uneventful game in front of the travelling fans.
A heated first half failed to produce many clear-cut chances with Wilfried Zaha failing to convert a cross from his strike partner Andros Townsend. The Ivorian’s weak header fell tamely wide.
The visitors enjoyed some good moments in the second half but their lack of proven striker meant that, despite the hard work from Zaha and Townsend in the channels, there was never anyone in the box to convert.
The unpopular substitution of Zaha paved the way for the return of Ruben Loftus Cheek and some good play from him nearly created the opener for Palace.
Jeffrey Schlupp played in Loftus Cheek with a good pass and the Chelsea loanee’s cross-cum-shot looked certain to be slid in by Patrick van Aanholt but the Dutchman failed to make contact as the ball went across the goal.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Eagles. Four minutes from time, Matt Ritchie’s corner was headed into Mikel Merino by James McArthur and the ball looped over Julian Speroni.
There was nothing the Eagles could do to get back in the game and they will need to improve in the final third if they want all three points in what is set to be a crucial London derby with West Ham.
Here is how the Crystal Palace players performed in the north east:
