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Ciaran Kelly

Newcastle have already been 'paid back' transfer fee that may just strengthen Eddie Howe's hand

Even Jean-Philippe Mateta could not help but applaud. It looked like the Crystal Palace substitute's snapshot was destined for the net, but Nick Pope had other ideas. The Newcastle United goalkeeper, somehow, tipped the ball over the bar.

It was the only save Pope had to make all night in Saturday's goalless draw at Selhurst Park, but it was a huge one late on. For all the possession, territory and shots Newcastle had - 16 efforts in total - this stop ultimately earned the Magpies a point in a game they might even have lost in a previous era without Pope.

Yet it was the kind of save that won't necessarily have come as a surprise to those who know Pope best, like former Burnley goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.

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