Night fell on south London's hinterlands, but the dark side of the Toon stayed in the shadows.
Snooty metropolitan elites complain that Crystal Palace is the most impenetrable away game on the Premier League roster because there is no such thing as a quick getaway from the traffic thrombosis in Croydon's suburban jungle. But a trip to Selhurst Park has become a litmus test for clubs like Newcastle United trying to force the lock on the treasure chest of Champions League loot.
Eddie Howe's side were accused of resorting to cheap shots and tricks from the spoilers' playbook when they beat Fulham seven days ago. And they will need more substance than scuffing up the penalty spot or transparent gamesmanship to sustain their challenge for a place at Europe's top table.
