You could see why Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira was 'very pleased' to come away from St James' Park with a point. Even Man City manager Pep Guardiola admitted it was a 'difficult place to come' after his side's 3-3 draw against Newcastle United last month.
Was it any wonder? As captain Jamaal Lascelles wrote in his programme notes before Saturday's goalless draw against Palace : "With the way we play, how we get in people's faces and because of the atmosphere you all create, it's very difficult for anyone arriving at St James '."
At this rate, few sides will relish coming to Tyneside in the coming months and years whereas, once upon a time, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal et al did not necessarily dread it. Yes, Newcastle could not find the breakthrough at the weekend, but the Magpies have now only lost one Premier League game at home in 2022.
