Patrick Vieira has predicted that Newcastle United will qualify for Europe after watching his Crystal Palace side take on the 'really strong' Magpies.
Crystal Palace managed to leave St James' Park with a point on Saturday following a goalless draw against Newcastle. Although Newcastle were missing key players like Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, the hosts still had 23 shots and 13 corners all told, but Eddie Howe's side just could not find a way past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
Newcastle also had a goal controversially disallowed in the 51st minute after Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell had put the ball through his own net. Referee Michael Salisbury had correctly given the goal at first but, following a VAR check, the referee reversed his decision after Joe Willock was adjudged to have fouled Guaita in the build-up despite being pushed into the 'keeper by Mitchell.
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Palace, for their part, carried a threat on the break and Nick Pope made crucial saves to keep out Jean-Philippe Mateta and substitute Odsonne Edouard in the first half and second half respectively. However, you could see why Vieira was 'happy with a point' after the game and the Crystal Palace boss feels a trip to Newcastle is a very different proposition these days.
"Yes, of course," he told reporters. "I think you're looking at what they spend. You're looking at the ambition. It's going to be challenging for other teams coming here to get something. They are a really strong side and this is one of the teams you can count on playing European football."
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