Carrow Road
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 26,752)
Norwich 0 Newcastle 0
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At Carrow Road
Norwich City 0
Newcastle United 0
Newcastle United picked up an important Premier League point with a goalless draw away at Norwich City on Saturday.
It put an end to a run of four successive defeats in all competitions and handed the Magpies only their second clean sheet in nine attempts.
In a cagey affair, United - with new signing Mathieu Debuchy impressing on his debut at right-back - had a couple of good chances, in particular when winger Gabriel Obertan stung the palms of home keeper Mark Bunn from the edge of the area.
The Canaries had openings of their own too, but found Tim Krul in inspired form as he denied Robert Snodgrass from close range. And even when they did beat the Dutch international, Russell Martin's strike hit the outside of the post.
It was by no means a game that will live long in the memory, but manager Alan Pardew will be delighted with a point at Carrow Road, where only Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have won this season, and it was a much more resolute display from Newcastle than in recent weeks.
A lively opening from both teams, saw Jonas Gutierrez almost create the first opportunity of the afternoon on 12 minutes.
The returning Argentine picked up the ball near the halfway line and proceeded to drive forward down the left, weaving through three challenges before delivering a final ball which was agonisingly out of the reach of Papiss Cisse.
Gutierrez then took matters into his own hands when the ball reached him 20 yards out following a neat, passing move, but couldn't curl his shot on target.
United were growing in confidence and Obertan went even closer in the 17th minute, sending a half-volleyed snapshot from the edge of the area flying towards the top corner until the intervention of Canaries stopper Mark Bunn, who parried to safety.
For all their pressure, however, only an outstanding last-ditch challenge from James Perch prevented Norwich from breaking the deadlock midway through the half.
Cisse's heavy touch in the middle of the park set the hosts on a three-against-two break but as the ball was knocked inside to Hoolahan eight yards out, Perch stormed back into the box to take it off his toes as the midfielder got set to pull the trigger.
Tim Krul was soon called into action for the first time, smothering at the feet of Simeon Jackson before holding a tame Robert Snodgrass header which the winger failed to get any power on.
Yohan Cabaye was introduced from the substitutes' bench on 57 minutes - his first outing since undergoing groin surgery in November.
The French international replaced fellow countryman Gabriel Obertan, meaning a slight reshuffle to the Magpies' midfield pack, with Cabaye playing in behind Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux moved out to the right flank.
But it was Norwich who conjured up the first real opening of the second half, just past the hour mark.
A long ball over the top almost caught the visitors out, but Snodgrass was unable to get a shot away before Williamson blocked his effort, with Anthony Pilkington firing the loose ball well over the top.
Newcastle went straight down the other end and Marveaux put a rising shot from distance narrowly off target as the contest began to show signs of finally opening up.
Norwich skipper Russell Martin came within a lick of paint of edging the hosts in front. As United failed to clear their lines, the ball bounced up kindly for the right-back 25 yards out in a central position and he struck a dipping half-volley which came off the foot of the post and behind to safety.
They immediately brought on big striker Grant Holt in a bid to change their fortunes in the final third, with the talisman taking on the captain's armband, and Holt was soon causing problems in the Magpies' penalty area.
In the 76th minute, a brilliant save from Krul kept Newcastle level pegging. Holt released Snodgrass down the right with a neat flick, and the former Leeds man strode past a couple of tackles before slipping the ball into the path of Pilkington on the left of the area.
The former Huddersfield winger cut inside Mathieu Debuchy but saw his shot from 10 yards blocked by Krul, who had rushed off his line to avert any danger.
United weren't content to sit on a point and forced a couple of corners, the second of which fell to captain Fabricio Coloccini at the far post and he lashed an inventive half-volley just over the bar.
But Norwich nearly won it with the final kick of the match. Substitute Elliott Bennett delivered a cross to the far post where Holt headed back across goal, but th stretching Pilkington could only nod off-target from a couple of yards out.
Norwich City (4-5-1): Mark Bunn; Russell Martin (c), Sebastien Bassong, Michael Turner, Javier Garrido; Robert Snodgrass (Elliott Bennett 77), Bradley Johnson, Alexander Tettey, Wes Hoolahan, Anthony Pilkington; Simeon Jackson (Grant Holt 68)
Subs not used: Declan Rudd, Leon Barnett, Ryan Bennett, David Fox, Harry Kane
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; James Perch, Vurnon Anita (Gael Bigirimana 84); Gabriel Obertan (Yohan Cabaye 57), Sylvain Marveaux, Jonas Gutierrez; Papiss Cisse
Subs not used: Steve Harper, James Tavernier, Romain Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Nile Ranger
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Manchester)
Bookings: Norwich - none; Newcastle - Debuchy (83)
Attendance: 26,752
Cross by Elliott Bennett(Norwich), header by Grant Holt(Norwich) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), resulting in open play. Header by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right.
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Foul by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle) on Anthony Pilkington(Norwich). Free kick crossed right-footed by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) from left wing, clearance by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Shot by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by James Perch(Newcastle). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Elliott Bennett(Norwich) to near post, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Javier Garrido(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Foul by Elliott Bennett(Norwich) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, clearance by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Foul by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle) on Anthony Pilkington(Norwich). Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.Newcastle substitution: Vurnon Anita replaced by Gael Bigirimana (tactical). Free kick crossed left-footed by Javier Garrido(Norwich) from left wing, clearance by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Cross by Bradley Johnson(Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Grant Holt(Norwich).
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Elliott Bennett(Norwich), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Michael Turner(Norwich). Shot by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), clearance by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), clearance by Michael Turner(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), save (punched) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Cross by Elliott Bennett(Norwich), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Handball by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Norwich) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Bradley Johnson(Norwich).
Shot by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (blocked) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Shot by Bradley Johnson(Norwich) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Norwich substitution: Robert Snodgrass replaced by Elliott Bennett (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), resulting in open play. Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Grant Holt(Norwich).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich).
Foul by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle) on Anthony Pilkington(Norwich). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Javier Garrido(Norwich) from left wing, passed. Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) to centre, save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Cross by Grant Holt(Norwich), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), resulting in open play.
Foul by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) on Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Shot by Russell Martin(Norwich) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), hit post. Norwich substitution: Simeon Jackson replaced by Grant Holt (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich), clearance by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Cross by Russell Martin(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Shot by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Shot by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Simeon Jackson(Norwich) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), clearance by Bradley Johnson(Norwich).
Cross by Javier Garrido(Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich), clearance by James Perch(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Yohan Cabaye (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Shot by Davide Santon(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Alexander Tettey(Norwich).
Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Simeon Jackson(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Cross by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich), clearance by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) to near post, clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Shot by Bradley Johnson(Norwich) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Cross by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich), resulting in open play.
Shot by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), clearance by Bradley Johnson(Norwich). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) to centre, save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich). Shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich). Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right.
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Foul by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich) on Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) to near post, resulting in ball out of play.
Simeon Jackson(Norwich) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Foul by Russell Martin(Norwich) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) from left wing, clearance by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich), header by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) to near post, clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Handball by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Norwich) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by James Perch(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), blocked by Bradley Johnson(Norwich).
Shot by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) to far post, header by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich) from left side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Simeon Jackson(Norwich), clearance by James Perch(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), resulting in open play. Handball by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Norwich) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Shot by Simeon Jackson(Norwich) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (parried) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle), clearance by Sebastien Bassong(Norwich).
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Norwich).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich), clearance by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle).
Cross by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Mathieu Debuchy(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Simeon Jackson(Norwich). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Javier Garrido(Norwich) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), clearance by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Anthony Pilkington(Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Defending throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Foul by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) on Robert Snodgrass(Norwich). Free kick crossed left-footed by Robert Snodgrass(Norwich) from right wing, clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Wesley Hoolahan(Norwich).
Foul by Alexander Tettey(Norwich) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Javier Garrido(Norwich).
Attacking throw-in by Russell Martin(Norwich).
Foul by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) on Sebastien Bassong(Norwich). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Norwich) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Norwich).