Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admitted that he was relieved to hear the full-time whistle following Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
United, who were going in search of a fourth successive victory in all competitions, were left to rue late missed chances against the Magpies, with both Marcus Rashford and Fred guilty of missing great opportunities to scoop all three points. Erik ten Hag's side had several chances to win the game in the second half, having been second-best prior to the break, and also had two penalty claims waved away.
Newcastle, unlike in recent seasons, arrived at M16 with intentions of taking maximum points, as opposed to sitting deep, soaking up pressure and looking to hit United on the counter-attack. The Magpies went close to finding the net twice in the first half, only for Joelinton to be denied by the woodwork on both occasions.
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In the second half, Newcastle were unable to play as high up the pitch as they had prior to the interval, such was the step up in intensity from the Reds. And with that said, Howe has admitted that he was glad to escape with a point.
"Especially in the first half I thought we were very good," Howe told BBC Match of the Day. "Joelinton had the two chances when he hit the woodwork, we could potentially have had a penalty for the challenge on Callum Wilson.
"We lost our way really in the second half and I'm glad the full-time whistle has gone. The Rashford header is a big moment. We did really well to contain them but that's the one that possibly could have lost us the game but the players didn't deserve that."
The stalemate stretched Newcastle's unbeaten run to five matches. It means that they have lost just one of their opening 10 games in the Premier League this term.
Howe added: "Yes, you'd take that [one defeat in 10]. It's been a very positive start to the season, the players have given everything and that's all you can ask for. The team spirit is very high at the moment.
"Every team needs a solid base. I also have to compliment the guys in front, we have some really good athletes who break up play. You want goals at the other end but I believe we have players that can hurt teams."
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