Conceding an equaliser in second half added time dashed hopes that Newcastle would return to winning ways on Saturday - but in truth, Eddie Howe's side were barely worth the point that they emerged from Selhurst Park with.

An away victory had begun to look likely after the hosts managed something that no visiting player could, getting a shot on target in the direction of Dean Henderson's goal.

The Palace 'keeper couldn't prevent Toon transfer target Marc Guehi turning Anthony Gordon's low centre into his own net after a 53rd minute free-kick - and that looked like separating the sides until a dramatic last few seconds.

Clad in their white change strip, United won a series of corners and enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to come close to extending a lead that didn't reflect the distribution of chances created by the two sides. 

And they were to be punished; Palace profiting by pumping a late ball into the box that was headed in at the back post by Daniel Munoz.

A non-event of a game was blighted by early injuries to Joe Willock, Joelinton and Alexander Isak, with the Swede unable to continue beyond the 22nd minute. That brought Harvey Barnes into the action, replacing Anthony Gordon down the United right with Gordon switching to centre forward.

Barnes quickly delivered a trio of tempting centres that nobody got on the end of; Palace missing the chance of the half when a 36th minute break ended with Munoz somehow shooting wide.

Back in the side after his one game ban, Dan Burn made a vital block in the 62nd minute and Nick Pope denied Ismailia Sarr and Guehi before Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff arrived as the clock began to run down.

But deep into five minutes of added time, Guehi made up for his own goal by providing the left wing cross that Munoz headed home at the far post; Pope making no attempt to claim the ball and Joelinton seemingly unaware of the goalscorer coming in behind him.

The draw left Newcastle tenth in the table which became 11th when both Fulham and Manchester United overtook them after Sunday's games; Aston Villa's defeat taking them below ourselves.

A first goal here in three visits was of no consolation to those present, who again saw a display woefully lacking in both craft and endeavour.

We never looked like outwitting another thoroughly mediocre opponent with a solitary league win to their name this season - and weren't smart enough to benefit from the early festive gift that came our way. Up next? a Liverpool side who have won 18 of their 20 games so far this season....

Biffa