Festive cheer was in short supply at St James’ Park as Newcastle United failed to muster a single shot on target and drew 0-0 with bottom of the table Fulham on Saturday.

It was the first draw at home for the Magpies this season, and they will feel the visitors were there for the taking having headed to north-east England without a single clean sheet in the Premier League. But they could have left with all three points after a flurry of late chances.

Rafael Benitez admitted being frustrated at the mistakes which almost cost his side the game late on, but says there is also a sense of relief.