A controversial VAR decision prevented Newcastle United from claiming all three points as they were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.

The Magpies thought they had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half when Tyrick Mitchell deflected Sven Botman’s header into his own goal.

However, after checking his pitch-side monitor, referee Michael Salibsbury ruled that Joe Willock had fouled Vicente Guaita, even though it looked as though the Magpies midfielder had been pushed into the Palace goalkeeper.

The goal was overturned, and while Newcastle continued to press for a winner for the remainder of the game, they were unable to breach a resolute Palace rearguard. As a result, they picked up their fourth draw from the opening six matches of the season.

Eddie Howe made two changes to the side that lost at Anfield on Wednesday, with Fabian Schar and Botman returning to the back four to replace Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn.

Newcastle started brightly, although the first chance came Crystal Palace’s way with Wilfried Zaha picking up a half-clearance and swivelling to fire in a shot that was straight at Nick Pope.

The Magpies’ first opportunity came shortly after the quarter-hour mark, and should have resulted in the home side claiming the lead.

Alexander Isak charged down Joachim Andersen’s square pass, leaving him with a clear run through on goal. The Swede had enjoyed an explosive debut at Anfield three days earlier, but he erred on this occasion, attempting a delicate chip that was saved by Guaita.

Miguel Almiron fired over shortly after, and with Newcastle continuing to exert a fair amount of pressure in the final third, Joelinton volleyed Kieran Trippier’s cross into the side-netting at the back post.

The corner count was heavily in the Magpies’ favour throughout the first half, and Sean Longstaff almost opened the scoring in the 34th minute as he met Matt Targett’s corner with a powerful front-post header.

Guaita made a fine save to keep the ball out, and while Joelinton attempted to prod home the rebound, Cheick Doucoure blocked the Brazilian’s effort on the goalline.

Two minutes later, and it was the woodwork coming to Palace’s rescue. A scramble in the area resulted in the ball squirming into Almiron’s path, and the Paraguayan fired in a 20-yard strike that was deflected onto the base of the right-hand post.

Isak’s side-footed effort was saved by Guaita shortly before half-time, and the first half ended with Palace enjoying a rare opportunity as Eberechi Eze fired in a 20-yard strike that was aimed much too close to Pope.

The opening to the second half was shrouded in controversy, with Newcastle having a goal chalked off by VAR five minutes after the interval.

Trippier swung over a free-kick from the right, Botman headed back across goal, and the ball deflected in off Palace full-back Mitchell.

However, prior to the ball striking Mitchell, Willock collided with visiting goalkeeper Guaita, and while it appeared as though the Magpies midfielder was pushed into his opponent, the contact was deemed to be a foul which meant the scoreline remained goalless.

Almiron dragged a volley wide of the post as Newcastle remained the dominant force, but with time beginning to ebb away, Howe turned to Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson for the final 20 minutes, with Almiron and Ryan Fraser making way.

It was Palace that went closest next though, with their own substitute, Odsonne Edouard wriggling free in the area before firing in a low strike that Pope kept out with an outstretched right leg.

It was an excellent save from the England goalkeeper, and it was matched by an equally impressive stop from Guaita at the opposite end three minutes later.

Willock broke onto Isak’s pass, but while the midfielder swept a shot towards the bottom corner, Guaita did superbly to turn the ball around the post.

Willock was involved again with four minutes left, but while Trippier’s corner fell into his path on the edge of the six-yard box, he could only fire a first-time effort wide after swivelling onto the ball.