Newcastle United 0-0 Stoke City

Jack Butland tips a Jamaal Lascelles header over his crossbar

Stoke keeper Jack Butland produced a number of key saves to help his side earn a point at Newcastle.

The Magpies went close when a first-half header from striker Aleksandar Mitrovic hit the post before Butland scrambled the ball clear.

Moussa Sissoko twice went close with well-struck shots only for Butland to save impressively each time.

However, Stoke's keeper saved his best until late on when he tipped a Jamaal Lascelles header over the crossbar.

Relive Newcastle's draw against Stoke.

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How good was Butland?

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren had a wry expression on his face when he went over to shake hands with Butland after the final whistle.

McClaren's side were denied only a second Premier League win of the season following a superb display from the England international.

Butland has prospered as first choice in the Stoke goal since the summer departure of Asmir Begovic to Chelsea and only enhanced his growing reputation at St James' Park.

He was the hero in his side's midweek penalty shoot-out win against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup and continued that impressive form to keep Newcastle at bay.

"It was a hard-fought, quite fortunate point," he said. "We were a bit sluggish. Maybe we felt a bit of the pace from midweek but the lads dug in.

"It's nice to get a few clean sheets now and contribute to getting some points. We are still managing to get points when we are not at our best."

Newcastle bounce back from derby defeat

McClaren insisted his team were improving, despite last week's derby defeat by Sunderland, and there were signs of the progress he had talked about in the game against Stoke.

His side secured only their second clean sheet of the season, with keeper Rob Elliot's main save coming when he kept out a Jon Walters header.

The Magpies also created plenty of chances, with Butland also keeping out an Ayoze Perez shot and Georginio Wijnaldum free-kick.

"The English goalkeeper situation is looking healthy," said McClaren. "Four great saves from Jack denied us a win and got Stoke a point. He was unbelievable and the difference between us and three points."

Aleksandar Mitrovic (left) watches as his header comes back off the post

A concern for McClaren will be Mitrovic, who had two yellow cards and a red before this game.

The Serb got involved in tangles with Stoke defenders Ryan Shawcross and Philipp Wollscheid - picking up a booking for his clash with the latter. McClaren faces the task of channelling Mitrovic's fiery temper in the right way.

Man of the match - Jack Butland

Current England number one Joe Hart will have some serious competition if Jack Butland continues his current form

Reaction:

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren: "We dominated the game and created chances but could not tuck one away. We were frustrated.

"We are building, growing and progressing - the last five games - we are getting there.

"There were lost of positives and the only disappointment is not getting the three points.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes: "We were a bit frustrated in the first half. We had plenty of possession around their area but didn't look like we wanted to shoot.

"Their keeper made a great save from Jon Walters.

"As the away team you are going to give away a couple of chances and when we did, Jack Butland saved."

The stats you need to know

• Newcastle have had 36 shots in their last two Premier League games, but have failed to score in either.

• The Magpies ended a run of seven Premier League games without a clean sheet.

• Butland made six saves in a Premier League game for the third time this season.

• Butland has made the most saves this top-flight campaign overall (46).

What next?

Newcastle, who are third from bottom prior to Sunday's games, have an away match at Bournemouth in the top flight next Saturday, while 14th-placed Stoke host Chelsea.