Newcastle United failed to claim victory for a fifth game in a row as they were held in an uneventful game against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Both Mat Ryan and Martin Dubravka were rarely troubled throughout the 90 minutes on the south coast, highlighting just how poor the game was, as Albion secured their Premier League status for another season.
But what can the Magpies take from this match, as they head into their final match of the season as champions Liverpool visit St James' Park at the weekend?
A much needed clean sheet
Steve Bruce's side had failed to keep a clean sheet since their 3-0 thumping of Sheffield United in their first game back after the Premier League's restart.
Many Newcastle supporters had been critical of the defending in recent matches, even if that is an area of the pitch where the team are short of players.
The makeshift back three on show at the Amex did what was asked of them, albeit against a side who rarely looked threatening, other than when Adam Webster went close with a long-range effort which was well-saved by Dubravka.
Emil Krafth and Danny Rose both went down during the game adding even more concerns to Bruce's list ahead of the season finale on Sunday afternoon.
Lack of cutting edge in front of goal
Scoring goals has been an issue for Newcastle all season long and this was evident yet again on Monday night, as the Magpies and the Seagulls drew 0-0 for the second time this season.
Even the usually exciting Allan Saint-Maximin was quiet going forward and it took the introduction of Andy Carroll to really begin to cause some concerns for the Brighton back-line, so much so that they felt the need to bring an extra centre-back on in Shane Duffy.
Dwight Gayle went close towards the end of the first half, with Miguel Almiron being the only player to really cause Ryan any problems as his flick had to be parried behind.
Takeover or no takeover this summer, the club have to be looking at improving in the attacking areas of the side after another game went by without a goal for Bruce's side this season.
Players are tired
Newcastle won't be alone with this but tiredness was evident in this game against Brighton.
The hot weather in Brighton probably didn't help matters but there seemed to be a lack of urgency from the side, hence why attacks were hard to find.
Many players at Premier League clubs are no doubt wanting this season to come to an end and this will be the case for the Magpies come 6pm on Sunday afternoon.
But with the 2020/21 campaign set to start in September, players cannot expect to enjoy a long summer holiday and pre-season will be here before the players know it.