Despite Newcastle United putting in their best performance of the season, they were unable to beat Manchester United last night at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's side took a shock lead after just seven minutes courtesy of a quality finish from Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Magpies came close on many occasions to grabbing a second goal, but they were pegged back on 71 minutes when substitute Edinson Cavani found the equaliser, meaning the spoils had to be shared in the end.
The draw leaves Newcastle now just two points away from 17th placed Watford.
Here is how VAVEL rated The Toon players' performances...
The goalkeeper and defence
Martin Dubravka – 7
The Slovakian was reliable when called upon and was all-around good with his distribution – made harder by many passes back to him – which has been a negative in his game previously.
However, he almost cost Newcastle shortly after Cavani equalised the game when he recklessly came for a loose ball, but thankfully for him his defence were able to divert the ball away to safety.
Emil Krafth – 9
The right-back returned to the side after a while last night and easily put in his best performance in a black and white shirt to date.
Emil Krafth was excellent defensively and offensively – and should have had an assist when he set up Saint-Maximin early in the second half.
Fabian Schar – 7
For someone who is supposedly not good in a back-two, Fabian Schar put in a very good shift alongside Jamaal Lascelles, and kept Cristiano Ronaldo very quiet throughout.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7
Toon supporters saw a much-improved Lascelles last night, compared to previous weeks.
The club's captain won many of his aerial duels, and coped well with the superstar-ridden Manchester United attack – but he should have been tighter to Cavani for their leveller.
Javier Manquillo – 8
The Spaniard was as solid as ever, despite being asked to play in an awkward role at left-back for him.
He also may have done the club a favour being booked for time wasting in the last minute of the game, as he is now suspended for the Everton game – a match which is already in major doubt due to rising Covid cases and injuries.
The midfield
Ryan Fraser – 8
One of a few players that has really benefitted from Howe's arrival is Ryan Fraser.
He once again put in a good display against tough opposition, working hard on and off the ball.
A big shame for Fraser is that he picked up a hamstring injury – something that has been a regular occurrence for him as of recent – that may keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
Sean Longstaff – 9
The midfielder took his chance in the starting line-up with many of his rivals for that position unavailable and ran himself into the ground all evening.
More performances like that for Sean Longstaff could really give Howe a headache when it comes to future team selections.
Jonjo Shelvey – 9
Jonjo Shelvey gave Newcastle a different dimension with his range of passing, something that Howe has really been keen to utilise since his arrival.
He also had the number of Scott McTominay and Fred throughout.
Joelinton – 10
It is very hard for a player to get a perfect 10, but anything less than that mark would be unfair on Joelinton. He was incredible.
The Brazilian – who only cost £40 million – was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch.
For a man who is still so new to this midfield role, it is nothing short of remarkable how natural he looks in this position – and has gone from a player who you could not see a future for at this club a few months ago, to one of the first names on the team sheet.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 9
After a quiet few weeks for Saint-Maximin, he was back to his best last night, highlighted by his excellent goal to give Newcastle the lead.
He was constantly a threat on the counter attack, with Diogo Dalot and the rest of The Red Devils' defence having an extremely tough night trying to keep him and his trickery quiet.
It was a massive shame for everyone involved at the club when he was forced off with a calf injury, but it seems a case of weeks out rather than months.
The forward
Callum Wilson – 7
Saint-Maximin and Fraser were not the only one's to suffer an injury, with Callum Wilson having to be taken off just before the interval with a suspected torn calf.
He hurt it prior to finally being substituted, which hampered his involvement in the game and will hamper Newcastle's survival hopes even more if a long lay-off is on the cards..
But when he was at full fitness, his movement gave the opposition questions to answer – and he did have a goal chalked off for offside.
The substitute
Jacob Murphy – 8
Substitutes usually do not get a mention, but since Jacob Murphy played half of the game, it is only right to mark his efforts.
Murphy – playing in a more advanced role to usual – came ever-so close to netting the winner when his right-footed effort cannoned off the post, and defended well for the team in the latter stages.