Newcastle United's six-game winning run in the Premier League has come to an end, with the Magpies being held to a goalless draw by Leeds United at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's side were bidding to make it 10 league victories for the season in their final match of 2022, but they were unable to make the breakthrough against the Whites.
The result has left Newcastle in third spot in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Leeds have moved into 14th, with Jesse Marsch's side boasting 16 points from their 16 league games in 2022-23.
Newcastle made the better start to proceedings and had two half-chances inside the opening 10 minutes, with Chris Wood missing the target from a narrowing angle before Joelinton forced Illan Meslier into a smart save.
Fabian Schar was next to come close for the Magpies in the 20th minute, with the centre-back glancing a header just wide of the left-hand post after meeting a Kieran Trippier corner.
Meslier then did well to keep out an attempt from Sven Botman after Miguel Almiron had missed the post with a strike from the edge of the penalty box.
Trippier's set-piece delivery was a feature of the opening 45 minutes at St James' Park, but the Magpies could not make the breakthrough, with the two teams heading down the tunnel at 0-0.
Schar had his second opportunity of the match in the 47th minute after collecting a corner at the far post, but the defender's effort was over the crossbar.
Newcastle came close again in the 53rd minute, with Wood breaking into a shooting position before attempting to beat Meslier, but the Leeds goalkeeper came up with an excellent save.
Nick Pope then had to make a smart stop to keep out an effort from Rodrigo down the other end of the field, before Meslier again denied Schar just past the hour mark.
Sean Longstaff fired one over the crossbar after smart work from Almiron 20 minutes from time, before Joelinton headed into the arms of Meslier following another Trippier set piece.
Howe's side continued to push until the final whistle, but they were unable to make the breakthrough, with the points ultimately being shared at St James' Park.
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on January 3, while Leeds' first match of 2023 will see them host struggling West Ham United on January 4.
Matt Law
