Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira was pleased with their 0-0 draw at Newcastle United.
Palace and their hosts played out an entertaining 0-0 draw, with both creating major chances and seeing each goalkeeper enjoy a commendable game.
“[I'm] happy with the point," Vieira said. “Tough place to come: a big atmosphere and we needed to defend well as a team. We did it well and fully deserve the point.
“You're looking at what they spent, their ambition, it's going to be challenging for any team coming here to get something. They're a really strong side and this is one team you can count on to play European football."
Asked about two tactical points – Jordan Ayew playing a deeper central role, and set pieces – Vieira was willing to go into detail.
He said: “It's looking at the situation of the game and when Jordan went centrally when [Michael] Olise came on and [Nathaniel] Clyney went on the left, this is the flexibility of the players. Jordan played that role when we went on tour so knows the responsibility of the position, and that gives me good options.
“There's an option on the table to play him there. He was fantastic when he played there, is an intelligent player and is prepared to sacrifice himself for the team. When he went centrally that gave us really good balance.
“We knew they [set pieces] were going to be challenging. Look at the physical aspect and every set piece was a challenge. I believe we defended well in the first contact, were present for the second contact and of course you expect them to make chances because this is their strength.
“We work on set pieces because we knew we needed to improve that side of the game. Today we defended really well."