Goalless First Half as Newcastle and Everton Struggle to Create Chances

UPDATE - follow-up to Newcastle United v Everton: Premier League – live: Fans at St James' Park endured a slow opening half-hour with neither side managing a shot on target by the 42nd minute. Barry missed the best opportunity of the half when he failed to connect with the ball properly after a header down from Branthwaite following a free-kick. Joelinton tried his luck from 20 yards in the 40th minute after Willock won a loose ball, but his shot screeched wide of the angle. Burn received a yellow card in the 32nd minute for a challenge on the edge of the box on Barry, leading to a free-kick taken by Garner that hit the defensive wall.

Context

Matches in the top tier of English football often see cagey tactical battles in the opening stages as teams adapt to each other. Both clubs continue to search for breakthroughs in a tightly contested fixture.