Newcastle United’s first point in nine matches has them two points clear of the relegation zone with two matches to play after a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Victor Anichebe capitalized on Newcastle’s makeshift back four early, but Ayoze Perez leveled the score before halftime.
West Brom is officially safe, while the Magpies have QPR and West Ham left in a muddled mix trying to avoid the final spot.
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West Brom was bright early, hitting the post and having a Mulumbu rebound blocked by Newcastle’s charging back line.
Newcastle nearly found a critical goal through Moussa Sissoko in the 31st minute, but his tight shot was cleared off the line by Joleon Lescott.
Then Craig Gardner’s free kick was headed home by Anichebe, and the visitors were up 1-0.
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Sissoko was one of the only lively players for the Magpies, and his dribble through several Baggies ended with a 39th minute shot right at Boaz Myhill.
Newcastle tied it at 1 thanks to a free kick of its own, as Perez stopped Ryan Taylor’s free kick and booted it through traffic in the 41st minute.
West Brom was content to counter for most of the second half, and almost found a few goals that way. When the Magpies had the ball, however, Tony Pulis was content to hang his players in rows of defense.
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LINEUPS
Newcastle United: Krul, Anita, Coloccini, Dummett, Gutierrez, Sissoko, R Taylor, Colback, Perez (Ameobi, 85'), Riviere (Cisse, 69'), Cabella.
Goal: Perez (41')
West Bromwich Albion: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Lescott, Gardner (Berahino, 69'(, Fletcher, Mulumbu (Morrison, 55'), Yacob, Brunt, Anichebe (McManaman, 77').
Goal: Anichebe (31')
