Newcastle ended a run of four straight losses with a 0-0 draw at Norwich in the English Premier League on Saturday, although its lack of presence up front highlighted the pressing need to replace the departed Demba Ba.
Both teams struggled in one of the most uninspiring games of the season, with Norwich coming closest to scoring when Russell Martin's long-range shot struck the post in the second half.
With Ba having moved to Chelsea, goals could be in short supply for Newcastle, and his Senegal teammate Papiss Demba Cisse struggled for service in attack. Newcastle's best chance fell to winger Gabriel Obertan early on, but his shot was saved.
Newcastle, which finished in sixth place last season, is 16th in the 20-team league and just two points from the relegation zone.
