Chelsea travelled to Newcastle on Saturday looking to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Last weekend's 7-0 thrashing of Norwich City at Stamford Bridge will have put the wind in their sails heading into this one and, coupled with a Carabao Cup triumph in midweek, the Blues were favourites.
But Chelsea never have an easy time in the north east and it was made all the more difficult when Mason Mount fell ill on the morning of the match.
Thomas Tuchel planned to start last weekend's hat-trick hero but the midfielder was instead sent back to London so he can begin his recovery.
“He should have started but he got ill overnight and so we sent him home to London so that we can take care of him better and that he can recover better," the German told the 5th Stand prior to kick-off.
Mount's absence did not change the predicted pattern of the game with Chelsea enjoying all of the possession but could not break the deadlock.
One incident of note saw Isaac Hayden tackle Andreas Christensen forcefully, leaving the Dane writhing in pain on the deck. It was a foul that could arguably have been considered a red card.
But it was only Cesar Azpilicueta on the Chelsea bench who appealed, something that bothered the Blues faithful when it was reported to Twitter.
@Studipm said: "Bruno and co. would have been all over the ref and the assistant. Our players just want to go with the flow. Hate that."
@64BitTacos said: "Clear red."
@TheSpatial1 said: "Shoulda been a red."
