Opta, the leading football data analytics provider, confirmed that the ball was in play for just 40.8% of the match at St James Park, the lowest such figure in a Premier League fixture since February 2010.
Newcastle were really out to kick Redmen shins.
The ball was in play for just 43 minutes and 9 seconds—one of the lowest totals in recent memory. Only a Leeds vs. West Ham match had less (42m 12s) this season.