Jaap Stam reveals the teams that have impressed him more than Newcastle this season

But Reading's manager feels Rafa Benitez's side, three points clear at the top of the Championship, WILL pull away and win the title.

The two clubs played out a goalless draw at the Madejski Stadium last night.

Newcastle, slightly jaded after away games against Brighton and Huddersfield Town, had the better of the first half when they created a series of chances.

But they tired after the break, and Reading went on to dominate possession on an awful pitch.

Asked if United were the best team they had played this season, Stam said: “Brighton and Fulham are the best two teams we have faced here, in terms of being two possession teams, which is how I like to play football."

Stam, however, admires Newcastle's strength and ability to grind results out, especially away from home where they play a counter-attacking game.

“In think Newcastle will get away – they are a quality side," said Stam.

"They are not giving many chances away. They can always break and create a chance to score a goal. They have a lot of quality to do well against every team. They are lots of points ahead. They will get away.”

On the game, Stam added: "We played very well against a good side like Newcastle. I am very happy with the performance.

"I think we were stronger than Newcastle. We know what we can do and we are confident.

"This was against a side like this, who have a lot of quality with a good manager. We could have done a little better by scoring one goal. We need to keep on going."