Well, what a performance that was from Newcastle last night, as they recorded a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
It means the Magpies have now won six games in a row at St James’ Park for the first time since 2004, when Sir Bobby Robson was in charge.
Eddie Howe oversaw a composed, efficient performance, which left Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben in a good mood after full-time.
What’s the story?
Well, the trio could be seen having a kick-about on the St James’ Park pitch after full-time, as they celebrated reaching the 40-point mark.
You can see footage of the moment below.
Staveley, Ghodoussi and Reuben also joined Howe and the players in the dressing room for a celebratory picture, as survival was all but secured.
It has been a special turnaround since Howe arrived. At the time of his arrival, Newcastle had just five points to their name.
However, a remarkable run of nine wins in their last 13 Premier League outings has propelled the Magpies into 11th place.
Should Newcastle finish in the top half, it would be a tremendous achievement, given the fact they were winless after 14 Premier League games.
Newcastle showed resilience against Crystal Palace
Resilience is not a word you would’ve associated with Newcastle before Howe arrived.
The Magpies were a soft touch under Steve Bruce, and even in Howe’s first game, three goals were conceded in a 3-3 draw with Brentford.
Now, however, despite some effective tactical changes from Patrick Vieira in the second half, Newcastle held firm and preserved their clean sheet.
The south Londoners had 64% of the ball, ten shots and three more corners than Newcastle, but at no point did the Magpies look panicked.
If he secures a top-half finish, there’s no reason why Howe shouldn’t be considered for the Manager of the Year award.
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