Rewind back to the miserable home draw with Watford in the middle of January and plenty of Magpies fans were fearing the worst.
But Eddie Howe remained calm – and so too did his player, following up a disappointing result with three consecutive wins and a draw, otherwise 10 points from a possible 12.
Now, Newcastle are sitting in a much healthier position – four points above the relegation zone with a huge game to come at Brentford on Saturday.
There is still a long way to go – 14 games to be precise – but the club’s upturn form has raised confidence that survival will be achieved.
In 2022 so far, Newcastle, along with Liverpool, are the only two Premier League teams not to lose a game.
Out of their relegation rivals, United are the strongest performing team this calendar year with 11 points. The closest teams out of the bottom pack to that are Leeds United and Norwich City with seven points.
How does Newcastle’s form this year compare to the rest of the top-flight teams – including Everton, Burnley and Watford?
Here’s the 2022 Premier League table so far:
1. 20th - Leicester City - 2 points
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester have played five, won 0, drawn two and lost three, with a goal difference of -4. Current league position: 11th. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
2. 19th - Crystal Palace - 3 points
Patrick Vieira’s Palace have played six, won zero, drawn three and lost three, with a goal difference of -4. Current league position: 13th. Photo: Bryn Lennon
3. 18th - Everton - 3 points
Frank Lampard’s Everton have played six, won one, drawn zero and lost five with a goal difference of -4. Current league position: 16th. Photo: Gareth Copley
4. 17th - Brentford - 4 points
Thomas Frank’s Brentford have played eight, won one, drawn one and lost six, with a goal difference of -11. Current league position: 14th. Photo: Alex Pantling