Chris Wood’s 72nd-minute penalty saw the Magpies open up a 10-point advantage over the drop zone, which remained untouched following defeats for Watford and Burnley.
With United are on the cusp of survival, yet more plaudits have come Eddie Howe’s way, and deservedly so.
His arrival in November didn’t spark a ‘new manager bounce’ as such but patience was key and now everyone associated with Newcastle are reaping the rewards.
The 44-year-old took over a club under new ownership but a playing squad 19th in the league and without a win inside their opening 14 games.
Fast forward to now however and United sit 15th, 10 points above the relegation places having recently enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run.
But where would Newcastle sit - if the Premier League season started when Howe was appointed as head coach? Would relegation still be a worry?
NewcastleWorld takes a look:
1. Watford - 12 points (20th)
P20 W3 D3 L14 GF17 GA41 GD-24
2. Everton - 13 points (19th)
P19 W4 D1 L14 GF17 GA36 GD-19
3. Norwich City - 16 points (18th)
P20 W4 D2 L12 GF15 GA37 GD-22
4. Burnley - 16 points (17th)
P19 W3 D7 L9 GF14 GA27 GD-13