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:
9. Brentford - 24 points (12th)
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10. Leicester City - 25 points (11th)
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11. Aston Villa - 26 points (10th)
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12. West Ham United - 28 points (9th)
P21 W8 D4 L9 GF28 GA29 GD-1 | Getty Images