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:
13. Newcastle United - 29 points (8th)
P20 W8 D5 L7 GF22 GA30 GD-8 | AFP via Getty Images
14. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 33 points (7th)
P21 W10 D3 L8 GF22 GA16 GD+8 | AFP via Getty Images
15. Manchester United - 34 points (6th)
P20 W9 D7 L4 GF30 GA25 GD+5 | Getty Images
16. Arsenal - 34 points (5th)
P19 W11 D1 L7 GF32 GA23 GF+9 | Arsenal FC via Getty Images