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:
17. Chelsea - 36 points (4th)
P19 W10 D6 L3 GF37 GA19 GD+18 | Getty Images
18. Tottenham Hotspur - 41 points (3rd)
P20 W13 D2 L5 GF47 GA21 GD+26 | Getty Images
19. Manchester City - 51 points (2nd)
P20 W16 D3 L1 GF50 GA14 GD+36 | AFP via Getty Images
20. Liverpool - 51 points (1st)
P20 W16 D3 L1 GF48 GA11 GD+37 | Liverpool FC via Getty Images