64 days ago the feeling around Newcastle United was an entirely different one. As the rain lashed down in west London, the Magpies trudged off the Gtech Community Stadium pitch having just endured a second-half collapse at Brentford.

Saudi Arabia’s buyout may have raised Newcastle’s level but it is the manager who has shaped a team now punching above their weight

Newcastle United held an emergency meeting in the direct aftermath of the Joe Willock social media attacks that led to police action. It was Eddie Howe who quickly set up a one-on-one with Willock last weekend after the Newcastle star had been subject to racist abuse and threats to his family.