How high might Newcastle’s ceiling be? Victory at third-placed Tottenham lifted them into the Premier League’s top four. With winnable fixtures against Aston Villa and Southampton before a pre-World Cup showdown with Chelsea, Newcastle can be solidly in the Champions League shakeup when they head off for that Saudi winter training camp taken for “football reasons”.
What a difference a change of ownership, a year and £200m‑odd of transfer spending has already made. Deservedly beating opponents over whom they had prevailed once in 10 matches since 2016 registered as a statement win. It is 11 years since they were in such a high position at this stage of a season. Draws with the Manchester clubs, being unlucky losers at Liverpool and this result suggest a team here to stay.
