Ahead of the game with Watford, Newcastle’s run of fixtures looked particularly unappealing.
They faced an in-form Hornets side at a venue they haven’t led at all season, then the following week welcome another in-form team in Bournemouth to the same stadium.
Follow that up with a trick away tie with Burnley, and it was hard to see where Newcastle’s first win of the season would come from.
One win changes everything for Newcastle
Amazingly, the Magpies were able to get their first win of the season against Watford. This was a monumental result.
Watford have had a great start to the season, and they have been a bit of a bogey team for Newcastle.
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On top of that, Rafa Benitez was able to end his side’s bad run of form in front of the St James’ Park crowd, who hadn’t seen Newcastle lead a game since the final game of last season.
With a win finally on the board, optimism can return to Tyneside.
Next up is the Cherries, and why can’t we pick up another win? Bournemouth play in a similar way to Watford, and we were able to beat the latter.
Confidence should be flowing for the players now after ending their barren run, so Bournemouth couldn’t pick a worse time to play Newcastle.
After the international break, Newcastle head to Turf Moor. On paper, it’s not a pleasant place to go, but Burnley are not as strong this season.
The Clarets have two points more than Newcastle, but have recently been on the end of hidings from both Manchester City and Chelsea.
If Newcastle can pick up a positive result against Bournemouth, then the clash with Burnley becomes even more winnable, especially if Sean Dyche’s side are still struggling.
All it took was one win, but Newcastle’s future suddenly looks a lot more positive. Will that all change this weekend if we don’t make it back-to-back wins?