Have we seen a sign of things to come at Newcastle?

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It was a very different experience watching Newcastle United play Manchester City last Friday night compared to when they lost 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December.

At St James’ Park, Newcastle played as though they might actually have an opportunity to win the game, not that they had already lost and were merely aiming towards damage limitation.

It seemed like a fresh Newcastle, enlightened by something or rather – whisper it, but there is even a case that it’s Steve Bruce who’s finally got the team playing well, even against a top team.

Despite what pundits say, fans do not necessarily demand the world from Newcastle nor do they expect brilliant results all the time or Champions League football. Just a team that goes for it, despite any opposition they might face.

It’s why when Newcastle played Fulham – and they offered the Cottagers most of the ball despite being a goal down – there were plenty of red-faced Newcastle fans. But at St James’ Park last Friday night, even though they lost the game, there was a constant unwavering thought that perhaps Newcastle could go on and win this.

No doubt the pressure was off – Newcastle’s relegation fears are wound shut and they will be enjoying Premier League football next season (enjoying being a very loose word) – and so that might’ve been a reason for the game being played as it did, with the home side very much playing some of their best football all season.

But this is a sign of things to come?

Sadly, we’ve been here before and we must learn to enjoy the game as a mere microcosm, not more than that. Consistency has been the biggest issue for this side and that does not look like it’s going away anytime soon.

But there is no need to be doom and gloom: these sort of enjoyable games are in sort supply being a Newcastle fan. Maybe it’s time to leave our concerns and trepidations about the following season and whatnot at the door for the time being, and relish that stupendous penalty Joelinton smashed past cameo-featuring Scott Carson – and the brilliant game which Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock had.

For the Magpies, it’s Sheffield United and then Fulham next, and if those games against relegated opposition result in maximum points, then you might just wonder how many fans will be thinking about the possibility of next season with Steve Bruce, and just how bad that would really be.