Newcastle’s win against Tottenham on Sunday was their first three points of the season, and their energetic defensive display saw them receive plaudits from the media and pundits alike.
Much was said of the discontent of some players after Rafa Benitez’s departure in the summer, with claims that a few were questioning their futures as a consequence.
But Sunday’s display dispelled many of those rumours, with the work-rate and effort put in by the team proving that the desire to play for the Newcastle shirt and the fans remains as strong as ever.
In the end, only Ayoze Perez left of his own accord, and his departure may well have happened even if Benitez had stayed.
Newcastle fought for every ball on Sunday. They threw themselves in front of shots, and chased around the pitch in excruciating temperatures, in a way that was reminiscent of performances under Steve Bruce’s Spanish predecessor.
Joelinton scored the winning goal, but his overall display was very impressive. He did so much work, that he literally ran himself to a standstill, which led to the manager having to bring him off in the final few minutes.
He may be new to the club, but that type of effort will win him a place in the hearts of Toon fans.
Newcastle fans love a side to show heart and commitment
But the team’s display of commitment, endeavour and will to win was encapsulated in two passages of play near the end of the game.
Despite playing over 90 minutes in temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius, Matt Ritchie was sprinting back the length of the pitch in the last minute of injury time to help his defenders keep hold of the lead.
That was preceded a few minutes prior by Miguel Almiron chasing down a long ball, but having failed to get on the end of it, the Paraguayan ran after the Spurs players in possession – first from left-wing to right, then from attacking third to the edge of his own box.
He must have ran hundreds of yards after a lost cause, just to not allow the opposition players time to settle on the ball.
They are just two examples that epitomised the display, but there were many, many others throughout.
If they can keep this work ethic up, and continue to play with that passion and effort, then the team could still avoid another relegation scrap this season.
Of course, it is one thing to do it in a big game against Spurs, but they must show that it was not an outlier, by displaying those same traits again against Watford on Saturday, and every game from this point onwards, whether it is s balmy day in the Capital, or a frigid February night on Tyneside.
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