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 offloaded Lloyd Kelly before the window closed and now Dan Burn and Sven Botman are touch and go for the next game