The perfect weekend for Newcastle United

It’s been a very nice 48-72 hours for Newcastle United, featuring a host of boosts in our pursuit of a top four finish.

The result on Friday night was a brilliant one. It wasn’t just three points at the death, but a strong performance where we created so many chances, kept our heads and won from a losing position for the first time this season.

Then to Saturday. Spurs (4th) had the chance to move four points clear if they could beat bottom of the table Southampton at St Mary’s. They went 3-1 up and looked destined to win, but a late collapse and 93rd minute penalty from James Ward-Prowse left a raging Antonio Conte to settle for a 3-3 draw. They looked bang average throughout, weak in midfield and a soft touch defensively, leaving them two points ahead of the Toon having played TWO games more. Conte may depart over the international break, but they’re in a mess.

Then to Sunday. No Premier League games, yet Man Utd (who we’ll leapfrog if we beat them in two weeks time) gave me plenty of encouragement in their FA Cup quarter final clash with Fulham at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s side were edging towards a 1-0 defeat until two red cards for Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic turned the game on its head with 15 minutes to play. They’re not the same side without Casemiro, who will be suspended for their trip to St James’ Park.

So, we secured back-to-back wins, extended our lead over Liverpool to five points, saw Spurs bottle it against bottom of the table and Man Utd look bang average without their most influential player.

Up next, a training camp in Dubai and fingers crossed our internationals don’t get injured before we seek revenge at St James’ against the Red Devils.