Henri Lansbury's own goal said all you need to know about the contrasting fortunes of last season's Premier League dropouts.
One is making their bid for a Premier League return look as easy as pundits assumed it would be. The other is nearer the relegation zone than the play-offs.
Newcastle got the lead just before half-time when Yoan Gouffran bundled home from close range and saw it doubled when Lansbury failed to clear Jamal Lescelles' effort whilst stationed on the post.
The only blot on the evening for Rafa Benitez was the loss of Dwight Gayle before half-time.