Sky Blue has always meant a dark day for Eddie Howe but here, finally, was a rainbow, and just when he needed it most. At the 19th attempt in the Premier League, this was his first victory over Manchester City.
The Newcastle boss gave a knowing grin when reminded of that record before the game - but his smile was as wide as the Tyne come full-time. After back-to-back defeats by West Ham and Brentford and much soul-searching during the international break, this was an evening to warm his soul.