Long after 52,000 had filed out of St James’ Park on Wednesday night, Sandro Tonali smashed a ball beyond John Ruddy and into the roof of a portable net facing the Gallowgate End. Here was a late-night snapshot of Newcastle United’s obsessive hunt for goals.
Using the penalty area as their pitch and with the goal on the edge of the box, an intense attack-versus-defence session was led by coach Graeme Jones. It was 10.30pm. For a Champions League team who still need work if they are to compete as an elite European outfit - at least from a goalscoring perspective - not a minute can be wasted.