In isolation this was no more than a decent display from Newcastle. In the context of what has gone recently it was champagne football, even if a fourth-straight game without a goal equals an unwanted club record in the Premier League.
The last time they did that, in 2015-16 under Steve McClaren, they were relegated. The cushion to safety is down to five points and, after one win in 10, there are a few nerves on Tyneside, evidenced by the boos on full-time.
That felt a little harsh on Steve Bruce's side, who had 21 efforts on goal and enjoyed more than 50 per cent possession for the first time this season at St James' Park - it is easy to understand why the locals are restless given the manner in which their team have repeatedly surrendered territory on home soil.