A couple of weeks ago Newcastle looked doomed to relegation from the Premier League, after the Magpies suffered a late 3-2 defeat at relegation rivals Norwich City.
However, on Saturday Rafa Benitez’s men moved to within three points of the Canaries with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Swansea at St James Park. The win will have come as a relief, as the north east side had gone into the weekend without a win in their last six games.
That winless run left them in 19th position in the Premier League table, despite the team boosting a number of big money signings and international players. Injuries have badly hampered the Magpies campaign, with both their first and second choice ‘keepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliot currently sidelined through long-term injuries.
The win against Swansea was not the only rarity, as keeping a clean sheet was also something that does not happen to the Magpies very often. In fact the side from the north east have kept just two clean sheets in their last 20 games in all competitions.
The Magpies could go level with rivals Norwich with a victory over in-form Manchester City on Tuesday night. The clash is unlikely to be an easy one though considering that the Citizens have now hit a decent run of form, especially in front of goal.
At least the Magpies have ended that winless run of form and the victory over Swansea will have given everybody at the club a massive lift. Beating Swansea is one thing, but claiming a victory over a City side that needs a victory to confirm a top four finish this season will be far more difficult.