So what next after Newcastle's biggest defeat of the season? Well obviously not a cull of one of the most successful Magpie teams of recent times but a serious consideration of options.
Either Eddie Howe sweeps Aston Villa 3 United 0 into the dustbin of history and sends the same troops out to redeem themselves home to Spurs or sees warning signs which require an injection of fresh ideas and legs.
Those who will be pushing for a call to arms? Well of course many enter the queue when rare failure opens a door.
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Like who? For a start Callum Wilson, Miggy Almiron, Sean Longstaff, and Matt Targett will be descending upon Eddie Howe's office putting their case.
His back four, until now untouchable, suddenly look a tad leggy and vulnerable. Recent stats rather than opinion flag up worries. Changes never contemplated must now be at the very least considered as a possibility. What could happen?
Obviously Dan Burn is at risk simply because he is, well, not a left-back. Targett who is must be pushing him. The big guy has done brilliantly out of his comfort zone but wide left on the tramline is like putting a round peg in a square hole. Burn has been getting burned for obvious reasons.
There again others who have been part of a Hadrian's Wall defiance have suddenly looked exposed and Burn could possibly stay in the team by challenging Sven Botman for left side of centre defence. Botman is going to be top notch quality but right now is showing that he is still a work in progress. A young man of real potential but not as yet the finished article which is why his Dutch international debut still awaits.
Others are not exempt. Jamaal Lascelles will wish to push his claims and point to his performance at Manchester City to justify a punt.
Midfield? There are four for three positions . . . Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Sean Longstaff. The centre of the field was dominant against Manchester United up here but overrun at Aston Villa none more so than Willock.
Up top? Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, Miggy Almiron, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson are in contention. However seven into three doesn't go so this is where it gets tricky.
Let us gamble with Wilson AND Isak? Genuinely tempting in terms of chasing victory. Meanwhile Gordon did himself no favours at Villa Park. And Almiron as top scorer is lurking to put pressure on him and others.
However let us get real. Speculation is one thing but Howe is not for mass change and why should he be? He limits it to the absolute necessary. Many will be disappointed. He is not going to sweep a load of players he has previously trusted into the dustbin.
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A fabulous season is not going to see one defeat, however comprehensive, produce a knee-jerk reaction. Especially not from Steady Eddie. A sense of proportion has to be kept.
Nevertheless Howe has to get it right. That is what top managers do and most of the time he does just that.
What would Spurs be without Harry Kane and Son? Non-contenders I suggest. However they do carry that double threat which makes them dangerous and they must be put to the buck because at this stage of the season there is absolutely no room for another mistake.
Ask Arsenal - two goals up in both of their most recent matches only to be dragged back to two all. Four points blown and Manchester City's breath can be felt on the back of their neck.
Gift Spurs three points and suddenly a telescope would be necessary to see the Champions League given the encouragement not just to Tottenham but others closing in. Yet should Newcastle win they would be six points ahead of their north London opponents with a game in hand. That is how important a match it is - but I have a good feeling about it. We are back home and they are not in the hot form Aston Villa are.
What would I do with the team? Freshen it up slightly. Tweak it not decimate it. What would you do? It is fascinating to debate but only one thing matters - what Eddie Howe will do. And as Geordies often say: in EH we have faith!
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