Newcastle United secured a crucial three points at the expense of Leeds United, which edged them closer to escaping the Premier League relegation zone.
It was not a performance that will be reflected upon as a masterclass but supporters will have been pleased nonetheless to see their side come out on top to pick up their first win since early December.
The Magpies had to weather a storm but held strong against the hosts, who failed to make the most of their possession.
They were rewarded for their perseverance with 15 minutes of normal time remaining when Jonjo Shelvey opened the scoring from a free-kick.
ChronicleLive have rounded up verdicts from the national media following Newcastle's win at Elland Road.
BBC
Injury to the in-form Joelinton may have had some supporters worried but Sean Longstaff stepped in to deputise admirably and has earned praise for his display.
Joe Willock also received warm words for a performance which was reminiscent of his scintillating run as a loanee last season.
Writing for the BBC Sport website, Alistair Magowan wrote: "There were some fine displays from the visitors, who were tested by Marcelo Bielsa's team in a, sometimes, frantic game where only poor finishing let both sides down.
"Willock, who replaced Sean Longstaff in the starting line-up, showed his quality with some fine ball-carrying which not only relieved pressure on the defence but added to Allan Saint-Maximin's presence in attack. The former Arsenal player could also have scored in stoppage-time but Meslier denied him with a good save.
"[Fabian] Schar's block proved crucial, while Longstaff - who replaced the injured Joelinton before the break - also contributed to a team performance which will give Howe hope for the future."
Head coach Eddie Howe has not led Newcastle to as many wins as he would have liked since taking the reins but it was claimed his side are 'moving in the right direction'.
Magowan wrote: "There have been questions about whether Howe was best suited to keep Newcastle in the top flight despite a previous relegation with Bournemouth. But after a positive display which only ended with a draw against Watford last week, this showed his team are moving in the right direction."
The Guardian
The threat posed by Shelvey and Saint-Maximin was highlighted by The Guardian, even though the latter was not quite at his swashbuckling best.
However, the vulnerability of captain Jamaal Lascelles was highlighted after a shaky display in the heart of defence.
For The Guardian, Louise Taylor wrote: "Although Newcastle still need a midfield enforcer capable of anchoring the team effectively, Shelvey had one of his better games with most of Newcastle’s attacking manoeuvres stemming from the playmaker’s feet.
"If Newcastle invariably looked in trouble whenever Leeds moved the ball wide, Bielsa became agitated every time Allan Saint-Maximin assumed possession.
"It was far from Saint-Maximin’s finest hour but he still fazed a Leeds side unable to capitalise on Jamaal Lascelles’s vulnerabilities. Newcastle’s captain has not been at his best lately and he forfeited possession too many times for comfort. Indeed, he limped off after apparently pulling a hamstring attempting to retrieve one such concession near the halfway line."
The Mail on Sunday
Howe has not been in charge at St James' Park for long but The Mail on Sunday outlined that the performance showed evidence that progress is being made by players under his tutelage.
For The Mail on Sunday, Craig Hope wrote: "Do not forget, Newcastle striker Callum Wilson openly admitted that the team were not fit enough this season under former boss Steve Bruce.
"Here, then, was evidence of the progress that has been made under Howe since he took over in early November. Newcastle were fitter, faster and stronger during the frenetic period in which Jonjo Shelvey landed the fatal blow via a 75th-minute free-kick.
"Yes, they were dead on their feet come the end of five, injury-time minutes, but that was also to recognise the renewed spirit with Howe in charge."
Shelvey's match-winning strike hit the headlines but his performance was also placed under a microscope as he impressed in spite of the manner in which he often polarises supporters.
Hope wrote: "Shelvey remains an enigma given his obvious talent, but Howe looks to have cracked the code with a midfielder who has long since split opinion among supporters.
"Not that there was any doubt as to his popularity in a joyous away end when crucially directing his 20-yard free-kick beyond Illan Meslier."
