The away end was still crowded, still singing, still clapping. Newcastle United had just suffered a 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa yet not even the crackling sound system could drown out the sound of the travelling fans chanting: "Who's that team we call United? Who's that team we all adore? We play in black and white and we all know how to fight. We'll support you ever more!"
These same supporters had seen their side defeat Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, West Ham and Brentford during a five-game winning streak that reignited the club's push for the Champions League before Saturday's defeat at Villa Park. Perspective was needed. This was a rare off-day that must serve as a wake-up call after Newcastle were uncharacteristically second-best all over the park to Eddie Howe's surprise.
"When you're in my shoes, you want to see a representation of your work and the basic fundamentals of a good performance: our work ethic and commitment and desire to win the game," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "I'm not saying that wasn't there from the players on a level, but we were just a yard off. We were just a yard off in every phase of play and that's difficult to watch when you know your team is better than what it's showing."
