Reaching the 40-point mark used to be cause for celebration for Newcastle United but it was the visitors from the East End who were delighted with the outcome of this top-flight clash at St James' Park.
The Magpies went into the game on the back of that euphoric night in the Carabao Cup after beating Southampton at St James' Park on Tuesday to reach their first major cup final since 1999. Howe had been forced to rest concussion victim Alexander Isak with Allan Saint-Maximin coming into the side as part of a reshuffle caused by Bruno Guimaraes' ban.
There was an explosive start to proceedings as Newcastle twice had the ball in the Gallowgate End net in the first two minutes. First, Miguel Almiron pulled the ball back for Joe Willock who fired home on the right-hand side only for the goal to be chalked off by VAR as the ball strayed out of play.
