Another win, another team photo. Newcastle United players were mocked by rival fans following December’s 1-0 victory against Burnley when a picture of the squad celebrating their first win of the season was uploaded onto social media.
However, few are laughing at the Magpies’ expense now - especially other relegation contenders - after another pivotal Premier League triumph widened the gap between themselves and the bottom three to seven points. Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar did the damage against Brighton early on but Newcastle showed character to stave off a late Brighton fightback and secure the win.
Not so long ago, Eddie Howe’s formerly fragile side would have capitulated and failed to get the result over the line. The late Joao Pedro header conceded against Watford on January 15 meant Newcastle had dropped a staggering 21 points from winning positions this season - a figure that has not budged almost two months on.
