Newcastle produced an overwhelming display against Qarabag in the Champions League to win 6-1 as Anthony Gordon scored four goals to all but send the Magpies through
Newcastle United's English midfielder #10 Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring the team's fifth goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg
Anthony Gordon produced an impressive display(Image: Giorgi ARJEVANIDZE / AFP via Getty Images)
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For any concerns the domestic season has brought Eddie Howe, Newcastle, and their supporters, there remains something magical about the sound of the Champions League music. A jolt of nostalgia that has been firmly injected into the present day; and after Wednesday night, the Magpies will be in no mood to give it up.
A dominant display, capped off by goals from Anthony Gordon, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy, should see Newcastle through to the last-16. But for many, the focus and underlying pressure will remain on finishing in the qualification spots for next year's endeavours.
As Gordon joined the same echelons as Alan Shearer and Tino Asprilla, even just for a moment, by bagging a European hat-trick, Newcastle earned themselves the opportunity to build some momentum. This season has been far from straightforward for the Magpies, who sit mid-table in the Premier League.
There have been questions over Howe's decision-making and the club's recruitment, but despite the quality in Newcastle's squad, it is still often easy to see they don't have the depth to keep up with the commitments they continue to earn in cup competitions. With victory on Wednesday night, they took a massive step in ensuring they do for now.
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With Manchester City awaiting at the weekend and a long return journey ahead, being able to begin their recovery in some respects, during the second period against Qarabag could yet provide some benefit.
More pertinently, it means rest and rotation can take place in seven days' time without any worrying beads of sweat emerging from Howe's brow at St. James' Park.
Even a timely suspension for Malick Thiaw comes as good news after he picked up a booking to miss the second leg. Far rather miss a game now than a pivotal game in the next round.
Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy got on the scoresheet(Image: Giorgi ARJEVANIDZE / AFP via Getty Images)
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That is particularly good news, given that Everton lie in wait in the Premier League. Amid a relentless run of significant and taxing fixtures, it is impossible to ignore a key opportunity for three points.
Because, for all of the frustration league football has brought, Newcastle still have the opportunity to rise up the table. Kinks are still being worked out as the likes of Nick Woltemade learns a new role, Jacob Ramsey finds his feet, and Newcastle learn how to operate on multiple fronts.
Either Barcelona or Chelsea await in the next round of European competition. The Magpies have faced both this season and failed to come away with a win.
It will be no easy feat to take another step but last night's victory means minutes can be managed and a platform begins to be built for that clash. And if Newcastle can continue to pick up the pace for the business end of the season, who knows what can happen in Europe and the league.
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