Eddie Howe's £55m statement, Newcastle signings shake up dressing room and owners' reaction

Allan Saint-Maximin stretched out his arms, walked towards the Gallowgate End and sang along as 'Hey Jude' played over the public address system at full-time. This felt like more than a win for Newcastle United against Everton. It was so much more than just three points.

Not only had Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone for the first time since October following a 3-1 triumph at St James' Park; the Magpies had claimed back-to-back victories for the first time this season and, also, come from behind to win a game for the first time in 2021-22.

Was it any wonder that part-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi was 'still smiling' an hour after full-time after watching the game from the directors' box with Amanda Staveley, Jamie Reuben and a certain Gareth Southgate?

Encouragingly, even without talisman Callum Wilson, Newcastle scored three goals after having nine shots on target, which was three times as many efforts as Everton managed despite the Toffees having the lion's share of possession. For context, Newcastle had scored just six goals in their previous 10 games in all competitions.

Howe will privately feel it is another step forward, another potential turning point, but the Newcastle boss will not let his players get carried away. There was no dressing room photograph uploaded to Instagram this time. The squad will be back in on Wednesday for a recovery session and to review the game and look ahead to Sunday's visit of Aston Villa.

Perhaps, injuries permitting, it would be a surprise if Howe made any major changes to his side for that game after his decision to stick with the players who triumphed at Leeds paid off on Tuesday night.

Although Howe was keen to see all of his five new signings play, the Newcastle head coach