A WIN is a win, and Newcastle will be grateful to have got back to winning ways thanks to Calum Wilson’s second-half penalty. However, the 1-0 scoreline flattered them; their disjointed performance did not deserve all three points.

Brentford’s game plan was clear, defend deep and in numbers and try to hit the hosts on the break, and for large parts of the match they frustrated their hosts.

Relief was the overwhelming emotion for Eddie Howe. “It was a massive win for us,” said the Newcastle boss. “Brentford made it very difficult for us. We are a very good team, but sometime you need a result to swing your way to show that.”