Moussa Sissoko perhaps best sums this Newcastle team up. He has been at St James Park for over three years and is yet to turn up for a derby, let alone win one.
Siem de Jong was in positive mood despite only a draw against Sunderland, the fans and the fact Newcastle finished strongly giving him room for optimism.
Rafa Benitez left hoping that he doesn’t need a whole new full-back pairing after Jack Colback’s suspension and now Daryl Janmaat pulling out of the Dutch squad.
The excellent late goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic against Sunderland meant Newcastle salvaged a point and some self-respect, plus pointed the way towards avoiding the drop.