There was a bizarre situation at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon where Newcastle were heading towards 4-0 defeat yet their supporters were cheering in the Gallowgate End like they had just survived relegation. “Eddie Howe’s black-and-white army,” they sang.  

Perhaps there is still euphoria among the ranks of the Toon Army after Mike Ashley’s era as owner came to an end and Saudi Arabia’s Public Invest Fund has brought them wealth. But it was also a sign that there is life yet in the battle to stay in the Premier League this season.  

As bad as Newcastle’s defending was that afternoon as Manchester City won in third gear, those fans also know they are three points and goal difference from safety. It is an incredible position for a team with one victory all season. Sheffield United had as many wins at the same stage of last season and were doomed.  

“I really do value their support,” said Howe, when asked about the fans trying to lift the team. “It’s not an easy emotion for me because I want to give them success, points, victories and performances they can be proud of.”

Howe and Newcastle fans will be clinging to the fact that this season is the most difficult relegation battle to call, a fight that will probably go to the wire and at the moment involves every team in the bottom half of the table. 

With Liverpool and City out of the way in the space of a few days and Manchester United next, Newcastle’s season will probably be defined by their set of fixtures after Boxing Day: Everton (twice), Southampton, Watford, Leeds, West Ham, Brentford and Brighton. 

In Callum Wilson they have a valuable commodity of a No 9 with a knack of finding the net by any means necessary and suddenly the task does not feel so impossible. After all, this is the season where there is hope for the hopeless. 

Clubs will be looking at the example of Villa, who were 16th in the table when Steven Gerrard took over and were hovering above the relegation zone. With their new-manager bounce they are now in the top half, just about out of the equation when it comes to the battle to beat the drop. 

But from 11th-placed Crystal Palace downwards there are teams looking nervously over their shoulders. Patrick Vieira’s first season as a Premier League manager has been a positive one but he still needs points on the board not to get dragged into the mess. 

Leeds look one of the clubs most in danger, given the number of key players they have in the treatment table. They celebrated their win over Palace with a lap of honour, then earned a last-gasp draw against Brentford but that result came at a cost. Patrick Bamford prodded in the equaliser but in the celebrations it became clear he had a probem with his hamstring.

Kalvin Phillips, the heartbeat of their midfield, had limped off earlier in the game, as had skipper Liam Cooper. With Dan James and Charlie Cresswell, joining them since, Marcelo Bielsa has been fielding youngsters on the bench and could do with an inspiration January signing to freshen his team.