LAST season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City stumbled and lost at St James’ Park. It was a result that kick-started a run of 14 straight victories that took them to the title. 

By contrast, the point they gained at the weekend seemed somewhat more damaging and for a Newcastle team struggling for consistency, the come-from-behind draw felt like a victory.

Despite the pre-season criticism and lacklustre response to his appointment, Steve Bruce is slowly beginning to mould this team the way he wants it.