It has taken MONTHS but the Dwight Gayle Newcastle fans know and love is back.
After eight underwhelming league outings, Gayle gave some indication that he was finally approaching full match fitness - as well as total confidence in his body - against AFC Bournemouth.
But what has been really encouraging has beenthat Gayle and Joselu have developed an understanding, and seemingly playing alongside the Spaniard is suiting last season’s top scorer.
Within minutes of this game starting, Gayle looked sharper and hungrier than he has all season; he was chasing lost causes and forcing the opposition defence into mistakes.
The way in which he created and then finished Newcastle’s opener was classic forward play too. The 27-year-old released Yedlin down the right with a clever flick, then arrived late into the box to slot the return pass into the net via the far post.
He continued to buzz around after that too, suggesting that now he has rediscovered his belief in his own body that perhaps he can translate his prolific Championship form into the Premier League.
If Newcastle continue to counter at such pace, Gayle could really profit in the future - so seeing the forward back to his best is certainly something that should be celebrated, regardless of the result.
Whether Benitez’s 4-4-2 formation survives a second-straight defeat, however, remains to be seen.