Steve Bruce said prior to the match "We can win the FA Cup", and full marks to him for having the balls to put out a near first team 11.
But, although our ball will be in the hat tonight, that performance didn't do the boss justice.
League One side Oxford performed well and had the best chances to win the game in injury time, with Nathan Holland having a shot tipped over by Karl Darlow, and Rob Dickie heading over the bar from the corner.
The Newcastle boss Bruce has a refreshing attitude to the FA Cup, but it's such a shame his players don't share his passion.
Having reached the 2014 final with Hull, he has targeted it as a tournament Newcastle can have a run in.
They have not reached the fifth round since 2005-06 and just as they did against Rochdale in the previous round, they will need a replay if they are to progress.
It was a celebratory atmosphere to start with - a 52,000 sell-out as rumours circulated about a possible Saudi Arabian takeover.
Bruce named his strongest side - with Allan Saint-Maximin returning from injury and causing Oxford plenty of problems - as well as forcing Eastwood into three saves.
Joelinton had his usual struggles in front of goal but found the net twice, though both times while in offside positions.
They did have a strong penalty appeal on Joelinton in the first half, with captain Jamaal Lascelles heading over moments later.
Substitute Matty Longstaff went close moments after coming off the bench but in truth Newcastle did not do enough to win.
It was a mess, and fears of another cup defeat at Oxford is a strong possibility.
Come on Newcastle ... prove me wrong.