For the third time this season, Newcastle attracted a home attendance that exceeded the 50,000 mark – a remarkable achievement given they are playing in the second tier.
Today’s crowd of 51,885 was the second-highest in the country – only Arsenal attracted a bigger gate for their home game with Swansea City – with the club’s supporters having remained loyal despite last season’s relegation.
Their average league attendance this season is the ninth highest in the whole of Europe, underlining the latent potential that persuaded Rafael Benitez to remain in charge this summer.
With the away allocation for Tuesday’s game at Barnsley already sold out, Newcastle’s supporters are revelling in their side’s performances this season.