Only time will tell whether Ruud van Nistelrooy’s honeymoon as Leicester’s manager was ended or merely interrupted here. Equally it is still far too early to predict if this will come to be regarded as a turning point in Newcastle’s hitherto stuttering season but, after four games without a win, Eddie Howe’s players certainly succeeded in making a mockery of suggestions that he might be destined for the sack.
While Howe recently celebrated his third anniversary in charge at St James’ Park, Van Nistelrooy suffered his first defeat in three matches since taking the helm at Leicester. How the 48-year-old must have wished he was still wearing his old shooting boots rather than watching in increasing dismay from the edge of the technical area.
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