They waited until the point of civil war to act, agreeing to break their venerable record transfer on a blissful, bonkers night when supporters began a new wave of protests against Mike Ashley’s ownership. Newcastle United specialise in tearing themselves apart and it would be a novel development if Miguel Almirón, who is expected to complete a £20 million move from Atlanta United in the United States, refocused the club’s attention on tearing into the opposition. They may even be good at it.

In the pantheon of Newcastle ridiculousness, this was right up there, a riotous and unexpected victory over Manchester City, just when they least expected it. Thirty-six hours, which began with Rafa Benítez questioning publicly whether he will see out the final few