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Wasn’t it nice to be talking about football again for a change?

Newcastle United’s season has been played against a backdrop of internal politics and boardroom wrangling, with Rafa Benitez’s future, transfers and the long-running takeover saga largely overshadowing anything that has happened on the pitch.

Sunday’s defeat of Manchester United changed that. The headlines were about what happened on the pitch and the national newspaper reports reflected that – with a raft of positive headlines surrounding a notable performance that arrived in the nick of time.

In the Daily Mirror, Simon Bird painted a picture of potential. “This was why Rafa Benitez chooses to manage at St James’ Park,” he said, writing about the glorious aftermath of the 1-0 win.

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“In the stands there was noise and passion, every challenge roared, and the morale-sapping, trouble-causing politics that engulfs Newcastle were forgotten.

“On the pitch, this was a feisty, disciplined display, with the home side “fighting like animals,” according to Jose Mourinho.

“Benitez had his team on the front foot and taking the game to Manchester United, in contrast to recent efforts against the elite.

“No wonder the likes of warriors Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Jamaal Lascelles lingered on the pitch, as did the fans in the stand, to whip up celebrations, and relief.”

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In the Guardian, Louise Taylor hailed a potentially campaign-turning performance from United.

“Rafael Benitez would hardly be human if he were not tempted to regard a hugely restorative win as potentially a season-altering moment,” she wrote.

“This timely reminder of Benitez’s coaching abilities at the expense of an often bothersome old rival represented much more than a rare moment in the sun during what has turned into a painful slog of a campaign: instead Matt Ritchie’s well‑taken second-half winner offered real hope that Newcastle can avoid relegation after all.”

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In the Times George Caulkin contrasted the performance and the tactics with those employed against United’s city rivals, saying that “there was an attempt at posing questions to their opponents rather than simply delaying the answers” – as there had been over two games against Pep Guardiola’s men.

The throwback nature of the victory made it enjoyable, with one mercurial player highlighted: “The way Jonjo Shelvey flew in to intercept a pass on the halfway line spoke of defiance. The 25-year-old can be louche and laid-back but he was excellent in midfield, firing off his trademark long passes but tackling too, and the crowd responded. It was never an expression of superiority or unquenchable belief, but rather a recognition of players having a go, refusing to accept their own paucity,” he wrote.

In the Telegraph, Luke Edwards wrote about Jose Mourinho’s poor record at St James’ Park – and how it might be the result of the deference he feels towards Sir Bobby Robson.

“Something happens to Jose Mourinho on Tyneside, something difficult to explain. He has never won a league game here. It is almost as though he remains in awe of his former mentor Sir Bobby Robson,” he wrote.

“The late Sir Bobby loved Mourinho; his personality, his loyalty and his passion. He came to respect his opinions on football, too. Those feelings, the affection and the respect, were mutual. Sir Bobby never tired of telling his young apprentice how special Newcastle United were, that he was a man who bled black and white, that this was a unique place to play and watch football.

“It clearly had an effect on Mourinho. He has not behaved in a deferential manner to many people in his career, but as Sir Bobby’s translator, and then his assistant at Porto and Barcelona, he still smiles whenever the man, he still refers to as “Mr Robson”, is mentioned.

“Before the game, Mourinho had stood alone on the halfway line in silent contemplation. He may well have been thinking about the game, but he appeared solemn. He looked like a man paying his respects, standing over the gravestone of much-loved relative. He knew better than most that St James’ Park was Sir Bobby’s favourite place of worship.”

In the Daily Mail, Ian Ladyman wrote: “Such days remind us all why Newcastle remain such a valued resident of the Premier League.

“Benitez may not have anticipated all that has come his way during his time in the North East. The constant, painful and repetitive dialogue with Mike Ashley — an owner who does not seem disposed to help him — is wearying and when a takeover that he himself brought to the table failed to materialise, it must have been deflating.

“But here at full time was a snapshot of the joys, thrills and potential of managing this great club.

“When things go well at Newcastle, the rewards follow you all the way home at night.”