Newcastle United's mid-season resurgence has been all the more impressive given the manner in which they've done it.
Picking up points against relegation rivals Leeds United and Everton has closed the gap to the teams above them, whilst also putting some distance between the sides below them.
They've had to do so without their main goal threat in Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier has been ruled out with a fractured metatarsal and Allan Saint-Maximin missed last weekend's clash with West Ham United.
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The injured trio have undoubtedly been the stars of an albeit disappointing season so far, but there's a fresh hope of optimism around St. James' Park after their six game unbeaten streak.
Speaking to Football Insider, Leeds fan favourite Noel Whelan said: "It’s a massive blow to have him missing but at the same time, they’ve shown that there’s life without Saint-Maximin.
“It’s been clear for a while now that he’s the main player who carries that Newcastle side and is the real danger man for them.
“But against West Ham the likes of Joe Willock took that mantle on brilliantly, carrying the ball forward really well.
“The players must take great credit because they’ve shown that it’s not all about one player in that team. Every team in the Premier League has a star player, of course.
“But it’s brilliant to see Newcastle pull out a convincing away performance without theirs. He’s so important to them.
“You’d rather have him in the side, and he’s a massive player, but it just goes to show that they are capable of getting results without him.”
While there is some obvious truth in that, Saint-Maximin, like Newcastle struggles with consistency.
It may seem strange comment given how well the Magpies have played in recent weeks, but they can ill afford to let complacency set in, and no doubt some supporters remain wary of being drawn back into the bottom three.
Prior to wins over Leeds and Everton, the Toon had picked up just nine points against sides in the bottom half, out of a possible 27.
Since January 15, the Magpies have taken maximum points against sides in the bottom half of the table, early signs that they've turned a corner. A win over Brentford would back up that notion further.
To do that, Newcastle will need Saint-Maximin back fit and at his very best. The French forward was a constant threat against Everton and a huge reason the Magpies came away with all three points.
Five goals and three assists so far this season represent his best contribution to a campaign in a black and white shirt - with plenty of the season remaining to add to that tally.
You can't question Saint-Maximin's ability with the ball at his feet, but there's a sense that if he were to improve his final product and decision making, the Magpies could have one of the most potent threat's in the division.
Eddie Howe is expected to include the Frenchman in his matchday squad for the six pointer against Brentford, after resting him following a knock to his calf.
Newcastle know a win against Brentford will not only move them further away from the Premier League drop zone, but give them a psychological boost over one of their rivals heading into the business part of the season.
The Bees will be a wounded animal having picked up just four points out of a possible 24 available since the turn of the year.
Defeat for the Magpies would leave them looking over their shoulder, but no doubt Howe will be doing everything he can to ensure complacency does not creep in.
