Newcastle United have only ever had more points in the bag after 32 Premier League matches once before this season - back in the 1995/96 when they almost won the title.
Yes, it's not a dream, Newcastle really are in their best shape since the Entertainers in the 90s and Sir Bobby Robson's team of the Noughties. It doesn't get much better than this - or does it, there are still 18 points to play for after all.
Back in 1996 they had earned 67 points and with six matches left they now sit on 62 points which means United are in better shape than all three of the previous campaigns in which Newcastle qualified for the Champions League. Back in 1997, the Magpies had 54 points, in 2002 they'd picked up 60 points and a year later they had 61 points.
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The important targets though are clear, Newcastle still need more points to qualify for the Champions League this time around even if they are in a good position. Last season Spurs needed 71 points and the season before Chelsea got there with 67.
Eddie Howe said it was a waste of time rushing for a calculator but it feels like four wins will do it. And United are keeping an eye on Spurs and Liverpool this weekend.
Newcastle respond with fireworks of their own as Everton's cauldron of noise is silenced
Before the game, Everton fans made it impossible to walk through the tight streets that surround Goodison Park. As blue flares and smoke bombs were let off outside the main stand as the team buses turned up, it had all the makings of a tough encounter for Newcastle.
A banner at the famous Gwladys Street end was unfurled before the game which read: "Fight for us" while fireworks were let off outside the stadium just ahead of kick off. OK, this was far from Galatasaray in the Champions League away, but the atmosphere still seemed to knock Newcastle off their stride.
But the great sign Eddie Howe's side are showing right now are their ability to absorb pressure like this. True, they didn't manage it at Aston Villa but they have hit back in real style since then with 10 goals in two matches.
Despite their Villa Park wobble they show no signs of letting up. Howe must privately be delighted but won't - unlike some seasoned managers - declare the battle as won until the Magpies are mathematically there.
Away the lads - best form in over a decade on the road
That's now eight away wins for Newcastle in the Premier League which means they are level with Alan Pardew's class of 2012. However, they have two chances to better that away to Leeds then Chelsea on the final day.
Finishing ahead of Pardew's fifth-placed Magpies would also be another sign of progress although the Londoner did with a much lower budget than the current Toon set-up. For all that Howe has got the best of many players he inherited and the squad was in need of major surgery after years of neglect under Mike Ashley.
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