Here's a look at what the national media have had to say after Newcastle's win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
'Functional rather than spectacular victory'
Alistair Magowan delivered his verdict on the Magpies' success at St James' Park on the BBC Sport website and heaped praise on Dan Burn for another 'excellent' performance. He said: "Newcastle's fifth win in six games put further space between themselves and the relegation zone, but this was a functional rather than spectacular victory over a Brighton side that could not take advantage of their intricate play.
"The first 10 minutes were a case in point. Potter's well-drilled side created space down the flanks but were thwarted by former Brighton defender Dan Burn, who had an excellent game. But after an encouraging start, the game switched Newcastle's way as Wood sold Duffy a dummy, sent Murphy away and Fraser tucked in the rebound.
"Schar's header then established a lead that looked comfortable, thanks to more smart defending from Burn and another impressive midfield display from Joelinton, whose limbs seemed to be everywhere. But the hosts' lacklustre start to the second half led to Dunk pulling a goal back when he lost Wood, who is still yet to score in seven games since his £25m move from Burnley.
"That led to a period where Newcastle lost control of the game. They were let off because Brighton failed to find the killer pass as the home fans began to show their nerves and frustration as the likes of Joe Willock gave the ball away."
'Restored belief in a squad'
In the Daily Mail, Craig Hope was impressed with Ryan Fraser's display and admitted that the Magpies did enough to grind out the three points despite not playing at their best.
He said: "As much as Newcastle's turnaround has been aided by January signings, it is the transformation in the likes of Fraser that has been Howe's greatest achievement. The winger had one good game in 13 months under Steve Bruce - and that was playing for Scotland. Fraser - shortlisted for February's Player of the Month prize - soon added an assist to his goal when Fabian Schar beat Brighton's zonal marking to connect with his free-kick and flash home a header from eight yards.
"Newcastle had played like this in the same fixture last season and lost 3-0. That is the difference under Howe, who has restored belief in a squad whose confidence he had found eroded to the point of fear. It also helped that Dan Burn was in his side as opposed to Brighton, the club he left in January. He was the game's outstanding player. That he was the home team's centre-half tells you much about how this game went."
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'No sign of letting up'
Sky Sports reporter Dan Sansom was in agreement of Hope after another outstanding performance from Fraser, who grabbed both a goal and an assist in the same game for the first time since 2019.
He said: "Fraser's recent fine form continued against Brighton. The winger caused the away side problems all afternoon with his direct running and precise crossing before his eventual substitution on 79 minutes. He was in the right place at the right time to score the opener after Murphy's initial effort hit the post. He then delivered an inch-perfect delivery from a free-kick two minutes later to give Schar the chance to head home.
"It is the first time Fraser has scored and assisted a goal in the same Premier League match since April 2019. He now has two goals in his most recent five league appearances. Nominated for February's Premier League player of the month award after scoring against Everton and providing an assist at Brentford, the 28-year-old shows no sign of letting up."
'Three vital points'
Louise Taylor of the Guardian gave her reaction to the Magpies' victory over Brighton as they moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
"At this rate the relegation zone will soon have receded to a mere speck in Newcastle’s rear-view mirror. Their unbeaten Premier League run now extends to eight games, five of which have been won, leaving them well on course for the sunlit uplands of mid-table.
"It would be wrong though to assume they had things quite all their own way against visitors who are stuttering, but still dominate possession. It took excellent central-defensive performances from the Brighton old boy Dan Burn and a revitalised Fabian Schär to help secure three vital points and consign Brighton to a fourth consecutive league defeat in an electrically charged atmosphere."
'A great escape'
The Mirror's Simon Bird believes that Eddie Howe is doing a terrific job at Newcastle United to steer them out of the drop zone and towards mid-table in the Premier League.
He said: "Eddie Howe is conjuring a great escape… but insists Newcastle still have work to do to avoid relegation. United’s winning streak was extended, taking them seven points clear of the bottom three, in the relative comfort of 14th place.
"Outside St James’ Park fans were in jubilant mood, having witnessed the latest - this time gritty and hard-fought - victory the latest in a mighty league fightback. Back on November 6, Howe sat in the stands at Brighton to watch his new club draw, before taking full charge.
"They ended that day in 19th, with four points, winless and adrift. Four months later they are on an unbeaten run of eight Premier League games dating back to December 19, and have won five out of the last six."
