Eddie Howe set his players a test of resolve before the trip to Leicester City - and they pass it with ease after powering into a 3-0 lead after 32 minutes.
Howe knows there will be tougher assignments ahead, not least the trip to Arsenal on January 3, but will feel his team can keep pace with the top four in the Premier League.
Speaking after the win over the Foxes, Howe said: "I'd say the performance was up there as one of the best of the season when you consider the opposition and the break. To start in the manner we did was hugely important.
"Credit to the players for how they attacked the game. Leicester was a big test for us and I'm delighted with how the players started."
Howe refused to count his team out of the title race but shrewdly tried not to lay the gauntlet down for the teams around Newcastle, especially with Man City and Tottenham still nearby.
He said: "The season is still young enough for all possibilities to exist for us. I want the fans to believe we can do anything. My attitude won't change, but I've no problem with the supporters dreaming, talking and speculating about what we can achieve."
READ NEXT
- Newcastle United 'protected' from England approach for Howe
- Newcastle CEO Darren Eales says fans won't be 'priced out' of St James' Park
- Darren Eales set to meet fans groups in engagement pledge
- Newcastle to change kit sponsors as club review all existing commercial deals
- Newcastle supremo Dan Ashworth talks about 'skeleton' club owners inherited
