A one-goal loss away from home to the best club side in the world would not usually lead to fan inspection and star players clashing with supporters online - but Newcastle United exist in a new world now.
One where the axis is spinning faster than ever before, and expectation has been sent skyward. A 1-0 defeat at Manchester City is no longer met with sombre acceptance. This, of course, is where the club wants to be.
But for manager Eddie Howe, the biggest threat to his own existence is himself.