Newcastle claimed a seventh straight win in the Championship by defeating Cardiff City 2-1 at St James' Park.
Christian Atsu opened the scoring in the third minute and Yoan Gouffran added a second seconds before half-time.
Cardiff's Peter Whittingham pulled one back from outside the area in the 77th minute to give the visitors a chance but Newcastle had done enough.
The latest success, equalling the club's run during the 2009-10 promotion season, lifted Rafael Benitez's side six points clear at the top of the table, even though Cardiff pushed them all the way.
Newcastle got off to the ideal start.
Newcastle United 2-1 Cardiff City
