There were questions about how Newcastle United will cope in the absence of Eddie Howe during a crucial part of their season.
The Magpies manager was not at St James' Park for Crystal Palace's visit and will also miss the trip to Aston Villa next Saturday as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.
But a ruthless 5-0 victory against Palace will go long way in dispelling any doubts of this Newcastle side's calibre.
The win moved them up to third in the Premier League table and they are only four points behind second-placed Arsenal, who they face in their penultimate game of the season.