Should they continue their winning run, Rafa Benitez’s side would have the chance to break a long-standing club record with victory against Blackburn Rovers at St. James’ Park.
And, with a trip to Hull City on the horizon, the Magpies had their sights set on a place in the semi-finals of a cup competition for the first time in more than a decade.
All to play for, then...
Saturday, 5th November
Newcastle United 2 Cardiff City 1
With Neil Warnock having just taken charge, Cardiff proved to be stubborn opposition at St. James’ Park, but a clinical first-half display saw the Magpies over the line.
Christian Atsu struck his first goal on home soil less than five minutes in, before Yoan Gouffran found the far corner just before the interval.
Peter Whittingham pulled one back for the Bluebirds, and United were forced to dig deep to make sure of another three-point haul.
Sunday, 20th November
Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 2
After more than a decade in the wilderness, Leeds – under the guidance of Garry Monk – finally looked set to launch a concerted push for a Premier League return, sitting within touching distance of a play-off place ahead of the clash.
However, they were undone by a professional Newcastle performance at Elland Road. Dwight Gayle pounced on a Rob Green error to put the Magpies in front midway through the first half, and the in-form forward wrapped up another win by converting Vurnon Anita’s cross after the break.
Saturday, 26th November
Newcastle United 0 Blackburn Rovers 1
St. James’ Park was packed once more as United looked to write a new chapter in club history by beating Blackburn. Victory would be their tenth in a row – bettering the feat achieved by Kevin Keegan’s crop back in 1994.
But, on the day, the Magpies never found their feet. Struggling Rovers gave away precious little, and – with a quarter of an hour remaining – they stunned the home crowd by grabbing the only goal of the game, Charlie Mulgrew volleying past Karl Darlow after a short corner.
Tuesday, 29th November
Hull City 1 Newcastle United 1 (AET, Hull win 3-1 on penalties)
Beaten quarter-finalists two seasons prior, United headed to Humberside looking to progress to the last four of the League Cup for the first time in 40 years.
And, with the tie goalless, Newcastle were given a major boost heading into extra-time, after the Tigers’ Dieumerci Mbokani saw red following an altercation with Jamaal Lascelles.
They duly took the lead through Mohamed Diame – up against his former club – but were pegged back almost instantly, as Robert Snodgrass forced the ball home after Matz Sels’ parry.
Jonjo Shelvey, Gayle and Gouffran all missed from the spot as the tie headed for a shootout, with Hull finding the net three times out of three to send the Magpies packing.
