Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe looked far from deflated as he faced the Press at Anfield following the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool.
He'd watched his side take the lead, recover reasonably well despite going 2-1 down and then stay in the game until the dying stages - something a lot of teams won't get close to this season.
However, as the bus pulled out of the famous old stadium last night Howe's men were immediately thinking ahead to Manchester City.
The mood in the camp remains upbeat and while history is against the squad - after their worst ever start - the belief in the camp from the players is they can still pull away from danger.
Newcastle's quiet new signing watches on as Magpies lose at Anfield
The Magpies have installed former Celtic transfer supremo Nicky Hammond as transfer consultant but don't expect any type of unveiling.
Hammond is ready to unveil a transfer plan in January that should help Newcastle get through the winter window but given his role is not a formal appointment, the former Reading director of football will be left to get on with his work away from the limelight.
Hammond will support Amanda Staveley and the board and knows that Newcastle will need improvements in both defence and the final third in the first window of 2022.
His immediate aim is to bring in a new centre-back but the pursuit of Kieran Trippier of Altetico Madrid is also on the to do list.
That said Newcastle may have to pay the £34million release clause to get the England defender because it is understood other clubs are willing to go in for his exit fee.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle legend's message to supporters after concerning night
The game went ahead as planned on Merseyside but there was a noticeable feel of tension in the atmosphere as five games were postponed in the build-up.
Fans wore face masks at Anfield and after the game, Howe admitted we were living in "Worrying times".
As fans prepare for Man City at the weekend the message is simple, stay safe and fill in Covid forms online before attending the match at St James' Park.
A message from Alan Shearer via the Premier League communications team also read: "We all want to keep safe on a matchday and the best way we can protect ourselves and other people is to get vaccinated.
"If you're eligible, get your booster booked as soon as possible for the best possible defence against COVID for you and your family."
Callum Wilson decision could yet pay off
The number 9's appearance on the bench raised a few eyebrows but the move was always planned by Eddie Howe and his coaching team.
And it's understood that while Wilson wants to play as much as he can he was on board with the decision knowing he can take on Manchester City on Sunday then look forward to a seven-day gap between the next game.
If he scores what would be a priceless equaliser or dare we dream a priceless winner against Man City the move from Howe and his staff will be a shrewd one.
