Steve Bruce continues to roll with the punches at Newcastle United.
But at least he witnessed some fight from his players in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United on a night in which he could have emerged with his first victory of the season.
It didn't happen in the end, and the reality is Leeds could also argue they were worthy of three points too.
The big thing for Bruce has been that his players are still battling for him despite suggestions of unrest.
Newcastle made a mess of this fixture the last time they visited Vicarage Road when they threw away a 1-0 lead after dominating the game before losing 2-1 to a Watford side on their way out of the Premier League.
Time to make amends at a stadium they usually struggle at.
Lee Ryder's prediction
The second half display against Leeds showed there was much to build on for Newcastle this week.
The tension from a stormy Press conference at Old Trafford two weeks ago has evaporated a little and any differences behind the scenes between players and Bruce also seems to have subsided, at least for now.
Given Newcastle players are aware of the criticism surrounding them at the moment the word from the Toon training HQ is that there's a bit of siege mentality going on.
This is an opportunity for United to silence some critics, and I think they can take it.
Here's to a long overdue victory.
Referee
Jarred Gillett (Australia)
A bit of history here as Gillett becomes the first overseas referee to take charge of a Premier League game.
Betting
Our betting partners Grosvenor Sport are offering the following odds: Watford 7/5, Draw 47/2 and Newcastle 21/10.
