Look away Patrick Vieira - ASM is no longer a diamond in the rough, he's Newcastle's jewel in the crown: Liam Kennedy's SEVEN takeaways

And despite the fact we all thought Newcastle United would be hard pushed to stay in the top flight - after a summer of upheaval and uncertainty - they have cruised to safety at a rate of knots.

If you'd have offered United fans 42 points with more than a handful of games to go and an FA Cup quarter final exit the day Steve Bruce was appointed - or Rafa Benitez left - they'd have snapped your hand, arm and a whole lot more off. Credit where credit is due.

But what can we take away from the four-goal, almost flawless show at the Vitality Stadium? Here Liam Kennedy picks out his SEVEN key moments, performances and positives from what will probably go down as Bruce's Mount Everest moment at Newcastle United.

They're doomed!

As good as Newcastle were, and they were absolutely top drawer, Bournemouth made United look like a reincarnation of the Netherlands of the 1970s.

If I've ever seen a team doomed it was the Cherries. They are just lucky their fans, as few as they have, were not there to witness it. Although they could probably still hear the collective groans with every flash of United brilliance, goal and latest episode of their own defensive comedy from within the confines of the empty Dean Court.

No longer a diamond in the rough - look away now Patrick Vieira!

If Newcastle were Holland, then Allan Saint-Maximin definitely showed shades of Johan Cruyff.

Every time he pulls on a black and white, or oranje shirt, he looks a special, sparkly, winger. One that shines even brighter each time gets the ball. Bruce wanted to wrap his diamond in cotton wool last night - instead he threw the 'tired' Frenchman in at the deep end. And he swam, like no other on the pitch.

A joy to behold.

If Patrick Vieira at Nice did not like his work ethic, he must be questioning his own managerial skills, because he threw a winning lottery ticket out with the trash last summer. United cashed it - and could probably do so ten fold in the summer, although that will be the last thing on a new owner's mind.

Classy, gliding & goal-laden - have NUFC found themselves a new No10?

Sean Longstaff was absolute class in a more advanced role for Newcastle last night - and long may it continue for the midfielder.

Under Benitez Longstaff had a clear role and purpose, he seems to have lacked that under Bruce, as well as the fact he was playing catch up after a nasty injury.

Rafa used Longstaff deeper but he looks every bit at home supporting the frontline. And he's got a real eye for goal, just like his brother!

Finally! A performance befitting of the talent!

Eventually, Jonjo Shelvey came to the Newcastle United post-coronavirus lockdown party. Up to last night he'd been locked out the back gate, but finally Eddie Howe & Co unbolted it, giving him a free run to the midfield dancefloor.

When things are going well few players exude as much elegance and class as Shelvey with the ball.

His lack of pace becomes irrelevant when he's at his very best. Last night was one of those days.

It's a real shame we do not see much more of that from him.

Inter man gives United chiefs something to think about

Up to last night we'd seen very little of Valentino Lazaro to suggest he'd be worth even half of what Inter Milan want of him this summer.

Against the Cherries the real Austrian international turned up off the bench - and damn was it a sight to see!

Lazaro's left-footed finish for the fourth was sublime - and his long-range strike off the bar even more so.

Could he make a play for a permanent deal in the final weeks of the season? Why not.

Beard? No. Goal? Still no. Getting closer?

You have to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to Andy Carroll.

Gone is the lockdown Byker Grove beard and the flying elbows of Manchester City. In it's place came the sweet, caress of his wand of a left peg and but for a deflection, he'd surely have his first goal in a United shirt, second time around.

He's getting closer. And surely it's only a matter of time!

Captain. Leader. Lascelles

If ever there was a performance which epitomised Jamaal Lascelles, it was this one.

Strong, commanding, as ever, but this time with some top class reading of the game to boot.

He didn't have a whole lot to deal with but when he did it was head and body on the line as he lead his troops from the front on the night.

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