Newcastle United's players participated in a bonding day in London after beating Aston Villa, reliable journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

The Lowdown: Newcastle flying at present

The Magpies are flying at the moment, sitting third in the Premier League and looking like genuine contenders to finish in the Champions League places.

Sunday's 4-1 win away to Southampton was Newcastle's latest show of brilliance and it seems clear from such fantastic results that there is a real togetherness within Eddie Howe's squad.

That has further been highlighted by one revelation from a renowned journalist.

The Latest: 'Bonding day' in London

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Ornstein reported that vice-captain Kieran Trippier and skipper Jamaal Lascelles organised a bonding day in London for the squad in the wake of their recent 4-0 win over Aston Villa in order to improve team spirit further.

The journalist tweeted that the social occasion "went well", stating:

"Newcastle squad travelled to London after recent Aston Villa win for bonding day + evening meal at Mayfair restaurant IT. Organised by Trippier & Lascelles; chance to socialise pre-Xmas. Went well + followed with Southampton victory."

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The Verdict: Team spirit is special

Howe is doing a wonderful job as Newcastle manager after one year in the job, taking the team from 19th upon his arrival to third at the moment.

While he is excelling tactically, it also seems that he has created a brilliant spirit among his players. They are clearly fighting for each other every week on the pitch, as evidenced by their results, and bonding sessions such as the one in London are proof that they are happy in each other's company.

The real test may come when results dip a little but Newcastle are in the healthiest position they have occupied for years, with everyone seemingly pulling in the same direction following many years of off-field discord.