There has been a sea change in mood on Tyneside since the turn of the year, and one of the biggest positives fans can take from the past two months has undoubtedly been the emergence of Longstaff as a genuine first-team regular.
The 21-year-old has excelled in midfield with seven consecutive Premier League starts - and, alongside another solid display came his first ever senior goal at St James' Park.
Matt Ritchie whipped in a dangerous cross towards Rondon, the Venezuelan's presence dragged three Burnley defenders to the front post and, although it was a Claret who nodded the ball on, they could only divert it into Longstaff's path.
After taking a heavy touch to his right, the midfielder maintained his conposure to merely lash a low effort under Heaton's body from a tight angle and into the back of the net.
As the Academy graduate and his team-mates celebrated, Newcastle fans began with a chorus of: " Sean Longstaff , he's one of our own."
Newcastle supporters like nothing more than to be able to cherish their own homegrown talent, and in Longstaff they genuinely believe they may have unearthed a gem.
Benitez even suggested during his Press conference on Monday that the 21-year-old would not look "out of place" in Gareth Southgate's England squad. If he continues on this trajectory, nobody would doubt he could break into the Three Lions set-up.
For now though, United fans can merely enjoy watching a boyhood Newcastle fan excel in black-and-white stripes.