By hook or by crook, Newcastle have made a respectable start to the new campaign. Results have followed, even if performances have, for the most part, been lacking.
The 3-1 defeat at Fulham sparked a huge internal reaction, and Eddie Howe’s side have responded by putting controlled displays against Manchester City and Everton, though have had to settle for a point in both.
It leaves them 7th in Premier League table and on 12 points, the same tally they had at this stage last season. Meanwhile, in the Carabao Cup, United have advanced past Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon to set up a fourth round tie at home to Chelsea.
“I think, so far, we’ve seen that the group is together and motivated to do well,” Howe said when asked to give his quarter term report. “We know we can play better and do more, and that’s the challenge I’m going to set the players.”
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings from the season so far:
5. Anthony Gordon - 6
The concern around Gordon’s performances all came to a head at Fulham. Since then, he’s looked closer to his best, albeit he missed a penalty at Everton. | Getty Images
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6. Harvey Barnes - 7
Barnes hasn’t been as effective in recent matches but remains of the team’s standout men so far this campaign with three goals and an assist to his name. | Getty Images
7. Alexander Isak - 5
Isak has missed the last couple of weeks with a broken toe but in the games he has played, the Swede has been isolated. Hasn’t looked like the player who scored 25 goals last term. | Getty Images
8. Emil Krafth - 7
Reliable when called upon after filling in for Fabian Schar at centre-half during his three-match ban. | Getty Images