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:
9. Will Osula - 6
We’ve had one game to judge Osula. The 21-year-old looks raw and clearly Howe feels he needs time to develop, but there’s a lot of promising attributes. | Getty Images
10. Odysseas Vlachodimos - 6
Vlachodimos has played just 45 minutes this season - AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup - but in that time looked composed. As we know, he’s already saved Newcastle some points… | Getty Images
11. Lewis Hall - 6.5
Man City at home sticks out as Hall’s best performance in a Newcastle shirt but the 20-year-old is far from the finished article, hence some of his mistakes. Will grow into a top Premier League left-back. | Getty Images
12. Tino Livramento - 6
Livramento continues to learn from and compete with Trippier at right-back. Is making great strides having been called up by England but still has improvements to make. | Getty Images