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:
13. Nick Pope - 8
Our pick for Newcastle’s player of the season so far. His mistake at Fulham was a shocker but hard to ignore the fact he’s made some first-class saves at some crucial times. | Getty Images
14. Jacob Murphy - 6
You know what you get from Murphy - plenty of hard graft albeit the quality isn’t always there. | Getty Images
15. Miguel Almiron - 6
Some supporters have seemingly made their mind up on Almiron but there’s a case to say he’s been one of the brighter sparks against Nottingham Forest, AFC Wimbledon and Everton. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Lloyd Kelly 5.5
Impressed in the 2-1 win at Spurs but has struggled to nail down the left-back spot. Actually looks far more comfortable at centre-half. | Getty Images