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:
17. Joe Willock - 5
Willock is yet to really get going. His goal inside the opening minute against Forest only to withdraw not long after with a thigh injury probably sums up his frustrations. | Getty Images
18. Dan Burn - 7
There’s no denying that Burn has had some iffy moments but in the main, the Blyth-born defender has quite literally been a giant at the back for Newcastle. | Getty Images
19. Sean Longstaff - 6
Longstaff seems to be an easy target for Newcastle fans, but you won’t get that here. The midfielder gives the team plenty of energy, and that shouldn’t go unnoticed. | Getty Images
20. Bruno Guimaraes - 6.5
Captain Bruno hasn’t yet hit the levels we all know he can in terms of his quality on the ball but defensively, he’s done a lot of the dirty work. | Getty Images