It’s been quite an unimaginable start to the 2022-23 campaign for Newcastle United, who currently sit third in the Premier League table and remain in the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Howe’s men have lost just one of their opening 15 league matches, and even that was a controversial last-minute defeat at Liverpool.
In total, the Magpies have collected 30 points so far, sparking early hopes of potential European qualification, and progressed into the last 16 of the League Cup.
And when United return to action in late-December after the World Cup, Howe will no doubt ensure his players are ready to go again.
“Talking too much about permutations and results and where we are in the table is wasted energy,” Howe said after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea. It’s about whether can we improve the team with our performance, what areas of the team we need to improve.
“My job is then to devise training sessions to try and implement that and help the players develop individually as well. I don’t think looking at targets or where we are in the league table is healthy. We’ll just continue to focus on our process.”
So, reflecting on the first half of the campaign for now, which players have impressed the most? Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle player ratings from how they’ve performed so far:
5. Jamal Lewis - 5
The former Norwich City left-back is beginning to put his injury problems behind him. But because of his previous absence, others have jumped ahead of Lewis in the pecking order. Only two appearances this term, both as a substitute at Tranmere and Fulham. | Getty Images
6. Karl Darlow - 6
Darlow’s only appearance this season has came in the Carabao Cup at Tranmere. As No.2 goalkeeper, it’s hardly fair to criticise his lack of game time. Photo: Gualter Fatia
7. Nick Pope - 9
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t see Pope as much of an upgrade on Dubravka - but how wrong was I? Seven clean sheets Pope has kept, and he’s pulled some unbelievable saves at key times. Photo: George Wood
8. Javier Manquillo - 5
A groin injury ruled Manquillo out of Newcastle’s pre-season, and the Spaniard has been playing catch up ever since. On his only start so far this campaign (Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup), the full-back looked a little rusty. | Getty Images