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:
9. Jamaal Lascelles - 7
People seem keen to jump on Lascelles back but his professionalism has been absolutely faultless. A huge leader, still, behind the scenes and always does a job when called upon, see Liverpool away for example. | Getty Images
10. Elliot Anderson - 7
The Whitley Bay-born midfielder has mostly been used as an impact substitute, but those glimpses suggest Anderson has all the attributes to become a top class player in the future. Photo: Stu Forster
11. Chris Wood - 7
Scored an important goal in the 4-1 win at Southampton and has contributed to United’s Carabao Cup run - heading the winner at Tranmere and converting his shootout penalty versus Palace. | Getty Images
12. Loris Karius - N/A
Clearly, Karius’ attitude is spot on. He was signed as cover to Pope following Darlow’s ankle injury, and although hasn’t made an appearance, has brought into the positive mood on Tyneside. | Getty Images