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:
13. Paul Dummett - 5
A disappointing start to the campaign for Dummett, who has once again been blighted by a calf problem. Struggled in his only appearance this term at Tranmere in the Carabao Cup. | Getty Images
14. Kieran Trippier - 9
We all knew Trippier was good when he arrived from Atletico Madrid in January, but it’s fair to say he’s surpassed expectations. There are no words that do his impact on and off the pitch justice. Incredible player and leader. | Getty Images
15. Joe Willock - 8
Brings lots of energy to United’s midfield and has the ability to breeze past players at times. The World Cup break came at the wrong time for Willock, who scored in back-to-backs against Southampton and Chelsea. | Getty Images
16. Matt Targett - 7
Targett was ill in the build-up to last month’s 4-1 win at Fulham and has been unable to regain his place at left-back following Burn’s standout form. | Getty Images