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:
17. Jacob Murphy - 7
Murphy has largely been used as a substitute and his injection of pace has caused teams problems in the latter stages. When he’s started games, he hasn’t let anyone down, that goal against Brentford will mean a lot to him. | Getty Images
18. Dan Burn - 8
Burn has been asked to play centre-back or left-back this season - mostly the latter - and carried out his role admirable. A local lad who gives his absolute all. Can’t be faulted. | Getty Images
19. Joelinton - 8
Last season’s Player of the Year has picked up where he left off. Whether that be from central midfield or as a wide forward, the Brazilian really is the ultimate transformation story. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
20. Callum Wilson - 8
Six goals, 11 games and an England World Cup call-up. That’s all that needs to be said really. With Wilson in the starting XI, you always feel more confident. | Getty Images