Newcastle United sit in ninth place in the Premier League after the first five games and are safely into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. In what has been an educational first couple of months for head coach Matthias Jaissle, there is a platform to build on with the German already improving aspects of Newcastle's play from last season.
The hard work of course is only just beginning, but Jaissle admits he is always looking for improvement.
“There were elements in games where we saw a lot of the things we were looking for,” Jaissle said. “There were also phases in games where we were not happy and satisfied. So there’s still a lot of potential that we can improve.”
Jaissle admits tougher than expected
“We need to remind ourselves always, because we have these high demands, that we are not long here now and we haven’t had too much training time. So it was tough. It’s really tough, tougher than expected, to get the stuff and the principles implemented into the player’s head.”
With the season currently paused, it's time to look at Newcastle's player ratings so far for the season, with each mark based on overall performances. Here's how the Magpies have rated so far in the 2026/27 season:
Goalkeeper and defence
Lukas Hornicek 8 – The Czech international has brought some calmness to the Toon defensive rearguard even if there have been a couple of nervous moments as he finds his feet. The £25.7m man has two clean sheets to his name and made some important stops towards the end of the 2-1 win with Hull City. Hornicek has a 67% stop rate from shots that came his way so far making 19 saves in the Premier League from 28 goal attempts.
Ewen Jaouen 7 – Just one match played so far after suffering from an ankle injury back in August, and he did OK on his debut against West Brom despite conceding a couple of goals. He made just one big save against the Baggies and picked up a yellow card for trying to delay a penalty kick. He's now fit again and will play his part as back-up to Hornicek this season.
Amar Dedic 8 – He was on fire before suffering a hamstring injury, and critics say he should not have been risked against Leeds when he was off the pace. He had a big hand in Anthony Elanga's goal against Liverpool and set one up against Spurs, and was also in form against West Brom, setting up two. This has been a good start to his Toon career, with Tino Livramento set for stiff competition at right-back this term.
Tino Livramento 5 – No sooner had the England international shaken off a summer calf injury to make a couple of appearances in Jaissle's line-up, he was ruled out of Hull game after complaining of discomfort. Did OK at Millwall but looked off the pace in the 4-1 loss to Leeds.
Sven Botman 5 – The Dutchman has made 42 clearances in total so far, but was bullied by Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Leeds and has shown other signs of struggle. Has won just 63% of his aerial duels, which is a cause for concern, and it is hard to see whether he survives on the team sheet when club captain Dan Burn is fit again.
Malick Thiaw 7 – Has faired slightly better than Botman, but part of a defence that has conceded nine goals in the first five matches. Like Botman, he struggled against Calvert-Lewin at Leeds but has done well when wearing the armband in what has been a new role for him.
Lewis Hall 8 – A solid start to the campaign for a player who ended last season with a veil of uncertainty on his future. After being dropped and moved to right-back, Hall has adapted well under Jaissle. He has two assists to his name, including a fine pass against AFC Bournemouth to allow Harvey Barnes to score, and he also laid on the goal for Joe Willock at Millwall. Throw in his recall to the England side and a bright and breezy performance against Czechia in the UEFA Nations League, and he can be pleased with the way he started the campaign.
Midfield and attack
Joe Willock 8 – What a story it's been for Willock after being close to leaving for Besiktas until Jaissle told him he was going nowhere. A fantastic goal against Liverpool, plus strikes at Millwall and at home to Hull, mean Willock starts the season in fine form. His contract situation is worth watching with an extension set to kick in next May.
Sean Steur 9 – The young Dutchman has been the star of the season for many fans since making the move from Ajax. The 18-year-old bounced back from a mistake against Leeds and has looked aggressive and determined every time he has played. Even at Elland Road, he could have sunk without a trace but looked like one of the leaders. His man of the match performance against Hull was summed up the moment he went off with cramp as Newcastle lost grip of the game without him.
Harvey Barnes 8 – When Anthony Gordon left in the summer for Barcelona, many people instantly saw it as a chance for Harvey Barnes. He signed a summer contract extension to commit his future to United and has not looked back. In seven matches so far this term he has three goals and two assists, including an important brace against West Brom in the Carabao Cup and what Jaissle described as a "world class" strike against Bournemouth. Barnes now has 25 goals and 12 assists since arriving from Leicester City for £38m and he has earned his tag of being a reliable performer.
Lewis Miley 7 – You get the feeling there is much more to come from Miley this season, but this has been a solid start from the Stanley lad. Miley has been used in a defensive midfield role, higher up in the pitch in central midfield and at right-back. He has a pass completion rate of 88% and is yet to way in with an assist or a goal. Although he did win a tackle in the final third to find Harvey Barnes, who set up Willock to score against Hull.
Yoane Wissa 7 – The DR Congo international has an assist and goal to his name so far for Newcastle after being effectively brought in from the cold by Jaissle this season. He looked like he could be on his way out under Eddie Howe after an injury-hit first season in which he did not show the form he'd enjoyed at Brentford. But he set up Willock when playing as the second striker against Liverpool in the 2-2 draw and executed a fine overhead kick against Spurs. The goals have dried up a little since then but he has worked hard and led the team when it matters. His big disappointment was missing a penalty against Hull City in the 2-1 win on a day when a conversion from 12-yards would have made life a lot easier. Nevertheless, it has been a positive start for Wissa this term.
Anthony Elanga 8 – What a massive shame it was when Elanga was declared injured with a muscle problem for the away game at Leeds. Elanga was not at his best in his first season following a £55m move from Nottingham Forest. But his season got off to a cracking start with an early goal against Liverpool before he scored once again at Spurs. Elanga had looked sharp and dangerous in the first few games before being hit with an injury issue that will sideline him until after the international break.
Jacob Murphy 5 – It's been a strange start to the season for Murphy after he was told to stay despite a £15m bid from Nottingham Forest. He was then left out of the leadership group, which makes you question his long-term future on Tyneside. Always a willing battler, Murphy has made seven appearances in all competitions so far. He put in a disappointing show against Millwall and is yet to score or provide an assist.
Nico Gonzalez 7 – The midfielder was immaculate on his debut at Spurs with some sumptuous passing helping create a goal for Elanga after his ball for Dedic proved to be perfect. He suffered a concussion against Leeds, meaning he missed the Hull game, but his early performances have been encouraging. Looks a great signing from crisis club Manchester City.
Mathias Fernandez-Pardo 6 – The youngster came in from Lille for £51m and we have only witnessed flashes of his brilliance. He lit up the Den by powering down the left wing and helping lay on a goal for Willock in the Carabao Cup. It's still early days but most people will understand his so, so start to life at Newcastle.
Jacob Ramsey 7 – Has perhaps surprisingly been left out of a lot of starting line-ups this season but popped up with the equaliser against Bournemouth with just two minutes left. Has looked decent when he has played and helped the team through a nervy cup night against West Brom. His squad status is not clear, but surely won't be content to be used in rotation this term under Jaissle.
William Osula 7 – One blistering run and assist for Elanga in the opening game before being hit by injury in the Liverpool game. His presence has been missed and he will be a key player this term.
Bazoumana Toure 8 – Toure has been brilliant in the limited time he has had to show so far with two goals against West Brom and Leeds. He's been afforded just 50 minutes so far in a Newcastle shirt with loads more to come.
Aladji Bamba 6 – Has not really been afforded much of a chance, but has looked capable when he's been on the pitch. Has shown up with three tackles and two ball recoveries in the 27 minutes of Premier League action he's had so far.
Fabian Schar 7 – Very much the elder statesmen in he dressing room these days but came in to produce a man of the match performance at Millwall in the cup. Then was asked to steady the ship against Hull and just about got Newcastle through to full-time with three points after a host of blocks and defensive contributions.
Nick Woltemade 5 – The German striker signed off with an assist in his final appearance before a loan spell at Spurs. Woltemade did not shine against West Brom and was loaned to Juventus for the rest of the season.
