Newcastle United are proving they cannot be easily dismissed by the so-called Big Six, despite a challenging summer of change. The club have responded to the departure of key players by going unbeaten in three league and cup matches, with their only dropped points coming from a 97th-minute penalty for Liverpool.
Strong start after summer upheaval
The opening fixtures pitted Newcastle against established heavyweights Liverpool and Tottenham, which only heightened the case of the neutrals who suggested the club should pull up the drawbridge after a number of defectors left. Instead, a united United have roared off all guns blazing, winning two and drawing one of their opening three matches.
A 2-0 triumph at Spurs was a particular highlight. Tottenham were the second highest spenders this summer behind Chelsea, having shelled out a staggering £322m. They twice broke their club record, buying Mateus Fernandes for £85m and Sandro Tonali for a fee potentially rising to £100m. Other signings included Savio at £75m, Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m, and Omar Marmoush on loan from Manchester City with a £60m obligation to buy.
New signings impress
Newcomers from manager Matthias Jaissle to Amar Dedic have passed their auditions with aplomb. Dedic has looked an all-action player who loves a tackle as well as an assist. Nico Gonzalez, despite being only 24, has brought top-class experience and a stupendous range of passing, including a 60-yard crossfield pass to set up United's first goal at Spurs.
Keeper Lukas Hornicek has made some grand reflex saves, while 18-year-old Sean Steur has shown a sound footballing brain. Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, who struggled under Eddie Howe last season, have been revitalised under Jaissle.
Old reliables and a bright outlook
Lewis Hall, who gave away two penalties in the first two games, never let his head drop and was a class act in north London. Jaissle himself is described as an intriguing character: a cool dresser but hot on the touchline, young and passionate, courteous but with a definite bite.
The next eight Premier League fixtures come against Bournemouth (h), Leeds (a), Hull City (h), Coventry (a), Aston Villa (h), Crystal Palace (a), Everton (h), and Fulham (a). Newcastle now look more than capable of meeting the challenge ahead.
