It started as a bit of an up and down campaign, but has accelerated predominantly downwards since mid-December with Steve Bruce’s Magpies on a run of two wins in 20 games in all competitions at present.
United currently sit just two points above third bottom Fulham, with a significantly worse goal difference, although they do have a game in hand on the Cottagers.
Here our writer Liam Kennedy has pored over the ratings from the opening 29 fixtures and averaged out the best and worst performers. To get a rating each player must have started at least five Premier League games, cup appearances or bench showings are not included – a rule which cuts out recently restored Martin Dubravka, Geordie duo Matty Longstaff and Andy Carroll (all four) and out of favour and out of form striker Dwight Gayle (two).
Here our writer Liam Kennedy has pored over the ratings from the opening 29 fixtures and averaged out the best and worst performers. To get a rating each player must have started at least five Premier League games, cup appearances or bench showings are not included – a rule which cuts out recently restored Martin Dubravka, Geordie duo Matty Longstaff and Andy Carroll (all four) and out of favour and out of form striker Dwight Gayle (two).