Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are sitting third in the Premier League table with 30 points. It is the club’s best start to a season since the 1995-96 campaign, a season which saw them finish second and come within touching distance of claiming the Premier League title.
Our Newcastle United writers Miles Starforth and Dominic Scurr assess the opening 15 matches of the season and highlight the key players, moments and matches witnessed so far...
9. Miles’ best Newcastle performance
Miles’ view: Newcastle have had bigger victories this season, but Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea felt was arguably the best. The visitors had had 79% of possession on Tyneside last season, but it was a different story this time. United attacked their visitors from the first whistle. They pressed high and hard, and Chelsea just couldn’t deal with them. Newcastle were relentless.
10. Dominic’s best Newcastle performance
Dominic’s view: I’d have to agree with Miles on this occasion. Newcastle played brilliantly against Manchester City early in the season but ultimately let a two-goal lead slip to draw the game. Had they won, that would have probably been my pick for performance of the season. Instead, I’ve gone for the 1-0 win over Chelsea. From the first minute Newcastle were relentlessly pressing Chelsea and made a side who had won the Champions League less than 18-months ago look completely ordinary. This was the game that showed Newcastle are the real deal this season. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
11. Miles’ Newcastle goal of the season so far
Miles’ view: The one that stands out is Almiron’s first goal away to Fulham. He exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes before scoring with a superb left-footed volley. Photo: Tom Dulat
12. Dominic’s Newcastle goal of the season so far
Dominic’s view: There has been plenty of great goals scored by Newcastle so far this season. Fabian Schar’s opening day strike, Kieran Trippier’s free-kick, Allan Saint-Maximin’s volley at Wolves. But Miguel Almiron effectively hosted his own goal of the month showing for October with a number of brilliant strikes. The pick of which was his emphatic outside of the foot volley at Fulham. An incredible strike which would take some topping not to win Newcastle’s goal of the season award.