Newcastle..

[Rackybear]

Have they recieved any praise whatsoever this season? Tightest defence in the league thus far - conceding only 3 goals, 12 points from their first 6, undefeated with 3 wins and 3 draws, in the top 4.

Good start, still early days and yet to be tested with a tough encounter (Arsenal, Pool, City, Utd, Ski or Us) but its the premiership, and every game is tricky & indeed they've done well against everyone they have come up against.

They seem to have gone under the radar somewhat, I think they could have a really good season. Top 6 perhaps.

 

[Dare!]

They drew with L'Arse did they not?

 

[yawa]

They've played Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn, Villa, QPR and of course Arsenal. 5 of those teams are massively average and will probably all end up in the bottom half of the league.

Id be amazed if Newcastle are top 6.

 

[C0YS]

They have played Arsenal. They have got some praise, football weekly had a good section on them in today's pod. They signed well in the summer, but don't see that form lasting all season. Might be edging towards a top 8 place though.

 

[Rackybear]

Ahh they played Arsenal ofcourse! My bad, makes my point even more valid I guess..even if Arsenal are supposedly in a "crisis".

 

[faymantaray]

There's always an average team or two that get off to a great start.. it won't last.

 

[RobinLeonard]

They were lucky to come away with anything against QPR but in general they have played well. Demba Ba finding form and fitness is great news for them aswell.

It's too early to tell if it will last but top ten seems very much on.

 

[Yid-ol]

as soon as they play a decent team they will let some more in... yes they have played arsenal, but arsenal have ben so poor, so thats not really anything to go by.

 

[MrWoolley]

Fair play to them. All that Barton controversy could of really hindered their season but they look a decent team and I expect them to be mid-table come the end of the season and not in a relegation battle.

 

[Chinaspur]

Demba Ba looking like a great buy if he stays fit. Ben Arfa coming back from injury - wouldn't be surprised to see them top 8. Although the challenge for them highlights how much harder it is to get European football since we and Man City have become regulars.

Thinking back a few years, teams didn't have to have a great season to sneak a top 7th place - the likes of Bolton in 2007, or Fulham in 2009.
Now the top six is pretty likely to be ManU, ManC, Chelsea, Us, Scousers and Scum in some order. Even if you're the best of the rest you aren't guaranteed a Europa league spot. Must be pretty depressing for the fans, though elevate the importance of the cups (Which is why we saw a pretty much full strength Stoke).

 

[dav3j]

Interesting Opta stat:

40% - Percentage of PL red cards this season that have been given to players facing either Newcastle or Spurs (6 out of 15).

http://twitter.com/#!/OptaJoe/status/118242392896839680