There is a sense of bewilderment sweeping around the country at the moment as fans, players and pundits stare open mouthed at the Premier League table on Monday night. There is something about seeing Newcastle United occupy third position that leaves a bad taste the mouths of those who think they should be there instead. Last night’s game at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke City was once again billed as their ‘biggest test of the season so far’ just like the meeting with Tottenham was two weeks prior.
There is a sense in the press and from opposition fans that the Magpies don’t deserve to be holding such a lofty position in the top flight. After all they sold their best striker, captain and, according to some, the best left back in the league for big money and replaced them with cheap alternatives. A manager that was disliked by the fans and an owner who’s blood the fans thirsted after. Written off over the summer as dead certs for relegation and yet another implosion was prophesied with the club supposedly on the verge of breaking point once again.
However the polar opposite has happened and once again the black and white flag is flying high. They came through the acid test against the Potters, who were unbeaten at home conceding one goal in process, with flying colours. Ba »”>Demba Ba plundered his second hat trick of the season in what was as comfortable a win as you would like against a side who are famed for their physical philosophies. Still, the acceptance of Newcastle holding their own in the top three has been dismissed on the basis that they ‘haven’t played anyone yet’.
So far Alan Pardew’s men have played and took points off five of last seasons top 10 not to mention beating FA Cup finalists Stoke on the way to a 13 match unbeaten run stretching back to the previous season. They’re one of only a handful of teams still unbeaten in Europe with the likes of Barçelona, Benfica, FC Porto, Juventus and Manchester City yet to taste defeat. Surely that gives Newcastle a lick of credibility?
I’ll admit that I was worried about the season ahead after a tumultuous summer that was almost torn apart by Joey Barton who seemed intent on causing mischief from his keyboard. The sales of Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique added to the hysteria that was gripping Tyneside as fans once again turned on Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew. Three months later and large portions of humble pie are being tucked into at an alarming rate. The notion that Pardew and his players don’t deserve to be in the position they are in currently is insulting.