Put your hand up if you envisaged Newcastle United occupying a top four spot come the second week of October. Keep that hand raised if you thought they’d still be unbeaten in the Premier League during that period. I’m expecting everyone’s arms to be firmly down by their sides right now. Raise your hand if you thought they would be struggling at the bottom of the table right now. Arms should be flinging up into the air right now, fingers ridged and pointing directly upwards.
Unfortunately for all of those currently suspending their appendages high above their heads they are completely and utterly wrong with their predictions. Under the infectious management of Alan Pardew the Toon Arm are actually sitting pretty at the top of end of the table and guarding a seven game unbeaten record they have fought tooth and nail to protect. Despite losing their number nine and captain in the summer along with having to deal with the destructive nature of everyone’s favourite tweeter Joey Barton the club have brushed it aside to begin the campaign in formidable fashion. Whilst the admirers have flocked to St James’ Park and replenished the confidence inside it’s walls with compliment after compliment the truth is Newcastle have yet to see their powers fully tested to the limit. Yes they played Arsenal at the start of the season but Arsene Wenger’s Gunners were steeped in turmoil during that time and since then the opposition have been lacking in the quality of those normally residing in the top six.
Tottenham make the long trip to Tyneside on Sunday looking to continue their fine recent run that has seen them win the last five in all competitions and also give the Geordies their first taste of defeat since losing 3-0 to Liverpool at the start of May. Despite their positive start to the season the fact that Newcastle have to come up against a team possessing genuine quality means people are still yet to be convinced that the club can exceed their mid-table expectations this year. Whilst you have to live by the old adage of ‘you have to play whats in front of you’ there is the worry that the Toon could crumble against a side who’s calibre exceeds that of the Blackburn‘s and Fulham‘s of this world. Whatever the result against Tottenham on Sunday it’s certain that it could prove to be a defining moment in Newcastle United‘s season and give a clearer indication of the direction they will head.
A substantial amount of worry still hangs over the full backs at Newcastle with right back Danny Simpson and makeshift left back Ryan Taylor both weak links in the defence. Despite conceding only four goals in their seven games doubt still persist as to whether the pair are up to sufficient standard. Arguably it would be harsh to criticise Taylor due to the fact he has been operating in an unnatural position filling the hole left by Jose Enrique.
Although the writer makes a number of statements of fact, like the defenders will face impressive in form Spurs attackers (a bit obvious and I’m not about to argue) he makes one claim that I just wondered where it came from, namely “Tim Krul, who has been invincible between the sticks, is also suceptible to a morale drop should he start conceding.” Apart from the questionable spelling how does Jak Penny justify this statement? Examples?