Flying start for Toon – but should fans be celebrating or is it time for reality check?

OUR WRITERS GIVE THEIR VERDICTS

NEWCASTLE United have turned around their disappointing start and now sit fourth in the early Premier League standings following their defeat of Stoke.

They head to Brighton for their third away game of the season with their tails up, but are we going over the top by celebrating their start? Given the games they’ve had – only one of their first five opponents finished in the top 10 last season – should we be a bit cautious?

We asked our writers to assess United’s start – and what has surprised them most about the season so far.

Chris Waugh: For me, that’s about two or three points above par. I expected Newcastle to win a couple of their opening five matches, and possibly pick up a draw too, but I didn’t expect them to claim three victories - and certainly not that number in a row. Top four after five games? Even given the kind start to the season, that is beyond most fans’ wildest expectations I would predict.

Stuart Jamieson: Nine points is just about on par for Newcastle so far, although the game at Huddersfield was certainly winnable.

That said, they did well to take all three points at Swansea, while Stoke were in form when they came to St James’ Park, so a win was impressive.

Andrew Musgrove: Rafa Benitez wants to win every game, as it should be, but of course he’s a realist and would know it’s just not that easy. He’ll be happy with the start but always vying for more. For me, it’s ahead of where I expected to be - I was worried after the window closed that wasn’t enough quality and that it would show straight away but what a pleasant surprise it has been.

Lee Ryder: I think Newcastle have surprised a few people and silenced a few pundits but for all that, I think that anybody who knows Rafa Benitez well would have felt he’d have a game plan. I actually thought they could have got something out of the Spurs game with 11 men on the field, a draw maybe or narrow win. The Huddersfield game was disappointing but they have responded magnificently.

Mark Douglas: Two points ahead of where I thought they’d be. My card had a point against Huddersfield but I thought they’d drop one of the three games they’ve won. It’s been terrific to see them playing so well in the last three games but it’s been a fairly gentle start so they had to get points on the board in the first six matches. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but they look as if they’ll be competitive this season. Benitez will want more, of course, but not flirting with relegation will be a good season.

Chris Waugh: The West Ham United game was very important. It helped the Magpies that the Hammers were so abject, but Newcastle were able to capitalise on that, build on it and really gain confidence and momentum. Things really clicked into gear that game and you could see the players started to believe that everything the manager had told them was now coming good. The counter-attacking style is suiting United and, once the passing accuracy nudges above 70-odd per cent, they could become even more dangerous too.

Stuart Jamieson: Although he’s only scored once, the big difference for me has been Joselu He has allowed the side to play with a formation which brings the best out of Mikel Merino, Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez. His movement and hold-up play has been impressive - now he just needs to improve his conversion rate.

Andrew Musgrove: It’s down to Rafa Benitez. Not just his management - setting the team up but installing that work ethic and team spirit which has got them through tough games against Stoke and Swansea - games they would have lost under previous managers. Benitez has adapted to his situation and proved his worth.

Lee Ryder: The biggest change has probably been the window coming to a close. I think most of the players knew by the West Ham game they were staying and since the window officially shut they’ve produced two wins. They feel more settled and it shows.

Mark Douglas: There have been subtle