Newcastle have made a very average start to the Premier League season, with the high point undoubtedly the win at Tottenham on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.
But there have been some very disappointing displays – the Norwich defeat and the dreadful home draw against Brighton, the most notable.
But there have been some plus points. The opening hour against Arsenal were largely positive, as was much of the first half at Liverpool.
And with injuries hampering any momentum Newcastle try to make, as well as a difficult set of opening fixtures, we can, at least, be glad that we are not in the bottom three, albeit only just.
But there are some reasons for fans to be optimistic for the weeks ahead, and we have picked out three reasons for fans to keep the faith.
The Allan Saint-Maximin effect
Having the exciting flyer back to full health, and ready to start games, is an exciting prospect for Newcastle fans.
He can give Steve Bruce’s side the flair and touch of the unexpected they have lacked in the opening weeks.
The impetus he provides will give both fans and teammates a lift, and Bruce will hope his appearance will see an upsurge in performance levels.
Returning players each improve their position
We mentioned the injuries that have hurt Newcastle for their early games and, thankfully, they are slowly but surely clearing, with Andy Carroll making his much-anticipated return, and Florian Lejeune only a matter of weeks away.
But with the impending return of Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin, Newcastle will be strengthened from each.
Jonjo Shelvey’s poor form means Longstaff will bring improvement to the midfield. Similarly at right-back, with Yedlin’s return meaning the struggling Emil Krafth can drop to the bench while he tries to find his feet in the English game.
And as well as Christian Atsu has performed since he got his chance, Ritchie is still a better option for that role.
Having two wingers can see more goals from strikers
If Newcastle can get everyone fit, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Bruce could yet adopt a more offensive formation, which could utilise two out and out wingers.
Certainly the prospect of Saint-Maximin on the left, and Ritchie on the right, meaning he can cut inside when he needs to, is a mouth-watering one for the strikers, who have struggled to make an attacking impact in games so far.
If we can have a pair of wingers providing the ammunition, there is little doubt that more chances will be created, which, in turn, is sure to see Joelinton, Andy Carroll, or both, starting to score goals more regularly.
So for all the negatives, there are definite reasons to stay positive for the remainder of the season.
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