Raise your hand if you thought Newcastle would be unbeaten heading into November in the Premier League. No one, including Newcastle’s own players thought they would be doing so well after the first ten games of the season. Newcastle is one of only two unbeaten teams in the league and they trail second place Manchester United by just one point and first place Manchester City by only six.
Normally the Premier League is very predictable with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and even Liverpool in the mix for the top spot. Newcastle has thrown a wrinkle into the standings after the first ten games. And few people saw this coming. It is less than a year since manager Chris Hughton was replaced by Alan Pardew. Newcastle lost their main striker Andy Carroll, their captain Kevin Nolan and their player of the year, Joey Barton. Nothing was expected from the team this season. The team did make some good signings but not many people expected players like Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye to make much of a difference.
Defensive Excellence
If you want to point to just one thing that is the key to Newcastle’s fast start then it is their defense. They lead the league in fewest goals allowed this season at just 7. Newcastle is the only team in the league that has started the same goalkeeper and the same back four in every game. Manager Alan Pardew knows when he sees a good thing. He doesn’t open things up and let his team get exposed. Almost every match is low scoring and tight which explains why Newcastle already has four draws this season in English Premier League football betting. If Newcastle can win at home against Everton on Saturday they would head to the International break unbeaten and ready for a huge game against first place Manchester City.
Demba Ba
Even though Newcastle doesn’t score many goals they do have a scoring threat in Demba Ba. He had the hat trick last time out in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Stoke City. He has eight goals in the nine games he has played.
When Will the Magic End?
Newcastle has played well but many of their toughest matches still remain. After the break they go to first place Manchester City and then second place Manchester United the following week. That is as tough as it gets in the English Premier League action. Newcastle has been very fortunate so far with no serious injuries so perhaps they can continue to surprise even with some tough matches coming up.
