I really didn’t expect Newcastle to be in the top four after 12 games and, although I’d love to be proved wrong, I don’t think they will still be there come the end of the season.
But, while I am being realistic about their chances of making the Champions League places, I am still enjoying seeing Eddie Howe’s side up there, playing so well, and getting big results like they did at Tottenham on Sunday.
Their 2-1 win was another example of how Newcastle are starting to upset some of the big boys – and they don’t like it.
It was a similar story when they went to Anfield in August. They were beaten in the end, by a 98th-minute winner, but they were really unlucky to lose and Liverpool were moaning and groaning about how they had, almost, seen the game out.
It’s a good sign, because it shows Newcastle are no longer a soft touch wherever they go – something Manchester United also found out at Old Trafford last week.
People know things are different now. They know Newcastle are coming, and they know they mean business.
‘Newcastle look so fit when they press’
Other than the first 15 minutes against Spurs, I thought Newcastle were the better team and they deserved their win.
Tottenham looked quite average and one-dimensional in comparison, while Newcastle had plenty of ideas when they came forward.
It was always going to be tough for them once Spurs pulled a goal back so early in the second half, but this Newcastle team has got a bit of steel about them, and they never panicked at any stage.
The big thing for me when I watch them is how fit they look when they press, and how well organised they are.
They know when and how to press as a team, and it looks like they understand each other’s game so they can work together – for the whole 90-plus minutes.
To a man, they were superb defensively to keep Spurs chances to a minimum. I know Kieran Trippier got caught out by Harry Kane for their goal but, other than that, the Newcastle back four did not really put a foot wrong when Spurs attacked in the second half.
Behind them, Nick Pope made two really good saves early on, but wasn’t really tested after that.
Pope has been a fantastic signing, not just because of his superb shot-stopping but also because of how bright and alert he is at all times, sweeping up when balls are played over the top of his defence.
That was his main job after the break against Spurs, but he was always on his toes and you are never going to be nervous with him behind you.
