Newcastle on the rise

Photo: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew (Getty Images)

Newcastle United is in fifth position in the Barclays Premier League, tied on 19 points with former champions Manchester United who sit a place above them on goal difference only. That they are in fifth position in November, is probably even more than they expected based of their wretched start to the season.

The pundits and the fans were all calling for the head of the manager, Alan Pardew as his under performing team failed week after week. The situation was hopeless as far as they were concerned. But Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is a pragmatic individual who understands the limitations of his squad. He kept faith with his manager when everyone else was recommending he be kicked to the curb.

An opening day home loss to champions Manchester City was followed by two draws to leave them with just two points at the end of August. Two more losses sandwiched a draw and at the end of September, they had 3 points from six games played.

However, since October the Magpies have managed to turn things around going unbeaten in their last six games premier league games, which has included, five wins on the trot. They have kept clean sheets during the last three wins which speaks to a defensive solidity which must be pleasing to the manager.

Newcastle have two away games, first against 6th placed West Ham who have 18 points and then against struggling Burnley, who are second from bottom with just ten points; before they welcome high flyers and unbeaten league leaders, Chelsea to St. James’ Park.

Pardew will be hoping for a win against the Hammers to close out November and get some distance between themselves and Sam Allerdyce’s men as well as a similar result against Burnley before they welcome Chelsea. The test against Jose Mourinho’s men will just about prove how strong their revival has been.