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Newcastle – the Premier League’s least surprising surprise package

No one could have possibly predicted the phenomenal start to the season they are currently enjoying.

Despite their home loss to Blackburn this week they remain fifth and fans could be forgiven dreaming of a European place come May.

This is a topsy-turvy season with everyone taking points off each other, regardless of financial muscle, history or reputation, and as such, it would be almost fitting that the most colourful of English teams should flourish in this environment.

But it isn’t a freak run of results which has propelled the Magpies to the position they are in, it was a combination of graft and guile and they look good Premier League bets to stay up.

In Chris Hughton they have a manager who is keeping everyone’s feet on the ground, while at the same time reminding his players that they are all worthy of their place in the most competitive and exciting league in the world.

He has masterminded victories over Arsenal, Aston Villa and arch-rivals Sunderland, melding measured aggression with skill. The success has been built on a strong defensive backbone, rather than the approach of simply outscoring the opposition adopted by former manager Kevin Keegan.

In Tim Krul, they have a young keeper with a bright future, and he has been ably assisted by a back four which has been disciplined and controlled, even against the stiffest of opposition – as Wenger’s side found out last week.

Midfielders Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton have set the tone in midfield giving both support to their defence as well as service to their an attack which has been ably spear-headed by young Andy Carroll. Despite problems off the pitch, a full international call up can’t be too far away, and based on his performances this season, would be well-deserved.

Newcastle just need to concentrate on the games ahead of them and ensure their good work isn’t undone.

Meanwhile, the Hull City betting suggests they should be able to stabilise their position in the Championship after they were taken over.

However, it could be several seasons before they come close to returning to the Premier League.

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Posted by Leigh on September 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

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