In pictures: Newcastle’s mixed start to the Premier League season under Rafa Benitez

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It has not been plain sailing for Newcastle United back in the top flight, with plenty of highs and lows already in the early stages of the season.

It is safe to say Newcastle United’s season so far has been a mixed bag.

The pre-season optimism soon gave way after defeats to Tottenham Hotspur, Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest – the former including a Jonjo Shelvey red card and two key defensive injuries.

And while the Magpies bounced back with a brilliant 3-0 win over West Ham United, a lack of activity in the transfer market leaves their Premier League position in doubt for another season.

Here, in pictures, is their season so far…

The Newcastle supporters raised the roof for the return of Premier League football to St James’ Park against Spurs.

But a solid start began to turn sour as defender Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune hobbled out of the first half – the latter suffering under an awful Harry Kane challenge.

And things went from bad to worse for Newcastle as Shelvey tangled with Dele Alli and saw red, leaving the Magpies to play the final 40 minutes with 10 men.

Alli picked himself to score the opener for Tottenham, before Ben Davies’ second sealed a 2-0 away win.

Newcastle returned to action at Huddersfield, but Dwight Gayle – a key figure last term – continued to look out of sorts as the Magpies struggled to threaten.

One moment of quality from Huddersfield star Aaron Mooy was enough to turn the game in the Terriers’ favour, ensuring back-to-back defeats for Newcastle.

After another reverse in midweek against Forest – knocking Newcastle out of the League Cup – they needed a good first half against West Ham and got one as full debutant Joselu hit the net.

Goal number two arrived through Ciaran Clark after fine work from Matt Ritchie, a key performer alongside Mikel Merino.

And Aleksandar Mitrovic then got in on the act – but not before a foolish elbow on Manuel Lanzini that later saw him suspended.

As well as failing to bring in further attacking reinforcements after Joselu’s arrival, Mitrovic’s lay-off means Rafa Benitez must choose solely between the Spaniard and the struggling Gayle.