Newcastle United made it eight consecutive wins on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has hailed the club’s squad strength.
The Magpies were busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in 12 new players as Rafa Benitez overhauled his squad.
It has given the Spaniard vast options, something he has used to great effect with a continuing rotation policy so far this season.
Indeed, their strength in depth was evident on Saturday afternoon as Dwight Gayle was left on the bench, despite sitting as their top goal-scorer with 11 so far.
And Dummett has praised their ability to change things up, saying it is a far cry from last season.
“I think the competition for places is there for all to see,” he told the Chronicle.
“Mitro started the game and Dwight Gayle was on the bench. That shows the strength in depth we have now.
“Last season the team almost picked itself and when people were fit they just walked back into the team.”
Saturday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City, courtesy of goals from Christian Atsu and Yoan Gouffran, saw them stay at the top of the table, three points clear of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The victory was their eighth in succession and leaves them looking like strong candidates for automatic promotion by the end of the season.
It leaves them in a healthy place heading into this international break and Dummett says they can look forward to their next game against Leeds United.
“It’s great to win again and take that run to eight matches,” he added.
“We can go off for the international break in good spirits and look forward to the Leeds game when we come back.”
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