Newcastle United have a mean defence, for the first time in two decades at the top level.
Excitement is building around Newcastle United as much maligned owner Mike Ashley continues to seek an exit from the club.
Supporters are desperate for wealthy owners to take over, and propel the club to compete for trophies once again.
Even with money to spend, Everton’s struggles this season show it is not so easy, but Newcastle fans should be confident – due to manager Rafa Benitez.
Operating on a shoestring budget in comparison to his competitors, Benitez has turned Newcastle into a top half Premier League side – on the basis of the first nine weeks of action.
But most impressive is the club’s mean defensive record.
Ever since the Premier League began two decades ago, Newcastle have been inconsistent with their performances. The one consistent thing about the club, unfortunately was a leaky defence.
From Kevin Keegan’s all out attacking side, to defensive disasters like Jean Alain Boumsong and Titus Bramble, Newcastle have struggled under successive managers to find consistency at the back.
This season, Benitez may have found a cure for that ailment.
Through nine games, Newcastle have conceded just eight goals, and kept three clean sheets.
After entering the season with question marks over his best goalkeeper, best defensive pairing, and injury concerns at left-back, Newcastle’s defensive record is nothing short of a miracle in comparison to their previous top flight experiences.
Tougher tests await, like Manchester United next month, but so far Benitez’s Newcastle seem up for the challenge.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
