31 points to go!

After losing their first two games of the Premier League season, the vultures – otherwise known as television and radio pundits – were circling above St James’ Park ready to swoop down and take turns picking Newcastle United apart.

The situation came hot on the heels of a disappointing transfer window, that had already given ample opportunity for many ex-pros to eagerly proclaim that Rafa Benitez’s team was woefully under-strength, under-prepared and apparent relegation certainties.

Three games later, and the situation looks healthier. A hat-trick of victories, an emerging star in midfield and a team that clearly gives everything for the cause, mean – for the time being at least – the Magpies are rubbing shoulders with the Premier League elite, as opposed to being the cellar-dwellers Messrs Merson, Lawrenson, Murphy et al chortled about.

Of course, those same ‘experts’ will soon be telling the rest of the footballing world that Newcastle fans are expecting a Champions League finish, and delusions of ‘doing a Leicester’, but of course, the reality is nothing like that.

What fans are really thinking, is that a point at Brighton on Sunday will see Newcastle on 10 points, and a quarter of the way to Premier League safety with only six games played.

The banner of a few years ago has never been more apt than right now. Newcastle fans have never demanded or expected to win things. But they do want a team that sweats and bleeds for the black and white shirt.

Too many times in the past Newcastle have had players who are more concerned about what outfit they should wear at their unveiling when they secure a big money move away from the north east, than they are about giving everything on a Saturday afternoon at Gallowgate.

This group seem different though. It has been evident from day one this season, that there is an undoubted bond between the players. There is a togetherness, a belief, and a willingness to work for each other, the manager and the fans.

Mikel Merino epitomises everything that is refreshing about the current side. He has only been here a couple of months, but already knows what it means to wear the black and white shirt. He has covered every blade of grass in his first few matches, and has gained instant respect from fans and teammates alike.

Jamaal Lascelles is another. He looks like a player transformed from the one that struggled to reach his peak in the Championship. The fact that he was playing with a niggling injury did not help, of course, but few would have thought he was capable of the resurgence of form that he has shown in the last few games. But long may it continue.

They are just two examples. Throw in Matt Ritchie’s consistency, Chancel Mbemba’s over-achievement as an emergency left back, and some confident displays between the posts from Rob Elliott, and you can see that this team have character and a work ethic that other, bigger teams will look at with envy.

In fact, it can be argued that the negativity and pessimism from everyone outside the north east has been the glue that has cemented that bond between them all.

While other sides have spent small fortunes on players that are clearly over-priced and overrated, Rafa – although no doubt wanted and expected more – has brought in players that have been identified as having the attitude and mentality that he believes will fit in at Newcastle United.

The performances in all five league games so far have proved him right.

It could even be said – but for bad luck, some questionable refereeing and a moment of madness – Newcastle could still be boasting an unbeaten record.

In the defeat to Spurs, Newcastle looked more than comfortable until Jonjo Shelvey’s brain cells went walkabout. In fact, in another game, the Magpies could have had a man advantage, as you suspect if the first half challenge that ended Florian Lejeune’s game had been made by anyone other than Harry Kane, it would have been deemed a red card.

It was only when the visitors had the extra man that the game swung in their favour.

Similarly, in the defeat at Huddersfield, a couple of decisions that could have seen the Yorkshire side reduced to ten men were overlooked, and but for a magnificent save from a Ritchie effort, Newcastle could have been a goal up before the home side scored the decisive goal.

So even if the two defeats are taken into consideration, during no game this season have Newcastle looked inferior or mismatched against the opposition.

Of course, greater tests lie ahead, and no Toon fan – despite what you will hear – will think they can win every game between now and the end of the season, but the fact remains – you can only beat the teams you are playing against.

The games against the Stokes, West Hams, Brightons, etc are the pivotal games for Newcastle this season, and any points picked up against the title-chasing sides will be seen as a bonus.

But so far, when playing the teams expected to be in and around Newcastle in the latter stages of the season, the signs have been more than encouraging, and there is no reason why they cannot continue to pick up points against them.

If the incentive of shoving the disrespectful, and often insulting, words of the pundits is what is spurring the team on, then it should be hoped that they keep demeaning and under-estimating Benitez’s side.

For the Newcastle fans, contrary to popular belief, it is a case of nine points down, 31 more to go.