Newcastle United have made an indifferent start to the Premier League season.
Newcastle went through a really rocky patch between September and October which ramped the pressure up on Eddie Howe.
But, three wins on the bounce in all competitions has now completely changed the atmosphere on Tyneside as the positivity has returned.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| 7 |  FulhamFulham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 18 |
| 9 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| 10 |  TottenhamTottenham | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 16 |
There’s a genuine belief this group can challenge for Europe this term and the return of Alexander Isak from injury has been a massive boost.
So, when Jose Mourinho was being linked to replace Howe last week, it came as quite the surprise to many.
Here is what Newcastle chiefs thought about the bizarre rumours.
Newcastle chiefs baffled by Jose Mourinho links
TBR reported last week that Jose Mourinho was keen on replacing Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
It seemed like a strange rumour at the time considering Howe had turned the fortunes around in recent weeks.
And now, according to The Athletic, it has just come to light that Newcastle chiefs were left baffled by the links to Mourinho.
In fact, it’s understood that all the rumours have come from his side as he angles for a return to the Premier League after his Fenerbahce stint.
The links are not being ‘encouraged’ by Newcastle chiefs as they remain totally behind Howe even prior to the three-game winning streak.
Howe can return Newcastle to past glory with Janaury spend
Howe has been a victim of his own success in recent times having overachieved in his first full season in charge, guiding Newcastle to a fourth-placed finish.
Since then, he’s come under fire for not reaching that same level again but in reality, the squad just isn’t good enough to compete for Champions League spots.
But, if he’s given funds to spend in Janaury, there’s every chance of making a late run for the top four given how inconsistent other teams have been.
In fact, they’re only one point off third-placed Chelsea heading into the international break, so if they can bring in another centre-back and a wide player this winter, they’d be in a really strong position.