Newcastle‘s summer transfer targets were quite public, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi being a key one for cover in that centre-half position, and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga another one that they wanted.
It is difficult for a manager when you want to add to a small squad, which they have, and you are unable to bring in those players that you want.
Callum Wilson has been out for a long time and we know how important he has been for Newcastle. Sandro Tonali also had to serve his ban, but he is like a new signing for them now and a real breath of fresh air.
Then there has been all this talk around Kieran Trippier. The right-back brings leadership to the team and they look better when he is on the pitch. It would be a massive blow if he was to leave, so I do not understand why he is not playing.
If you look at Newcastle’s backline, he was key to how they played. I think it has disrupted the team a bit by taking the captaincy away from him and making him the vice instead. It is a big thing to do.
But the reason why Newcastle have picked up seven points so far this season is because they have created a really good culture and togetherness within the team. That has happened since Eddie Howe joined. He has got players who work hard and sacrifice their own style of play to fit into what he wants. That is what we saw two seasons ago when they qualified for the Champions League.
Not having European football will help them this season with their hopes to finish in the top six and picking up points at home will be important. St James’ Park is a nightmare for any team to visit because the fans are unbelievable and make it really difficult.
Newcastle will look to finish anywhere between fourth and sixth this season. They might have struggled last season in Europe – but they will certainly want to be back up there.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport’s Katie Stafford
