Stunning victories over Liverpool and Tottenham have silenced critics as the Magpies embrace a bold, high-press philosophy, transforming inconsistent attackers into a lethal Premier League force.
There was always going to be a period of adjustment when Matthias Jaissle arrived at Newcastle United.
A new head coach brings new ideas, new methods and, inevitably, a different style of football. What perhaps nobody expected was just how quickly those ideas would begin to translate onto the pitch.
Two Premier League games into the new campaign, Newcastle have already produced back-to-back victories against West Brom and Tottenham Hotspur, with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool on the opening day leaving plenty of pundits and supporters reconsidering their expectations for Jaissle’s first season.
It is still incredibly early, of course. Two matches do not make a season.
But the manner of those victories is what makes Newcastle’s start particularly encouraging.
The 3-2 win over West Brom Midweek and the 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool on the opening weekend provided an early statement, but the 2-0 victory at Tottenham on Saturday arguably offered even more evidence that something different is developing under Jaissle.
Newcastle were organised, aggressive and increasingly confident as the game progressed. Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa both found the net, while the visitors kept a clean sheet against a Spurs side expected to be one of their major rivals for the European places.
That is difficult to ignore.
The Pundits Are Taking Notice
Perhaps the most interesting part of Newcastle’s start has been the reaction from outside Tyneside.
There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding the appointment of Jaissle. Replacing a manager who had established a strong identity at Newcastle was always going to bring scrutiny, while questions were inevitably going to be asked about whether the new boss could handle the expectations that come with managing the club.
So far, those concerns have been answered on the pitch.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has already highlighted the transformation of Newcastle’s attacking players, describing Elanga and Wissa as being “like two new players” under Jaissle.
That observation is particularly significant.
Both players endured inconsistent periods last season, yet they have immediately looked more dangerous under the new system.
Elanga, in particular, appears to have rediscovered his confidence. After scoring against Liverpool, he followed that up with another impressive finish against Tottenham.
Two games. Two goals.
That is exactly the sort of start Newcastle supporters would have dreamed of.
Is This A Surprise?
Perhaps the answer is both yes and no.
Those who followed Jaissle’s previous work will know that attacking football, intensity and tactical flexibility are central to his approach. Newcastle did not appoint him because they expected a cautious, conservative side.
However, producing two victories against Liverpool and Tottenham so early in his Premier League career is undoubtedly impressive.
The biggest surprise may not actually be the results themselves, but how quickly the players appear to have bought into his philosophy.
Newcastle look hungry.
They look willing to press.
They look prepared to attack in numbers.
And there appears to be a greater sense of freedom among the forwards.
That last point could prove crucial.
A manager can have excellent tactical ideas, but ultimately the players have to believe in them. So far, Newcastle’s performances suggest that Jaissle has earned that trust remarkably quickly.
Don’t Get Carried Away
There is, however, an important note of caution.
Newcastle are not going to win every week, and there will inevitably be difficult periods. Injuries, suspensions, fixture congestion and poor performances will test Jaissle’s squad.
The real assessment of the manager will come months from now rather than after two matches.
But that should not diminish what Newcastle have achieved.
For a club that entered the season with plenty of questions surrounding its new head coach, the opening two games have provided some very convincing answers.
Jaissle has not simply won matches.
He has begun to change perceptions.
Pundits who may have expected a period of transition are already talking about Newcastle as a team capable of challenging higher up the Premier League table. Supporters who were understandably nervous about another managerial change are beginning to see a clear identity emerging.
It is early.
Very early.
But Newcastle have certainly given everyone something to think about.
And perhaps the biggest statement of all is this: Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle are not asking for time. They are already demanding attention.
