Only once since 1997 have Newcastle United had more points in a 38-game Premier League season after 12 matches as they do now.
Having banked 21 points so far, Eddie Howe's side trail Alan Pardew's class of 2011/12 by four points which underlines what a mammoth and sometimes under-rated job the ex-Crystal Palace boss achieved at St James' Park that season. It was 10 years ago that Pardew led his team to fifth place but Howe's current team has picked up more points than Sir Bobby Robson did in 2001/02 and 2002/03 when the Magpies finished fourth and third.
Although, there's still some way to go before fans can dream of nights like Feyenoord and Juventus again. With 26 games left though the current Toon team have given themselves a platform to emulate the team of 20 years ago.
