Newcastle United continued their impressive start to the Premier League season in October. The Magpies dismantled Aston Villa at St. James' Park in their most recent outing, a side that was full of confidence prior to the game after a similar scoreline against Brentford.
Eddie Howe's side have shown a ruthlessness in front of goal this season, whilst also boasting the best defence in the Premier League - a far cry away from this time 12 months ago. Newcastle took 16 points from a possible 18 last month as people start to sit up and take note of the Magpies.
That looks even more impressive when you take into account two of those games were against Manchester United - who have turned the corner under Erik ten Hag - and previously unbeaten at home, Tottenham Hotspur. The black and white faithful have seen their side surpass expectations so far this season, with the majority hopeful of a top-half finish at most.
READ MORE: Liverpool warning hints at brilliant Newcastle mentality as first Premier League target revealed
The Toon are sat in fourth place, above Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool - with the latter of those three, the only side to beat the Magpies so far this season. Even then, it was a late, late winner at Anfield and Alexander Isak had a goal ruled out for offside by the smallest of margins.
Howe's side have scored an impressive 16 goals in October, scoring at least four goals in three of those games. The month started off with thrashing Fulham at Craven Cottage 4-1, before dismantling Brentford 5-1 at St. James' Park the following week - a feat that looks even more impressive when you take into account the injury to Allan Saint-Maximin and Isak's long-term absence, two of Newcastle's main threats in front of goal.
Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron have both been in fine form this month, with the former of that duo now in contention for a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad. The latter of the pair has been like a new signing for the Magpies this season, with seven goals in 13 goals, including a peach against Aston Villa.
The most recent 4-0 win over the Villains was the third resounding win in an October to remember. The best defence in the Premier League kept three clean sheets against the Villains, Red Devils and Everton, to only back up that tag - with Nick Pope leading the way in the division, level with Man City's Ederson on six clean sheets in total.
Newcastle can maintain pace with the top-four with a win on the road at Southampton this weekend. A Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace is sandwiched in between the trip to St. Mary's and hosting Graham Potter's Chelsea at St. James' Park before the winter break.
The Magpies could drop as low as eighth before the World Cup, if results go against them, but any supporter would have snapped your hand off for that at the start of the season. However, and whisper it quietly, the Magpies could move to one point off the summit if results go their way.
It would take something for Howe's side to reach top spot, or indeed self-combust at this point, with a number of pundits all heaping praise on Newcastle. October has shown supporters they have nothing to fear when it comes to rubbing shoulders with the best in the Premier League, especially if they're able to continue this current run of unbeaten form.
READ NEXT
'Hard work not money', The narrative behind the narrative pundits keep missing on Newcastle United
Callum Wilson reveals Newcastle United fans hilarious Alexander Isak taunt
Newcastle United insider asked if Miguel Almiron was left 'fuming' by Jack Grealish jibe
Meet Newcastle's forgotten January signing keen to 'kick on' after taking advice from Callum Wilson
Behind the scenes of Eddie Howe's first year: Insiders, players and agents on Newcastle United boss
