Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said that he 'didn't expect' the Magpies to be sat in the top four of the Premier League after 12 games but is 'enjoying' seeing them play so well.
Newcastle have four wins in their last five and have taken 21 points from their opening 12 fixtures and have had some standout performers including Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron.
Shearer's comments come after yesterday's 2-1 win over Spurs who now sit only two points above the Magpies in third following goals from Callum Wilson and Almiron.
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Writing for BBC Sport, Shearer highlighted his surprise at Newcastle being so high up the table at this point in the season but noted how other teams will be jealous of the Magpies.
"I really didn't expect Newcastle to be in the top four after 12 games and, although I'd love to be proved wrong, I don't think they will still be there come the end of the season.
"But, while I am being realistic about their chances of making the Champions League places, I am still enjoying seeing Eddie Howe's side up there, playing so well, and getting big results like they did at Tottenham on Sunday.
"Their 2-1 win was another example of how Newcastle are starting to upset some of the big boys - and they don't like it.
"It was a similar story when they went to Anfield in August. They were beaten in the end, by a 98th-minute winner, but they were really unlucky to lose and Liverpool were moaning and groaning about how they had, almost, seen the game out.
"It's a good sign, because it shows Newcastle are no longer a soft touch wherever they go - something Manchester United also found out at Old Trafford last week.
"People know things are different now. They know Newcastle are coming, and they know they mean business."
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