Paul Merson has been left stunned by Newcastle United’s impressive start to the season. Just one controversial defeat from 11 games - including four wins - has the Magpies sitting fourth in the Premier League.
The fear of relegation used to engulf Toon supporters each season - but not anymore. Since the £300million Saudi-backed takeover, Newcastle have transformed into the top flight’s latest wild card as the new regime aims to take on English football’s elite.
Eddie Howe has also managed to get a tune out of players whose days on Tyneside looked numbered. Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron appeared destined for the St James’ Park exit but are now central figures in the former Bournemouth manager’s team.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher delivers Monday Night Football verdict on Newcastle
In his Daily Star column, ex-Arsenal winger Merson backed Newcastle to make a statement by qualifying for Europe this season. He wrote: “There's no reason why Newcastle can't go all the way and qualify for Europe. I have been so impressed with how they've approached the takeover.
“They haven't started splashing loads of money because they have a lorry load of cash. It's been sensible business and steady progress. As soon as you sign someone for £80million the players that have been there will go 'well, what about us, how much is he on?'
“The recruitment has been excellent. You only have to look at Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, who have both been outstanding. Eddie Howe has got something about him.”
Merson also hailed Howe for the job he has done since ending his 15-month hiatus from football. The Magpies’ boss has reinvented himself at Newcastle to cement his status as one of English football’s brightest managers.
“He let me come into one of his team meetings down at Bournemouth a few years ago and I was so impressed with the message he got across to his players,” Merson added. “Miguel Almiron has been brilliant this season and that's where you see good, good managers - when they improve players.
“Who knows what can happen? It's a season like no other. Arsenal got slaughtered by Leeds in the second half and they can't seem to win a football match.”
READ NEXT
-
Newcastle United end 10-year wait as Tottenham performance proves Jamie Carragher right
Antonio Conte's Newcastle United confession as Spurs boss takes swipe at Tottenham owners
Newcastle United's Christmas fixtures moved for TV as Premier League changes finally announced
Callum Wilson's 2017 Qatar vow could come true after impressive Newcastle United performances
Simon Jordan admits getting 'a lot of things wrong' about Newcastle United amid Eddie Howe praise
