'Grinding out ugly wins is our new identity'

Take a look at the Premier League table - go on, I'll wait - and tell me what you see. That’s right, it’s Newcastle United sitting pretty at third with an unbeaten start to the season.

Some might say pride comes before a fall and, true though that may be, let us have this. Last season was so hard. Please let me gloat a little.

What is most interesting to me about our unbeaten run and good start to the season is that it actually... hasn’t been that good.

It is our best start on paper since 1995-96 and, of course, ultimately results speak the loudest. But watching Newcastle for the first four games this season (plus one cup game) hasn’t been the easiest.

Are we seeing a pattern? When Eddie Howe took over, it was said that "intensity is our identity". Last season, it felt more like inconsistency was our identity. Now it is looking like grinding out ugly wins is our identity. Definitely a less catchy one, that one.

Even the players are being asked about it. Post-match on Sunday they were asked if they could play better. Yes, was the obvious answer, and that is definitely how the fans feel.

The slight irritation that comes when watching us concede is simply that we know we can do better - we want to see our team cruise this after such a tough season last time.

Perhaps it is more useful to call it frustration as often the performance seems to have come down to team selection in the first place.

We made three substitutions at half time against Wolves - incredibly unusual from Howe - and after that, were able to play in a much more direct way resulting in two beautiful goals.

So, ugly wins but beautiful goals. There’s some poetry in that. I’ll take it, for now.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast