Former Newcastle striker Micky Quinn believes that the Magpies have finally found an identity under manager Rafa Benitez.
After losing their first two league matches against Fulham and Huddersfield Town, the Tyneside club have recovered to win four games in a row against Bristol City, Reading and Brighton in the league as well as a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham in the EFL Cup. Writing in his column for the Evening Chronicle, Quinn thinks Newcastle have finally turned a corner:
“Their start to the season did concern me a little, but finally the Magpies seem to have developed an identity and a purpose to their play. First of all Rafa Benitez’s men went to Bristol City and ground out a 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate. That, psychologically, was very important for a side who have been woeful away from home for years now.”
That 1-0 victory against the Robins was a typical Rafa Benitez away display and with a tough trip to Nigel Pearson’s Derby County on Saturday, Newcastle fans will be hoping for another solid performance to make it five wins in a row. The Rams have had a difficult start to their season and find themselves 18th in the Championship table with five points after five games with one win, two draws and two defeats.
