Analysis: Encouraging signs for new boss Jaissle

[Getty Images] Newcastle fans may well have found themselves in the opposite position to Spurs supporters before the campaign had started - fearful of what was coming. Tonali was one of three key departures from St James' Park, along with captain Bruno Guimaraes, who went to Arsenal for £85m this month, and England winger Anthony Gordon after his £69m move to Barcelona. Manager Eddie Howe left on 31 July after nearly five successful years, which included guiding the Magpies to their first domestic trophy in 70 years with victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup. German Jaissle, 38, was named as his replacement after managing at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia - with no experience of English football. But his first three games have provided Newcastle's fans with a lot of hope. They nearly beat 2024-25 champions Liverpool , only to concede a penalty in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time to draw 2-2, before beating Championship side West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the Carabao Cup second round. "It is a good start - we are really, really proud," said Jaissle after his side's victory in London. Gonzalez was booked only 12 minutes into his debut, but then impressed with a superb 30-yard pass to play a pivotal part in Newcastle's first goal. But they had created earlier chances and nearly scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, only for Elanga and Harvey Barnes to squander opportunities. Newcastle also started the second half well with Hall shooting over and Elanga taking the ball around home goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, before being forced wide. Further encouragement for the Magpies comes with Wissa's first league goal since 30 December in a 3-1 win at Burnley. Wissa scored 19 Premier League goals for Brentford in 2024-25 to earn himself a £55m move to the Magpies, though an injury-ravaged campaign meant he only made 19 league appearances in 2025-26, including four starts. He took his overhead goal superbly to complete a fantastic day for his club.