Newcastle United defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Saturday night.

We invite one of our writers to come up with three positives and three drawbacks after each match.

There will be plenty to speak about after this one…

On this particular occasion, it is David Punton:

POSITIVES

Manc misery and home comforts

Despite an injury problem, we won our sixth consecutive home league game.

When you consider some of the recent opponents who have visited town, it’s a fantastic start.

Arsenal has been defeated. Chelsea was destroyed. Man United were fortunate to escape with a 1-0 defeat.

With our history with the red half of Manchester, any victory over them is always memorable. That little north-east club, eh?

We really turned the tables on them after the Ashley years.

It closed off a week in which we had been completely spoilt.

Only a VAR blunder in Paris prevented a run of incredible victories. We’re climbing the ladder, and now we need to get some injured players back before bringing in some new faces in January.

Midfield wizards

Our three center midfielders all put on fantastic performances.

It’s easy to overlook Bruno, yet he’s a brilliant player. He’s better at controlling games from the middle of the field than anyone we’ve seen in black and white.

Joelinton, his fellow countryman, is totally recovered from his injury difficulties and is purring. The engine room is a true tank. He’s a warrior who exudes quality from every pore.

Then we come to a young man of only 17 years old. Miley, Lewis. This youngster has potential. He doesn’t appear to be out of place. In fact, how does Sean Longstaff re-enter the fray? Miley has the entire world at his disposal, and there is so much more to come.

He’s caused the team a minor headache now, since his rise to fame has undoubtedly cast doubt on the arrival of a new center midfielder in January. Would that merely obstruct the lad’s road to the first team?

England is beckoning

Gareth Southgate can only overlook Anthony Gordon for so long.

He’s scored his sixth goal of the season from a wide position, thus proving the choice to move ASM on.

Burn at your own pace. A excellent attitude and the ability to follow Howe’s instructions to the letter. At £40 million, it’s a steal.

Not to mention Tino Livramento’s international credentials. He’s also frighteningly good.

Dan Burn’s injury has opened the way, and he’s demonstrating what a fantastic player he is. He’s a full defender, yet he’s like having an additional midfield technician on the field.