Six of the best and all the rest

So another season back in the top flight has kicked off. A tricky first game away against Premiership title contenders Manchester United ended any thoughts of an upset or possible point or three.Three goals however did flatter the Mancs but sloppy defending and missed chances cost us in a league where mistakes are highlighted. The score has not dulled spirit but seems to have brought the players together and given them one quick reality check; something needed if we are to compete in this league. Compete we have to and we know the consequence if we don't. Last season the team had unity and fought for points. This has got to be one massive positive for the fans. If they stick together then the fans will surely keep behind them, even at St James' Park. Work ethic is good at United at this moment in time. Better than it has been in a long, long time, and that is all down to one man who has his feet firmly buried in the turf, Chris Houghton. Yes, the man who was questioned by many about taking the hot seat. So far so good for the manager but we all know how quickly, and badly, it can all go wrong.

Giving the number 9 shirt to Andy Carroll seams to have worked a treat. A good performance against Man Utd and unlucky not to have scored but what a performance against Aston Villa this weekend. A performance not just from Carroll but the whole team. The city is buzzing from the win and those goals could end up being crucial come mid-May.A 6-0 drubbing of Villa has sent out the message that we are back in the Premiership with ambitions to stay and will attack like the good old days. If we can carry on playing good football and win our home games, safety is ours and Houghton will be a sought after man. The squad at the moment is a little thin so more players are needed if we are to do well and stay up. Accrington Stanley on Wednesday is another proposition altogether now. We are the big boys playing a tricky tie away to Accy Stanley "who are they" where the old boy Eric Whalley would love to see them progress. Should we go there with our first team?

It's for Chris to decide but I think Chris will give a run to a few fringe players for some much needed playing time in a long, long season.

Highlights