The September international break is an absurdity; great to see that (after George's comments on a recent PotT) the authorities are doing away with it (definitely related).

But, the October break has a different feel. We're almost quarter of the way through the season... the Champions League campaign has started, and Newcastle players are dropping like flies.

It's not the same as our last European adventure, though. Eddie Howe's squad is a little deeper, giving us a bit more flexibility and, unlike the start of the season, we have a striker. So, what do we make of the season so far? Let's find out.