But (THANK GOD) it has taken many of us by surprise.
Even the Carling Cup exploits have been positive with Alan Pardew switching his battle plan from last season's negative "cup ties can be a distraction" to "we can WIN this cup!"
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are setting the pace at the top of the table ... but we are just behind.
For how long, we won't know until we play the big boys ... but it's a wonderful life at the moment looking down at the rest of the Premiership from such a height.
Tottenham and Liverpool are going fairly well, while Arsenal's stuttering form is not a complete surprise considering what a turbulent summer it has been at Emirates Stadium.
But Newcastle have exceeded expectations, having been tipped for relegation in some quarters ahead of the big kick-off.
With lingering resentment towards owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias, fans were unusually downbeat ahead of the season opener at home to Arsenal.
Barton was still at the club at this point despite being made available for transfer and perhaps inevitably stole the headlines following incidents involving Alex Song and Gervinho, but the most important thing gained from that match was a sense of optimism following a hard-fought goalless draw.
The Magpies went on to beat the Mackems away from home a week later, which will always produce a lasting feel-good factor, and have carried that momentum through to the end of September.
They have claimed creditable draws away to Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, whilst also beating Fulham and Blackburn at home, but can they keep it up?
All pundits insist Newcastle are not going to finish in the top four, while fifth or sixth may be out of reach too ... but why should we listen to them?
It's YOU the fans we want to gage our progress.
Can you please vote in our poll:
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/interactive/voting_polls.asp
Source: FOOTYMAD
