Newcastle United may have stepped back up in the top division but there has been no drop in standards from Chris Hughton’s men.Last season’s title win in the Championship made it difficult for the Carling player of the month panel to narrow it down to five candidates during the entire season.Well thankfully just one month in, and that nice problem is still with the panel of Fairs Cup winning captain Bob Moncur and Evening Chronicle chief sports writer Lee Ryder.Here are the list of candidates:Andy CarrollThe Geordie could not have wished for a better start, despite defeat at Old Trafford he was still outstanding and picked up the Chronicle’s man of the match award from Lee and the new fans poll version.This was followed up with another man of the match showing against Aston Villa with his first senior hat-trick to boot and he netted the vital equaliser at Wolves.Don’t just piegon hold Carroll as a goalscorer his work in the defensive third also didn’t go un-noticed by the watching world as his career continues to surge upwards.Joey BartonBarton has been able to start and finish a pre-season for the first time at St James Park – and it has shown in the three matches so far.Barton grabbed his first goal of the season against Aston Villa in the 6-0 hiding of the Villains and was committed in the tackle to go with it.He also endured the rough stuff at Wolves but stood firm and delivered a great free-kick for Carroll to head home.A great start to the season from Barton.Mike WilliamsonWith Fabricio Coloccini, Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor for company in the centre-half stakes Williamson has emerged as the top man in August.The big man has offered United not just the superb defensive instinct that got the Magpies promoted.But also has proved an attacking outlet too.Two assists in the win over Villa proved that and some Albert-esque runs forward have also got fans well and truly excited.So far, so good for Big Mike.Jose Enrique The Bull has picked up where he left off last season.It’s becoming expected of the Spaniard to offer such dependability at the back these days but just like the full-backs of old at St James’, the ex-Villareal can offer something going forward.Like Williamson he was heavily involved in that 6-0 win over Villa but showed against Wolves just how dogged United defenders will need to be this season.Kevin NolanThe skipper was knocked out at Old Trafford but dusted himself off to put in a fantastic performance against Aston Villa with two goals as part of the bargain.His box to box running has been outstanding already this season with the player operating in a deep lying forward role.Nolan was in form again at Wolves with tough tackling performance required at Molineux.Nolan has also proved to be the perfect foil for Carroll thus far.Lee Ryder said: “It’s great to be back in the Premier League and to see the lads pick up where they left off.”Already with four points in the bag, United have shown no fear in stepping back up to the Premier League.”It makes mine and Bob’s job harder when the team is playing well but we’d settle for that problem every month.”
To vote, look out for the poll on the Profiles section of the Team section and register your choice.Newcastle latest news and transfer rumours | www.newcastlelatest.co.uk
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