5 Reasons For Newcastle Fans To Be Cheerful (And 5 To Be Fearful) After Opening Day

3. The New Boys All Performed (Including Aleksandar Mitrovic's Intriguing Cameo)

Georginio Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba and Aleksandar Mitrovic all showed their worth during the opening game of the season and restored some much-needed energy into the lifeless side of last season. Wijnaldum announced himself in style. Playing in the No 10 role, he demonstrated his clever ball skills and natural flair but his breathtaking run and headed finish outlined his ability to play as a textbook box-to-box midfielder which could be a more profitable position for Steve McClaren to utilise him in this season. Chancel Mbemba added some class (not just with his appearance) to the Magpies' back four and the 20-year-old's composure, athleticism and strength showed signs of a more youthful Fabricio Coloccini. Alexsandar Mitrovic was booked after just 12 seconds of his debut for the club, but his reckless lunge represented a raw hunger to succeed and a willingness to fight for a first -team place. He will need to calm down and improve his discipline in the Premier League but this will come as he tries to establish a place in the side.