Well, well, well. If you’d have told us a little over two weeks ago that Newcastle would win three back-to-back games against an impressive Leicester side, away at Spurs and at the home of the reigning League Cup and Premier League champions we may well have been making a concerned call to the men in white coats. But, the Magpies are now on a decent run and look to have finally turned the corner this term after a turbulent opening month and a bit to the campaign.

The win away at Manchester City is, undoubtedly, the pick of the results, and should be a massive boost to the North East side. Could things be about to get even better for the boys in black and white? Maybe… and here’s FIVE reasons why.

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CLICK ON MOUSSA SISSOKO TO REVEAL THE FIVE

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Confidence is soaring back

If a win against the defending League Cup and Premier League champions in their own back yard doesn’t get confidence levels soaring, then nothing will! The Magpies took on a relatively depleted Man City side, but with Ballon d’Or nominee Yaya Toure, Spanish magician David Silva and Brazil international Fernandinho in the XI, the Sky Blues boasted plenty of experience and quality. It’s worth mentioning that Newcastle themselves were far from the peak of their powers, with teenage rookie Adam Armstrong handed a start while Ryan Taylor continued his comeback.

Two league wins followed by a cup victory over one of the richest teams on the planet? Not bad, eh?

Players stepping up

For the talk of underperforming stars at Newcastle, many are beginning to push on and show just what they’re all about. Rolando Aarons was the major story of the City win, with the highly-rated 18-year-old opening the scoring with a neat finish. The teenager has the potential to be Newcastle’s very own Raheem Sterling, and could thrive if given more chances after a few notable showings this term.

Away from newbies, experienced stars such as Moussa Sissoko – who also found the net – Gabriel Obertan and Jack Colback all impressed at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool up next…

Heading out of the City clash, Newcastle now face a home tie with Liverpool. Although the Reds are a Champions League side and finished the Premier League season as runners-up last time out, Brendan Rodgers’ team have been a shadow of their former selves this term. Losses at West Ham and at home to Aston Villa will fill the ‘Toon’ with confidence at St James’ Park, with the possibility of a big scalp to make it nine points from the last nine firmly on.

Liverpool have shown a vulnerability when pressed and battled, which is something that Pardew will have picked up on.

Cisse back to his best

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Although he’s missed the last two games, Papiss Cisse could be back in action against Liverpool this weekend with his knee problem thought to be resolved. Four goals in as many outings this term suggest that the 29-year-old is well on his way to recapturing the form he showed upon his arrival in England during 2012, and if he can continue to put the ball in the back of the net the Magpies look to have the player they’ve been missing up front for some time.

Players playing for Pardew

Even though the majority of the club’s faithful following have not yet got back behind ‘Handsome Pards’, it looks as if the players are once again playing for their boss. It may be a bit cliché, but the desire and work rate missing through the early weeks of the season – and the back end of 2013/14 – looks as if its now back, with commitment of the cause having increased tenfold over the past fortnight.