The last few years have really been disappointing for Newcastle United.

The Magpies have finished the last three seasons in positions unworthy of their status in English football. That not to say they are one of the elite clubs but with the amount of money they spend on transfers and the backing of a militant fan base, they should always be close to that.

Last season, with the acquisition of a couple of bad signings, improper interpretation of the previous manager’s philosophy as well as loss of key players to transfers, they finally paid the price for their poor

showings, going down into the second tier of English football.

Well so far so good in the Sky Bet Championship. They have been on a cruise in a league, convincingly

blowing teams away and doing so playing so attractive football too, with the exception of three unexpected defeats against Fulham, Huddersfield and Wolves.

Here are the reasons why Newcastle United look set to win the Championship in emphatic style.

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Dwight Gayle

Barnsley v Newcastle United - Sky Bet Championship

Before the start of the season, the majority of the Toon supporters thought Aleksandar Mitrovic would continue from where he left off last season as the focal point of their side's attack after netting nine premier league goals last season. But that hasn't been the case as new signing Dwight Gayle has stolen the show so far.

The ex-Palace forward has already scored 11 goals in 12 games for the Magpies this season, form that has led to lack of game time for the big Serbian. One thing is for sure - the striker’s tally has also boosted the moral in the dressing room with players like Ciaran Clark, Jonjo Shelvey and Yoan Gouffran also in superb form.

According to Whoscored.com, Gayle has a shot per game ratio of 3.8 which currently is the highest in the league so far.

The Manager

Rafa Benitez

Before the start of the season, there were divided opinions about whether or not Rafa Benitez could flourish in the Championship. He is a good manager, no doubt, but there were questions over his compatibility with English football's second tier. Well at the moment, he silencing any critics as his side are beating teams convincingly.

In spite of a shocking start to the season, losing their first two games, Newcastle have won 14 of their last 16 games in all competitions which ultimately means the big boss is doing something right. His team are dominating games, creating lots of chances and scoring for fun.

The Magpies currently have a shot per game ratio of 15.2 in the league, second only to Bristol City. At the moment, Rafa can do no wrong.

Success of New Signings

Matt Ritchie

In previous seasons, the main problem the Magpies suffered was bringing in the wrong mix of players. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Emmanuel Riviere, Remy Cabella, Florian Thauvin, Siem de Jong had all come in as big money signings with each expected to make big impacts in the team, but they all

failed to do so.

This season, Rafa Benitez brought in 12 new players. They've done well in their business judging by the performances on show so far. Players like Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark, Mo Diame, Deandre Yedlin, Christian Atsu, goalkeeper Matz Sels and in-form striker Dwight Gayle have all contributed greatly to the team’s achievements.

Matt Ritchie and teammates Jonjo Shelvey both currently have the joint highest number of assists in the Championship alongside Preston’s Paul Gallagher and Jiri Skalak of Brighton.

Squad Depth and Rotation Policy

Vurnon Anita

Rafa Benitez is well-known for his squad rotation policy as seen during his prior spells at Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid. During his spell at Liverpool, the Spaniard played a different eleven in 99 consecutive games. So he likes to rotate a lot and has stuck to his principles at St James Park.

Generally, a manager should have the squad depth and rotational ability to get through the highly demanding 46-game run-in in the Championship season. This keeps the team fresh and prevents

fatigue of players as well. With the kind of players he has, it looks like Benitez has all that in abundance,

with capable options available in every position.

Top Flight Experience

Newcastle United v Ipswich Town - Sky Bet Championship

Another thing that is certain to work for Newcastle United this season is the wide spread of premier league experience in their ranks. With respect to the other sides in the league, not less than 60%

of the players at Benitez’s disposal have some level of premier league experience.

This surely tends to be an added advantage for the Spanish manager in his team’s quest to return straight away into the top flight league.

It's still early days though as they are a work in progress, but if this Benitez-lead side continue to impress and blow teams away like they have been doing so far, they may end up being promoted with a record breaking points haul.