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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Three points from nine may not be something to shout from the rooftops about, but Newcastle's performances in their three games against the Premier League's 'big six' this season offer up some serious encouragement.

The Magpies fell to a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, and despite taking a shock lead through Jetro Willems, never truly looked like securing a famous away victory. The result means the Tyneside club remain on four points for the campaign, but digging deeper into their displays against the top sides shows they have the foundation for future success.

In the opening game of their season against Arsenal, Steve Bruce's side looked defensively solid, limiting the Gunners to just two shots on target in the entire game. The Magpies were full of aggression and passion despite sections of the home support staying away, and registered more than double the amount of tackles the visitors made with 26.

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Then, in their finest performance of the campaign so far, Newcastle rocked up in north London and did the proverbial job on Tottenham. It was backs-to-the-wall defending at its finest, putties bodies on the line and making desperate, last-ditch tackles. When the final whistle sounded, the team had made a total of 54 clearances and blocked seven shots on goal.

Whilst their resolute display in north London resulted in all three points, it wasn't to be the case at Anfield. However, despite Saturday's outcome, Bruce has every reason to feel optimistic about his side's chances for the year.

"They’re a resilient lot. They roll their sleeves up and have a go for each other, which is vitally important. We’ve now played Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool in the first six weeks and we’ve given a decent account of ourselves in all three. That pleases me." Bruce speaking after the defeat to Liverpool, The Chronicle

The Premier League table may make for grim reading for Newcastle fans at the moment, but they have to take solace from the fact they have entertained three of the division's top six sides, and come out with massive credibility.

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