Newcastle United supporters have been pretty downbeat in recent times after seeing their side’s winless start to the Premier League season extend to ten matches at the weekend.

Rafa Benitez’s men went into their encounter with fellow strugglers Southampton having picked up just two points from a possible 27 to start to the campaign, with them and Huddersfield Town the only teams in the top-flight without a victory prior to last weekend’s round of fixtures. And the Magpies remain winless in the league this term after only managing a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s on Saturday, which coupled with Huddersfield’s defeat at Watford did at least move the North East giants off the foot of the Premier League table.

Nonetheless, there have been many disappointed and despondent Newcastle fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter to convey their negativity ahead of the rest of the season, with many believing that their side won’t get out of relegation trouble.

But with still a big chunk of the campaign to go, alongside the fact that this team went on a run last time round in the second half of the season, that two-point gap to safety shouldn’t be worrying Newcastle supporters just yet.

Yes, things have not gone at all well for Benitez’s side so far this term in picking up just three points from their first ten matches, but one must remember that they have already played five of last season’s top six teams, and don’t face another one until their trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Thus, the next few weeks represent big opportunities for the Magpies to start picking up the points and victories needed to move away from the bottom three - and given they are only two points adrift of safety, one win could be enough to completely change the mood around St James’ Park.

And those fans concerned about the season ahead should only look back to last season for the inspiration needed that their side can get out of the mire, as Benitez’s men were in the bottom three following a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 16.

After that though, the Magpies went on to lose just three of their next 15 matches in all competitions, which included a four-match winning run between March and April which ultimately kept them in the Premier League table - all is not lost just yet.

Yes, it has been a battle so far and things don’t look particularly good for the North East heavyweights, but there is plenty of time left in the season for Benitez to get the team going and thus get the points on the board.

Add in the recent contract extension of captain Jamaal Lascelles, alongside a hard-earned point against Southampton on Saturday, and things do appear to be heading in the right direction - two home games to come gives them an opportunity to build upon that.

So while it may be difficult for Newcastle fans to believe in their side’s ability to get out of danger, they only have to look back to last season to know that this team has it in them to move away from the relegation mire.

Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!