Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterHow much credit does the new head coach deserve? Some, that much is clear, but Newcastle have rode their luck at times on this admittedly brief unbeaten run.The Toon Army are by no means the finished article under their newly-installed German head coach, but are at least playing with personality in fits and starts, and getting results, both of which had eluded them long before the 2025/26 season came to a crescendo.Perhaps it is this summers injection of young blood that has fans eyeing an extension of that undefeated streak next Monday. Or, perhaps it is the absence of key figures who once set the standard but had, for want of a better phrase, checked out towards the end of last season no longer poisoning the well.Newcastle progress to Fourth Round of Carabao Cup with Millwall victoryWhatever the reason, Newcastle - and Jaissle - have benefited. With matches against newly-promoted duo Hull City and Coventry City in their next three, only after a difficult trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road, supporters could be forgiven for pondering when this side might next taste defeat.It must be said, Newcastle have not steamrollered teams since the 2026/27 campaign began only three weeks ago. Liverpool arrived at St. James Park on the opening weekend, and despite looking a shadow of their usual selves, left with a point. AFC Bournemouth also made their way out of Tyneside with a share of the spoils, albeit having led 2-0. You may like Why new Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle learned the task is harder than he thought, from this weekend's double-header of friendlies How Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle made his name as Asia's Brian Clough Front-footed, confident and with a smile on the face: Matthias Jaissle's official unveiling as Newcastle United manager mirrored how he expects his team to play The Newcastle rearguard is anything but watertight, conceding twice against the Reds, Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.In a move that reflected an encouraging start to the season and possibly his growing importance in the dressing room, Yoane Wissa was handed the captains armband at The Den as Newcastle met Millwall in the Third Round.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Jaissle boldly selected the DR Congo striker as the man to lead his team ahead of veterans Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy, who have been with the club eight and nine years, respectively. A small decision, given the relative importance of the match, but a significant one indicative of the clubs transitional period all the same.Eight minutes into the game, it was the skipper sprinting back as Millwall smelled a counter-attacking opportunity, with Wissa eventually winning a free-kick and possession of the ball. It is an altogether different version of the �55 million player Newcastle signed merely 372 days ago, alert, engaged and dialled in, but he was largely ineffectual and spared further exertion with his substitution on 62 minutes.Joe Willock couldve departed late in the window, much like �70m Nick Woltemade, but now finds himself playing in a front two of sorts, alongside Wissa, in lieu of the German forward. While it's difficult ascertaining anything of note about new-look Newcastle at this early stage, Jaissle at least knows how he wants to play and the personnel it requires. What to read next I expect Newcastle United will sign at least one of these players due to Matthias Jaissle effect Who is Matthias Jaissle? New Newcastle United boss revealed after Eddie Howe bombshell This is the real reason Eddie Howe has left Newcastle, not embarrassing pre-season friendly defeat In each of Newcastles three league matches so far this term, the Magpies have created fewer chances and shooting opportunities than their opponents. Only against Championship side West Brom, whom they conceded 1.46 to in Expected Goals (xG) and two actual goals, did Newcastle have the lions share of the game.It was a similar story to the previous round at The Den with the Magpies deserved winners, but their second tier hosts were not roundly beaten.Much like Newcastles summer business, theres still plenty to come out in the wash.Teams in transition usually dont play with the consistency of a settled side and despite Newcastles unbeaten start to the season, they are functioning exactly like that. Swaggering one minute, unconvincing the next. Maybe this is all symptomatic of a team searching for an identity, and leaders, and star quality, all of which departed over the summer.Deep into the second half, Newcastle had goalkeeper Lukas Horniceks upright to thank, after Tairyk Arconte came within a whisker of opening the scoring, and then Willock. The Londoner swept in Lewis Hall's cross for his second of the season following what was Newcastles only well-worked move since the break down the left.With a goal cushion, Jaissles men played with confidence again, almost as if they had rediscovered it instantaneously, finding an energy reserve of pure adrenaline within them.Newcastle made it out of the Lions Den without too many scrapes. They were not put through the ringer or kicked from pillar to post. They will go to Leeds and face a sterner test next Monday but remain five unbeaten, which they could not say at any stage last season.Only after 87 minutes did Jaissles terrace chant to the tune of Baccaras Yes Sir, I Can Boogie receive its first airing of the night. It rang out until the referees whistle seven minutes later. And then some more.If nothing else of real substance could be gleaned from this game, nowhere in English football this week, or perhaps this season, will the contrast in dugout dress code be as juxtaposed as Jaissle and his opposite number Alex Neil.This new version of Newcastle United is everything and nothing all at once, but you cant argue with an unbeaten start. Carrying that momentum for as long as they can will be crucial, for as long as theyre finding out who and what they are.TOPICSJoe WillockNewcastle UnitedMillwallCarabao CupPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
