I can't help but notice just how lousy the start to Tottenham's season has been. 1 point in their first three matches has them 19th in the league table, they've had to go through the ugly departure of last year's top scorers, Berbatov and Keane, and now comes word that the young striker they got from United in return for Berbatov, Frazier Campbell, wants to go back to OT after his loan spell ends.

They've spent money in their own right, but Bentley and Modric haven't stepped up, and new goalkeeper Gomes has looked shaky. As a team, they've received more cards than have scored goals. Maybe Pavluychenko breathes some life into them, but for now, Spurs look like they have a hill to climb.

Newcastle probably wasn't going to make much of an impact to begin with, but they now have to find a new managaer after Kevin Keegan quit; the fans are calling for the owner's head, blaming him for KK's departure. Joey Barton is now out for 6 matches as a result of beating up a Citeh teammate during training last season (at least he managed to stay out of jail).

They've given up 4 goals in two road matches, while scoring only 1, and they have less than a week to find a new manager before hosting Hull City.

Could be a long, looong year for two prominent sides.

So will things turn around this week?

Losing to newbies Hull City at home has Newcastle in the 16th position. Granted, the Tigers aren't playing like a newly-promoted team, but when the camera spends more time focusing on unhappy fans and empty seats in the Board of Directors' box than on the players, you know things are getting really bad.

They still haven't hired a new manager, by the way......

Tottenham is now firmly planted in last place. Their manager is predicting that it could take upward of 10, maybe even 15 more matches before the new faces are settled, and the team is ready to move forward. By then they will no doubt be fighting to avoid relegation, and the transfer window will be re-opening, and you know what means.....more uncertainty!

A few weeks can make a difference....

Newcastle is still struggling, but is making some headway. They've managed to put an end to the losing streak, and head into tomorrow's match having earned 5 points in their last four matches, with a Win and pair of Draws. They've been without top scorer Michael Owen (again), but Shola Ameobi has helped pick up the slack, and the defense has improved somewhat.

Tottenham parted ways with their manager, and new boss Harry Redknapp has guided them to a pair of victories in their last three, including a great home Win over Liverpool today. Andriy Pavlyuchenko and Luka Modric are starting to find their form, and their defense is starting to gel, as well.

There's still along way to go....they're both still locked in the Relegation zone, but the future is looking a little brighter for the Magpies and Spurs.