The three of them would be level on points with the sides in 13th, 14th and 16th had we beaten them of course.
Yup those using their current positions (which could easily change after a few games) are just clutching at straws to defend Hughton. Like I said, it's not their positions (now or after a few matches) that matters, but whether we should be at least drawing if not beating them at home given the players in the respective teams. Most fans (Newcastle and neutral) would expect the answer to be yes
Or half time scores in the case of Blackpool the other night.