It is no secret that Newcastle United's aim this season is an instant return to the Premier League via promotion from the Sky Bet Championship.

Manager Rafa Benitez made the decision to stay in the North East this summer, and that's one that's certainly paid off on both a personal note and in terms of the club.

In the summer, the Magpies spent an awful lot of money on new recruits who were brought to St. James' Park to push Newcastle towards the top.

They have made a flying start to the season, sitting pretty at the top of the table, where they find themselves three points ahead of second place Brighton.

There have been many players who have stood out this season with regard to goal-scoring, chance creation and defensive solidity.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Tom Rawcliffe identifies THREE players who have been pivotal to Newcastle's blistering start...

Dwight Gayle

Dwight Gayle

One of Newcastle's big money buys in the summer was Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle, who arrived for around £10 million.

He was bought for the sole purpose of scoring goals for the Magpies, and he has supplied just that with an extremely impressive return of 11 goals from just 12 league matches.

The former Palace man unsurprisingly sits as the league's top scorer, and if he continues in the same fashion then Newcastle could take the league by storm.

Matt Ritchie

Matt RitchieMatt Ritchied

It was a surprise to almost everybody when United made the eye-catching signing of bringing Matt Ritchie to the club.

The wide midfielder had been a great player for his former club Bournemouth, so it surprised many when he made the decision to drop to the Championship.

His reputation of being a top class player has certainly not let him down, as he has played a huge part so far this season.

His performances have been a major feat in Newcastle's season, and his two goals and five assists have been crucial to their attacking play.

Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles

Centre-back Jamaal Lascelles joined Newcastle United in 2014, but he has never had a greater impact than this season.

He was named captain by manager Benitez and that has clearly done his confidence no harm, as his performances this season have been nothing short of brilliant.

He is a real leader from the back and he has won many suitors this season, linking him with an unbelievable £18 million move to Antonio Conte's Chelsea.

If he can keep up his impressive form at the back, then Newcastle could remain the team to beat this season as they aim for an instant return to the Premier League.

Newcastle fans... do you agree that these three players have been key to your success so far? Who else do you feel deserves a mention? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!