5 top talking points from the weekend’s Premier League action

It means Mauricio Pochettino’s men slip outside the top four, and are now a mighty 13 points off Man City.

With difficult trips to Leicester and Watford in the next six days, Spurs might drop a few more points before Christmas arrives.

Trouble for the Toon Army?

For the first two months of the campaign, Newcastle United looked to have erased any thoughts of a relegation battle.

But a 3-0 defeat at home to Watford on Saturday was the Magpies’ fourth defeat in succession.

They’ve scored just once in that spell, and they’ve faced winnable opponents in Burnley and Bournemouth in that time.

While talks of a £300m buyout continue, Rafa Benitez has work to do to ensure that any prospective buyers are purchasing a club in the top tier. Next up are successive away trips to a newly-galvanised West Brom, and then Chelsea…

Hammers aren’t out of the woods yet

When Mark Albrighton put Leicester City 1-0 up early on in their Friday night clash at West Ham, Irons supporters could have been forgiven for being downbeat.

But Cheikhou Kouyate’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time inspired the home fans, and the Hammers could well have won the game in the second period.

It’s a first point under the David Moyes era, and could prove a crucial turning point for the club’s fortunes.

The pressure doesn’t ease though. Moyes must get something from his new side’s trip to his old club Everton on Wednesday night.

That’s because the Hammers then play Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in succession to kick-off December.

Watch the Eagles soar

After losing their first seven games, Crystal Palace have collected eight points from six, including Saturday’s late win over Stoke City.

That ratio equates to more than 40 points over a full campaign.

And a look ahead suggests the Eagles can continue their revival.

Roy Hodgson will look to collect a hatful of points in their next six games. They play Brighton, West Brom, Bournemouth, Watford, Leicester and Swansea before Christmas.  Expect them to be out of the bottom three when Santa comes knocking.

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