Five things we learned from the weekend's football

1 Manchester City have dug themselves into a hole

A 2-2 draw at Newcastle means Premier League champions Manchester City have won just one of their last five matches and that came when Chelsea put up an impressive fight at the Etihad last week.

The Citizens have 11 points to make up on league Liverpool after Jonjo Shelvey's late equaliser at St James' Park and their December fixtures suggest an instant reprieve cannot be guaranteed.

After a trip to Burnley on Tuesday, they host arch-rivals Manchester United and then Arsenal, who could possibly be lifted by the appointment of a new manager, Wolves, Leicester and Sheffield United before the new year.

Now is the time for them to prove their title credentials and they will have to do much of it without their injured best striker Sergio Aguero.

2 David Martin can solve West Ham's temporary goalkeeping issue

West Ham fans have had plenty of concerns in the last few weeks but their custodian situation has been perhaps more pressing than a change of management.

Lukasz Fabianski's hip injury threw summer signing Roberto into the limelight but he had a dreadful time in defeats to Newcastle, Burnley and Tottenham so former MK Dons and Millwall keeper David Martin has been given his chance.

He was excellent in the Hammers' 1-0 win at Chelsea and the congratulations he received from his teammates at the end of the Stamford Bridge success showed how much they thought of him.

Martin may not have an effect on West Ham's history as much as his dad Alvin did, but he might have given under-fire gaffer Manuel Pellegrini a stay of execution.

3 Toby Alderweireld is set to be a key player for Mourinho's Tottenham

Spurs have already appeared more direct in their three games since Jose Mourinho took over from Mauricio Pochettino and Alderweireld could be central to the change of tactics.

The Belgian was frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford when Mourinho was in charge at United and his long balls from the back were telling contributions to both of Dele Alli's goals in the 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

It might not be a surprise if his protracted contract situation was resolved in the next few months and he committed his future to the club.

4 Teemu Pukki has put some indifferent form behind him

The Norwich striker looked to have taken the step up to the Premier League in his stride at the start of the season, scoring six goals in his first five games, including a hat-trick against Newcastle.

But he notched his first goal since that run in the Canaries' 2-2 draw with Arsenal and was a menace for the Gunners defence throughout.

While the goals dried up for his club, Pukki was still inspirational in his international performances in Euro 2020 qualifying, helping Finland reach their first major tournament.

If he can build on his fine showing against the north London outfit, the Pukki party can help Norwich extend their top-flight stay beyond a solitary season.

5 Charlton are best swerved until Christmas

There were celebrations at The Valley on Saturday with a long-awaited club takeover close to being rubber-stamped but Addicks boss Lee Bowyer has a terrible injury list to cope with.

For the second game running they were unable to fill the bench and, after a promising start, Charlton are now seven games without a win following the latest defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Talismanic striker Lyle Taylor is not far from fitness but it will take more than his return to galvanise Charlton and an end to their poor run may not be imminent.

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