Premier League talking points
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1 JANUARY CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH
Newcastle's drubbing by Manchester City highlighted the main problems Eddie Howe must solve if his team are to stay up - the defence is as porous as the attack is toothless.
A defensive mix-up gifted City the lead after five minutes, while the Magpies mustered only one shot on target over 90 minutes.
Too often this season players have operated as individuals rather than as a unit, and the only respite is that the transfer window will soon be open.
2 MARTINELLI LOOKING THE REAL DEAL
With the form Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli is displaying, there is talk that Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who last week was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, may be surplus to requirements.
The Gunners are reportedly open to a sale or a loan move away when the transfer window opens as they look to bank on the 20-year-old Martinelli, who has four goals and two assists in his last six league appearances.
3 CITY ABOUT TO TAKE OFF
Man City were not even at their best, according to manager Pep Guardiola, after a 4-0 win at Newcastle made it eight league victories in a row.
It means the reigning champions will be top of the table at Christmas for the first time since 2017 and they have won 34 league games in the calendar year - a top-flight record.
During their stroll to the title last season, City put together a 15-game winning streak. The way they are playing at the moment, few would bet against them matching that.
REUTERS
