Premier League talking points
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Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Manchester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - November 12, 2023 Manchester City's Manuel Akanji scores their second goal REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
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Talking points from the 12th round of the Premier League season:
SPURS NEED ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS AFTER INJURIES
Tottenham Hotspur's Ange Postecoglou may have won three consecutive Premier League manager of the month awards but he now faces a major test after his side kicked off November with successive league defeats to drop into fourth.
Spurs will have to navigate the next set of fixtures without his best playmaker and defenders after injuries sidelined James Maddison and Micky van de Ven until January and with Cristian Romero suspended.
With Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United to come in their upcoming games, Postecoglou must find quick solutions if his early good work is not to start unravelling.
THREADBARE NEWCASTLE STARTING TO STRUGGLE
Losing to Bournemouth is never going to be something Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will enjoy on his return to his former club, but the loss of Miguel Almiron to injury will hurt as much as losing 2-0 on Saturday.
With strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson leading a lengthy injury list, versatile winger Anthony Gordon had to play as an emergency centre forward, but could not paper over the cracks.
Howe will be hoping the international break will allows some of his key players to regain full fitness before the absences start to cost even more in terms of points.
DYCHE CHANGING EVERTON MENTALITY
Everton's improved performance under manager Sean Dyche was on view again as they edged Crystal Palace 3-2 in a thriller at Selhurst Park, a far cry from the timid side of the last two seasons.
The result makes it six wins and a draw in their last nine games in all competitions as the Toffees continue to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
Dyche spoke about changing the mentality when he was appointed with the team in relegation trouble last season and, though it has taken a while, he appears to be achieving his aim. REUTERS
