Five talking points from the Premier League: Game week 15

Newcastle dreaming of a Champions League?

It was only two seasons ago that Newcastle United surprised everybody by finishing fifth in the League and only just missing out on the Europa League. They finished the campaign with Alan Pardew claiming the manager of the year and things were looking up for the Tyneside club. But, Newcastle being Newcastle finished last season, fifth from bottom and started this campaign with not a shred of optimism surrounding the club, after the summer passed with just one major signing.

Many fans predicted doom and gloom, but after starting poorly, they went on a four-game winning streak, that saw them beat Chelsea and Tottenham in the process. And although that streak came to an end last Wednesday against Swansea, they came into Old Trafford knowing fully well that they hadn’t won there since 1972. But Pardew’s tactics ensured that they came away making history and with a belief that, on their day, they are a match for any side. They are currently in seventh place, but are only three points off City in fourth. Can Pardew’s men finally break into the top four, only time will tell. But if they continue beating the top sides, as they have done in the past month and a half, anything is possible.

Cork keeps a lid on Toure

Southampton went out and broke their transfer record when they signed Victor Wanyama from Celtic, there were those who felt that it was an unnecessary. After all, one of the good things about Southampton last season was the partnership between Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield. But, the capture of Wanyama, has seen the Saints take control of midfield even more and as a result, Cork had been sidelined so far this season.

But, with Schneiderlin out injured, Cork got his first start of the season against Manchester City on Sunday. Although he started slowly, he caught on quickly and had Yaya Toure in his back pocket for most of the game. The Englishman made 7 clearances and was a solid presence in the center of midfield. He was assured in defense and composed on the ball, and made more passes than all but two players on the park and showed just why he is so highly regarded by not just the saints, but Roy as well.

Everton seem to have finally rid themselves of their mental block

For all the plaudits that Moyes got for his tenure as the Toffees boss, there was one thing that he could never quiet achieve in his 11 years at the club. In 46 attempts, Everton were unable to beat a top four side away from home, but Martinez changed all of that with a victory over Manchester United on Wednesday, which was only their second on the ground in the Premier League era. He went into the game against Arsenal full of confidence and few teams have gone to Arsenal and dominated them, in terms of possession, the way the Toffees did on Sunday.

Although they came away with just a point, it was no more than what they deserved. But, for Martinez, there was something far more significant than the point, it was the fact that Everton had finally cleared the “mental block” they used to suffer when they played the big clubs. Moyes had not only instilled a siege mentality at Everton, but along with it, had also inadvertently, created a “small club” mentality. One that stopped them from going to Old Trafford and the Emirates and expressing themselves. But with four points from their last two games, which were at the aforementioned venues, the Toffees seem to have finally gotten rid of their “mental block”.

Chelsea’s away blues continue whilst Liverpool look convincing at home, yet again

For all the millions of pounds spent on the squad, Chelsea still look shaky on their travels and went into the weekend’s fixture against Stoke, having won just three of their opening seven away games. And although they took the lead against Stoke and played well for most of the match, they succumbed to a sucker punch at the end and ended up losing their third away game of the season. Chelsea’s problems seem to stem from the fact that their attacking midfielders are failing to function as a group and although Schurrle and Hazard were excellent on Saturday, others failed to chip in, which is sure to give Mourinho a head ache, he could have done without.

But, while Chelsea continue to struggle away from home, Liverpool continue their impressive home form, that saw them notch up their seventh home win in eight games as they convincingly beat West Ham 4-1. They have won their last five home games, having scored 20 goals in the process, with Suarez chipping in with 11 of them, including two hat-tricks. Their fantastic home form has seen them keep up with Arsenal, with the Kop currently occupying second, just five points behind the Gunners. But, Rodgers will be well aware of the fact that their defense is nowhere near as good as their attack and must stop conceding cheap goals like the one they did at the weekend, if they are to stand any chance of competing for the title.

Things are getting really interesting at the foot of the table

With Fulham claiming their first win after six successive losses against Aston Villa on Sunday, thanks to a Dimitar Berbatov inspired performance and Crystal Palace claiming their third win in four games against Cardiff, things at the bottom look far more interesting than they did, barely a few weeks ago. Victory for both these teams, coupled with the Hammers defeat meant that the three sides are now level with 13 points each. And with the Hammers in free fall, having lost four of their last five games, it isn’t entirely implausible that they finished themselves in the bottom three by next week.

What is interesting about the battle at the bottom is that, from Swansea in 10^th to Crystal Palace in 19^th, the sides are separated by a mere 6 points. All of which means that any side, that goes on a winning spree, a la Palace, can climb up the table or a string of successive defeats might bring them back in the mire. How things unfold in the next few weeks, as the fixtures come in thick and fast will certainly make for an interesting watch.