Not too long ago people were talking about Chelsea as potential title contenders with the Blues having climbed as high as second in the table.

Those within the club continually played that down and perhaps with good reason because, after a run of five Premier League victories in a row, they have failed to win their past four games, losing to Fulham and Ipswich and drawing with Everton and Crystal Palace.

“Two weeks ago, three weeks ago, we were talking about the title race,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said after Saturday’s draw with the Eagles.

“So it’s for me, it’s not about the table. It’s just about seeing how we can improve things.”

Fifth place Newcastle made an inconsistent start to the season but appear to be hitting their stride now, with Saturday’s win at Tottenham their fifth victory in a row in the Premier League.

Manchester City, who are sixth, are showing signs of coming through their awful run of form after Saturday’s win against West Ham made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.

“We saw in many years our level and we are not at our level. We won, I am so happy and it helps us,” City boss Guardiola said after the Hammers win.

“I’m very pleased for the result but you cannot ask me if the old City is back. If you saw the game, we are not.”

Eighth-place Aston Villa boosted their Europe aspirations by beating Leicester on Saturday.

In many ways, Unai Emery’s side offer inspiration for a club like Bournemouth after they realised their own dream last season by finishing in the top four to secure Champions League football for the current campaign.

“We needed those three points after we drew at home with Brighton and we are challenging to be in the top 10, top eight,” Emery said.

“The league is very difficult because a lot of teams are performing very well.”