THINGS LOOKING UP

Newcastle's form takes a turn for the better in November, with Obafemi Martins scoring twice in a 2-0 win over high-flying Aston Villa.

The Magpies also manage a 0-0 draw with Chelsea and Michael Owen is on the scoresheet as they record their first away win of the season at Portsmouth on 14 December.

That victory means Newcastle leap to 14th in the table, and a home win against Spurs a week later pushes them up to 12th.