West Ham United fullback Joey O'Brien admits they face a tough month ahead.

The next six matches are away to Newcastle next weekend, followed by Stoke (h), Spurs (a), Manchester United (a), Chelsea (h) and Liverpool (h), with the latter two games coming in December.

"The manager is looking for between eight and 10 points from the group of eight games," said defender O'Brien. "It's a tough period coming up but we got a point against City and we're pleased with that.

"It wasn't just the boss who wasn't happy with the way we performed at Wigan - it was the players as well but we put it right against City. I think everyone knows already who will be competing for the title and City will be one of those clubs."