Newcastle United secured their third Premier League away victory of the season on Tuesday, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 in North London to snap a run of four league matches without a win.
The result
further deepened the crisis for Spurs boss Thomas Frank, whose side slipped to 16th and was steadily booed by home supporters, and who was sacked on Wednesday after the loss to the Magpies. If you think Howe is under pressure, ask poor Thomas if we could sleep on Tuesday.
Howe’s boys dominated the first half, forcing nine corners before the break and having a Joe Willock goal disallowed by a literal hair. Kudos to VAR for making the game so organically fluid and accurate.
The Magpies’ pressure finally paid off in stoppage time, as Malick Thiaw reacted quickest to finish after his initial header was saved, giving Newcastle the lead at the break.
Spurs improved marginally in the second half, drawing level when Archie Gray finished from close range in the 64th minute and sending NUFC into some ghost sighting.
The home crowd’s relief was short-lived, however, as Newcastle hit back just four minutes later. Jacob Ramsey swept home his first goal for the club after good work in the box, restoring the lead, and sealing the Geordie win.
Newcastle controlled the closing stages, holding on for a deserved win despite the Spurs late push forward in search of a goal and a life-saving point. Didn’t happen.
The visiting Magpies celebrated, the Tottenham faithful voiced frustration with chants calling for Frank’s dismissal. Relegation threatens the Spurs, a top five finish looks possible once again for Newcastle. Howe is still employed, Frank’s not.
For now, the win lifts Newcastle back into the top 10, providing much-needed momentum amid a brutal schedule of road games.
Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe praised the lads for pulling off the comeback after the Spurs tied the game in the second half, following last weekend’s setback against Brentford.
“Great response from the players,” Howe. “I have to pay tribute to them tonight. I think they really did inspire each other and help each other. I thought it was one of our best performances of the season. Dominant display, showed our quality. We had players going down with cramp at the end and showing signs that we had maxed out on the pitch. That’s all I ever ask.
“I’m very grateful to have the group of players that I have. I think they’re terrific professionals and a great day for us.”
Newcastle’s next game is an FA Cup clash at Aston Villa on Saturday. It’s another win-or-go-home situation for the Magpies after they surrendered the title on the Carabao Cup.
