Spurs fans don’t need to think too hard to remember a bad loss vs. Newcastle — the reverse fixture in October that ended 6-1 immediately springs to mind. Today wasn’t much better. Newcastle was quicker, more physical, and more clinical in almost every way on Saturday, scoring two goals in 90 seconds in the first half en route to a comprehensive 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s a particularly difficult pill to swallow considering the murderer’s row of matches Spurs have coming up against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool in two weeks. The result means Spurs could slip back to fifth in the table if Aston Villa take points off of Arsenal tomorrow (a real Sophie’s Choice for Spurs fans).
Newcastle started the match surprisingly in a back three formation, but Spurs were bright in the opening 15 minutes, getting forward into space and creating some dangerous half chances. But things fell apart pretty quickly as soon as Toon were able to get a foothold in the match. It was an open first half, with Spurs attempting to play their standard tactics and Newcastle pressing Spurs and forcing turnovers that led to quick counter-attacks.
Newcastle’s two first half goals came within 90 seconds of play and was a real gut punch for Spurs. Alexander Isak’s opening strike was well taken after Udogie got bullied off the ball in the buildup, and Anthony Gordon made it 2-0 seconds later after picking off an awful back pass from Pedro Porro. Tottenham looked rocked afterwards and could not get anything going for the remainder of the half
Ange Postecoglou is not afraid to make halftime changes, but he decided to stick with the starting XI to begin the second half, only to be forced into an early change when Pedro Porro seemed to pull his hamstring. Emerson Royal was his replacement. Isak added a third goal for Newcastle early in the second half, rushing past the defense to slot past a scrambling Vicario and making the scoreline 3-0.
Postecoglou made a triple sub at 56’, bringing on Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Sarr, and Pierre Hojbjerg for Bissouma, Bentancur and Son. There was a slight uptick in energy and possession, but ultimately it didn’t really help — there were no significant shots or chances for the visitors and they never once looked like they might break through. Fabian Schär added a late header off of, what else, a corner kick, to put the cherry on this particular turd sundae. The final score was 4-0.
Match Reactions:
- Newcastle started the match in a back three and tried to overload the flanks, which seemed to surprise Spurs a bit. Newcastle has the frontline speed to push Tottenham’s high line and get some decent opportunities on the counter. Pretty scary!
- Two goals in 90 seconds was a real gut punch to Spurs. You could argue the first was the result of the ref ignoring a foul on Udogie in the buildup to Isak’s strike. The second was just sloppy play, with Pedro Porro putting in a hospital ball back towards Vicario that was picked off by Gordon. Not that we could see it because the cameras were showing hearing-impaired kids rather than the game.
- Really don’t understand the ref’s reticence to give out cards in this match. There were at least four challenges that went uncarded and the first yellow he gave out was to Micky van de Ven for dissent. The official let the match be incredibly physical, and Spurs got out-muscled to just about every ball; this team in particular really struggles when the match gets physical like this.
- Bentancur got a high boot to the face in Newcastle’s box and hahaha Spurs don’t get penalties you silly reader what are you thinking
- Just a truly awful performance outside of the first 15 minutes. Son and Maddison weren’t in sync offensively, Spurs couldn’t find a way to progress the ball through midfield, and Spurs were let down defensively, particularly by Pedro Porro.
- Vicario did so poorly for Isak’s second goal. He should’ve come out and directly challenged him for the ball instead of scrambling back and trying to make a save. Maybe it ends in the same result, but I think I’d respect the attempt more.
- No players should be immune from substitutions, even Sonny, so I didn’t really disagree with Ange’s decision to sub him off. In truth, Sonny’s been off for a few matches now, and when you’re down 3-0 on the road in the second half, why not roll the dice? There was a touch more energy, but it didn’t really move the needle when down 3-0.
- I don’t know what Tottenham’s best midfield is, and it’s pretty clear now that neither does Ange.
- Hey, if we’re lucky maybe we’ll never have to see those awful Taupe Haze kits again, so it’s not ALL bad.
- It’s kind of hard to point to anyone who played well today. Just a putrid match overall and my mental health is that much worse for having to sit through it. Spurs’ next match is the NLD on April 28, looking forward to two weeks of collective navel-gazing ahead of that one wheeeeeee
- Everyone should be sure to tune in tomorrow to watch Spurs Women play Leicester City in the FA Women’s Cup semifinal at the Lane, kick-off 7:00 a.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. BST.