Newcastle United defeat Tottenham Hotspur in statement win for Eddie Howe
Goals from Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey were enough to see the Magpies claim a huge three points in the capital.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a happy hunting ground in recent years for Newcastle United. Since Spurs moved into their new home, the Magpies have won more games there than they have lost. Going into this meeting in North London between the two clubs, how Newcastle could do with another positive away day there.
Newcastle’s home loss against Brentford on Saturday had seen pressure mount on Eddie Howe. He was visibly emotional in the post-match press conference; hurt by the the recent run of form amidst questions over whether he was still the right man to lead the club.
Contrasting that pain with the outpouring of joy and passion displayed by Howe at the full time whistle showed just how much Howe still has to give in this role, and just how much it means to him. It was a roar of biblical proportions in front of the away end.
On paper the scoreline of 1-2 in Newcastle’s favour looked like a narrow win, but in reality the Magpies were fully deserving of the victory. They were dominant in the first half and led at the break thanks to Malick Thiaw prodding home his fourth goal of the season, after his initial header came back to him.
The Magpies had actually had the ball in the net a couple of minutes earlier, thanks to a cultured finish from Joe Willock, but a VAR intervention adjudged him to have been offside by the length of his haircut. There has been talk of tolerance levels built into the semi-automated offside system and the interpretation of the offside law, but it seems unfathomable that Willock could be ruled offside in that situation, after all what advantage did he gain?
What mattered to Newcastle at the break though is that they were ahead, and they came out in the second half and pushed for the second. However, in true Newcastle style this season, a drop in intensity saw Spurs inch their way back into the game, and they drew level thanks to Archie Gray’s effort from a corner. Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal was caught in no man’s land, and complained he had been fouled, but in reality he simply should have done better.
It was a familiar situation for Eddie Howe and his players after what had been a great first half, to find themselves pegged back, and staring at yet more dropped points. But on this evening there came an immediate response from Newcastle. Their heads did not drop and they went again.
Barnes saw a shot blocked as the Magpies kept the pressure on, and only four minutes after the equaliser, Newcastle were back in front. Good work came from Anthony Gordon, as he drove towards the box, before finding Jacob Ramsey, who swept home his first goal for the club. Ramsey has steadily been improving in recent weeks and that strike was a significant moment for him, showcased by his passionate celebration.
What followed highlighted the lack of quality in Tottenham’s ranks. Yes, they have plenty of injuries, but given that they now find themselves threatened by the prospect of relegation, shows just how far they have fallen as a club. They never looked likely to score another leveller, and Newcastle were able to see out the win for the biggest of three points.
St. James’ Park felt like a dejected arena at the weekend, but Newcastle were resurrected at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in midweek. There is still plenty of football to be played and the Magpies are still within just a few points of a European place. That must remain forefront in the minds of all of a black and white persuasion.
The FA Cup comes next for Newcastle, as they travel to face Aston Villa at Villa Park. Eddie Howe’s focus will no doubt already be on that, but maybe this time, he should savour what was a big night for him personally in charge of Newcastle United.