Newcastle 6-1 Spurs: Toon thrash top-four rivals in memorable display at SJP
A performance that will go down in Premier League history and a huge step towards a top-four finish as Newcastle United slaughtered Spurs at St James’ Park.
It was a huge game - arguably the biggest we’ve seen on Tyneside in many a year. We had to respond to last Saturday’s defeat and knew a win would not only send us six clear of Spurs, but nine ahead of Liverpool after they won again yesterday.
We didn’t just win, it was a demolition job. Our best display of the season just when we needed to produce and a victory that's sent us third. That first half will live long in the memory - FIVE up in just 21 minutes, some outstanding team goals, sublime finishes, and first to every loose ball against a Spurs side who just couldn’t cope with our pace, power, precision and energy.
It was quite literally raining goals. Murphy opened the scoring from the angle just two minutes in, pouncing on the rebound after Joelinton's shot was parried wide. A couple of minutes later, Joelinton made it two after latching onto Schar's through ball and rounding Lloris, then it was three within 10 minutes when Murphy rifled a brilliant long range effort into the bottom corner. His celebration said it all - sheer joy and an element of disbelief from the boyhood Toon fan who couldn't quite believe what was happening! Credit must also go to Schar, who not only set up our second but won the ball back seconds before Murphy's stunner.
It was chucking it down and the Spurs floodgates had well and truly opened. Three then became four as the Alexander Isak show began. It was a typically cool finish from the Swede, but the assist from Willock was simply stunning, as his outside of the foot pass took out the entire Spurs defence to send Isak clean through. Are you watching, Gareth Southgate?!
Another lovely move - this time down the right - had a similar result, as Isak bagged his second to make it 5-0 just 21 minutes in. Tottenham were abysmal, but we were every bit as good as they were bad.
It could've been six had Willock kept his shot down just moments before the break, then Longstaff went within inches of getting his name on the scoresheet after his deflected effort flew just wide. The half-time whistle went and a standing ovation followed. THE most emphatic first half display we've seen at St James' Park and game over against a side who suddenly looked down and out of the top-four race.
To keep the Spurs fans that stayed interested, Harry Kane pulled one back after beating Schar and sliding a low strike past Pope. It was a shame to see us lose our clean sheet, but we added another 15 minutes later, as Wilson latched onto Almiron's effort to make it 6-1.
It could've got worse for the visitors, as Gordon went close after a swift counter between him and Willock saw the subbed on winger go close. There was also Dan Burn's header blocked by his own man, denying the big man from adding even more gloss to the scoreline.
When I left for the game, I told a couple of mates we were going to batter Spurs today. I was clearly confident and had full belief Howe’s Mags would respond to last Saturday’s setback, but I didn’t expect that! An incredible day and monumental win, which feels like one giant stride towards that Champions League finish.
Next up, another chance to extend on our lead at Everton on Thursday, before Southampton come to St James' on Sunday. HWTL!.
