Newcastle annihilate Tottenham at St James’ Park to strengthen grip on a top-four place

Newcastle United ran riot against Tottenham Hotspur today, recording a thumping 6-1 victory over their fellow top-four hopefuls in front of the St James’ Park faithful.

Both sides headed into the clash hopeful of getting a result that will bolster their Champions League ambitions, with just three points previously separating them.

However, what looked like a closely fought encounter on paper turned out to be a demolition, with Newcastle delivering a perfect response to their disappointing defeat against Aston Villa last weekend.

Eddie Howe’s side flew out of the blocks from the first whistle, and it only took two minutes for the rampant Magpies to open the scoring.

Tottenham’s lacklustre defence allowed Joelinton to wriggle through several challenges and unleash a shot that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was equal to.

However, the former France international, who has also come under a bit of stick following a series of underwhelming performances, parried Joelinton’s shot toward the onrushing Jacob Murphy, who had a simple task of slotting home.

Having seen his earlier effort denied, Joelinton ensured he got his goal just four minutes after the opener.

He showed brilliant control and composure to bring down Fabian Schar’s pinpoint pass before going around Lloris and slotting home.

Tottenham had no time to catch their breath before Murphy grabbed his second of the afternoon three minutes after Joelinton’s strike.

Schar caught Heung-min Son in possession, and Newcastle wasted no time pouncing on the transition, with Murphy unleashing a ferocious effort that left Lloris rooted to the spot.

With the north Londoners down three goals inside the first ten minutes of the game, it was game set and match.

But Newcastle were intent on sending a message, and their riot only got worse with Alexander Isak getting in on the action with a two-minute brace before half-time.

Joe Willock found the Swedish marksman with an exquisite trivela, and he made no mistake slotting past Lloris before rounding off the first-half demolition by latching onto Sean Longstaff’s cutback to fire home.

It was game over in the first 45 minutes, and it mattered little what Cristian Stellini had to say to his side that would be enough to secure a comeback from an insurmountable lead.

The only silver lining from their abysmal performance would be maintaining their impressive scoring record against Newcastle.

Harry Kane’s 49th-minute strike ensured Spurs have now scored in 17 consecutive away league games against the Magpies, breaking their previous record against Charlton Athletic in 1999 (16).

Newcastle swapped one goalscorer for another as Isak made way for Callum Wilson in the second half, and the Englishman had barely been on the pitch for a minute before completing the thumping rout.

Following a sweeping Magpies move, Miguel Almiron’s blocked shot fell nicely for Wilson, who had no problems slotting home to wrap up an exceptional display from Newcastle.

Howe’s side have now climbed above Manchester United into third place, although both sides are level on points with the Red Devils cup-tied for the weekend.

However, Spurs have some reflecting to do as they now find themselves six points behind Man United, having played two games less.

Their Europa League spot is also hanging by a thread as Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool lurk in the shadows.