Newcastle soared into the Premier League’s top six after Alexander Isak scored twice in a 4-0 thumping of Tottenham, reigniting their outside chances of competing in next season’s Champions League.
Spurs’ lead over the Magpies is down to 10 points with six games remaining, but Newcastle has a far easier run-in.
Tottenham lost five goals in the first 21 minutes of their previous 6-1 defeat at St. James’ Park, and they were once again outmuscled and overpowered on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe was forced to switch to a back three due to Newcastle’s defensive ailments.
However, the home team’s makeshift backline was seldom tested following the visitors’ fast start, with Timo Werner dragged an effort wide.
Newcastle won the game convincingly after two goals in two minutes, owing to two blunders by Micky van de Ven midway through the first half.
The Dutch centre-back was one of Spurs’ best buys this season, but he had a disappointing afternoon.
Van de Ven’s initial error allowed Isak to score off Anthony Gordon’s pass.
Van de Ven went over again as he attempted to grab Pedro Porro’s backpass, and Gordon capitalised to score his tenth Premier League goal of the season.
Newcastle should have had more before the break, but Destiny Udogie’s last-ditch challenge denied Isak a second, and the Swedish striker headed over from a corner.
However, any doubts about the outcome were dispelled six minutes into the second session when Isak beat Van de Ven to Bruno Guimaraes’ long ball over the top and scored.
In the hunt for the Golden Boot, Isak is now only two goals behind Erling Haaland, who has 19 Premier League goals.
Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment with Spurs’ performance when captain Son Heung-min was replaced in a quadruple substitution before the hour mark.
The visitors also lost right-back Porro to injury, adding salt to the wounds of a potentially disastrous day for their aspirations of returning to the Champions League next season.
A dismal week for English clubs in European tournaments suggests that a top-four finish may be required to qualify for the Champions League.
Tottenham trail fourth-placed Aston Villa on goal differential.
Tottenham, on the other hand, will play all three championship challengers — Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City — in their final six games, whereas Villa will face both Arsenal and Liverpool.
On the eve of the game, Postecoglou stated that Newcastle’s troubles this season demonstrate how the demands of European football can deplete a squad’s resources.
However, a successful finish to the season could propel them back into the top four.
Fabian Schar delivered the last punch three minutes later, rising highest to power in Gordon’s corner.