Fans turn on Frank amid chants for Pochettino return
Tottenham suffered another damaging defeat as Newcastle claimed a deserved 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The result leaves Spurs deep in relegation trouble having won only twice in their last 17 Premier League matches. Thomas Frank’s side looked disjointed throughout and the home fans made their frustration clear. During the first half the South Stand choir sang praises for former manager Mauricio Pochettino urging his return. By stoppage time chants of you’re getting sacked in the morning rang out. After the final whistle boos rained down when Frank walked onto the pitch. The atmosphere felt like the end of an era with mounting discontent over the team’s lack of attacking intent and cohesion.
Newcastle dominate first half before late winner
Newcastle arrived on the back of three straight league defeats but produced one of their best performances of the season according to Eddie Howe. They controlled the first half completely with pace and mobility in their front three of Anthony Elanga Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon. Bruno Guimarães dictated play in midfield giving his side an extra second on the ball. Joe Willock came close early with a low shot just wide. The pressure built until Malick Thiaw rose unmarked to head in Anthony Elanga’s cross just before the interval. Guglielmo Vicario could only pat the ball out weakly allowing Thiaw to score on the rebound. A late first-half chance for Willock was ruled out for offside but the visitors fully merited their lead.
Spurs brief revival ended by Ramsey’s decisive goal
Spurs showed some fight at the start of the second half. Archie Gray equalised from a set piece after Pape Sarr headed back a corner from Xavi Simons. Mathys Tel who replaced the injured Wilson Odobert lashed high after good work from Gray. The home side briefly threatened a comeback. However Newcastle responded strongly. After Harvey Barnes was denied by a Micky van de Ven block they regained the lead. Conor Gallagher wasted a counter-attack with a poor pass allowing Newcastle to break down the right. Anthony Gordon delivered a low pass into the area and Jacob Ramsey arrived unmarked to shoot first time low into the far corner for his first goal for the club. The celebrations in front of the travelling fans contrasted sharply with the despair around Tottenham.
Injuries suspensions and grim outlook for Spurs
Frank’s problems continue to mount with an injury list now at 11 players after Odobert went off in the 34th minute. Captain Cristian Romero is suspended. The team lacked options and attacking cohesion throughout. Vicario came under scrutiny for jittery distribution and weak punching. Players were booked for diving and frustration boiled over in the stands. Newcastle dealt with their own issues but overcame them through better organisation and desire. Bruno Guimarães picked up a suspected hamstring injury late on but the victory boosts their confidence. For Spurs the next fixture is a north London derby against Arsenal which now feels like a must-win to halt the slide. Pochettino remains unavailable until after the World Cup with the USA but his name echoes louder at Tottenham with each poor result.
