Newcastle 2-3 Tottenham: Major Talking Points As Spurs Ruin The Magpies’ Party

Although Newcastle might have got a new era at St. James’ Park underway on Sunday, it was another afternoon to forget for the Magpies as they were hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat against Tottenham.

Once again failing to hold onto a lead amidst an almost emotional home support in the north east, it is hard to argue that Spurs were not a more than worthy winner on an afternoon where their attacking talisman finally opened up his Premier League account.

As Tottenham made it back-to-back top-flight wins after returning from the international break, we have taken a look at the major talking points from Sunday’s showdown at St. James.

Tottenham upset the party

Although all of the headlines ahead of Sunday’s meeting might have been stolen by Newcastle’s blockbuster takeover, Tottenham had no interest in playing second fiddle.

Heading into October’s international break with what was a much-welcomed 2-1 victory at home against Aston Villa, Spurs were desperate to build on that momentum after a nightmare September run.

Looking to fully put behind them those three consecutive hammerings at the hands of Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Arsenal, Nuno Espírito Santo’s new side showed no signs of feeling sorry for themselves after going 1-0 down with under two minutes on the clock.

Bouncing straight back and not affected by the enforced interval due to a Newcastle supporter who fell ill in the stands late into the first-half, the former Wolves boss saw his side put in a professional display on the road.

Almost wrapping up all three points after bagging a trio of first-half goals, Nuno was right to praise his side’s gritty resolve following Sunday’s victory on the road.

Back down to earth for Newcastle

With it finally announced last week that their Saudi-led takeover was complete, all eyes from across the Premier League were firmly on what promised to be a party atmosphere at St. James’ Park.

With their new hierarchy given an almost hero’s welcome ahead of kick-off, a returning Callum Wilson sent the hometown crowd into overdrive as he headed home Javier Manquillo cross with not even two minutes on the clock.

However, while there was a deafening noise in the north east, the Magpies came almost immediately crashing back down to earth as Tanguy Ndombele’s curling effort dragged Sunday’s guests level just 15 minutes later.

Crumbling once again and completely blown away by Spurs after taking a stunning early lead, Newcastle fans will know that they must turn their attention back to reality after their fairytale week.

With second-half substitute Jonjo Shelvey given his marching orders for two petulant yellow cards, Sunday’s display only underlined that the Magpies are in the midst of an on-field nightmare.

1000 and out for Bruce?

With many from across the Premier League expecting Steve Bruce to be given his marching orders prior to Sunday’s contest, it was a real surprise when it was announced that the one-time Sunderland boss would be taking charge of his 1000 game in the dugout.

However, while it should have been a monumental afternoon for the former Manchester United defender, it appears almost certain that Bruce will be on his way out of the St. James’ exit.

With the vocal home support once again making it clear that they want the 60-year-old removed from his position with immediate effect, it is hard to argue a case for why Bruce deserves to lead Newcastle into their new era?

Watching on as his side once again threw away another lead, Bruce has seen his struggling squad now fail to win any of their opening eight Premier League contests, and collect just three points from a possible 24.

In fact, Bruce finds himself priced as low as 1/20 with Betfair to be the next manager given his marching orders.

Kane ends his drought

Although the future of Bruce and Newcastle’s controversial takeover might have been the main talking point ahead of Sunday’s contest, there is no doubt that Harry Kane’s extended goal drought was a hot topic of conversation.

While the reigning Golden Boot winner might be known as a notoriously slow starter, the England skipper finally managed to open his account with a smart finish midway through the first-half.

Chipping the ball over a helpless Karl Darlow and awarded his first Premier League goal of the season by VAR after initially being ruled out for offside, Kane certainly showed glimpses of his former self.

Coming under real scrutiny since opening the 2021/22 campaign and failing to find top gear with any stability, the 28-year-old also brought an end to his longest top-flight goal drought since 2016.

Also providing an assist for strike partner Son Heung-min to wrap up what was an eye-catching display in the north east, Kane will be desperate to kick on now.

Match Report:

Newcastle: Darlow (5), Manquillo (5), Lascelles (4.5), Ritchie (4), Hayden (4), Saint-Maximum (6.5), Willock (5.5), S. Longstaff (4.5), Joelinton (3), Wilson (6.5)

Subs: Shelvey (0), Fraser (3), Murphy (3)

Tottenham: Lloris (5), Emerson (6), Romero (5.5), Dier (5), Reguilon (7.5), Skipp (7), Højbjerg (6.5), Lucas (8), Ndombele (7.5), Son (7.5), Kane (8)

Subs: N/A

Goals: Newcastle: Wilson 2′, Dier OG 89′ – Tottenham: Ndombele 17′, Kane 22′, Son 45+4′

Yellow Cards: Newcastle: Clark, Hayden, S. Longstaff, Joelinton, Shelvey – Tottenham: Emerson

Red Cards: Shelvey

Referee: Andre Marriner