Newcastle 4-0 Tottenham (Isak 30, 51, Gordon 32′, Schar 87′)
ST JAMES’ PARK – How Tottenham must hate playing at St James’ Park, so often the scene of their late season nightmares.
Twelve months ago the wheels came off their Champions League chase when Newcastle humiliated them 6-1, a result that cost interim head coach Cristian Stellini his job.
Ange Postecoglou has enough credit in the bank to be insulated against that fate but this result – and the shambolic nature of their collapse – was every bit as troubling for a team whose defensive deficiencies were ruthlessly exploited by Alexander Isak and an in-form Newcastle. After a frequently bleak winter on Tyneside, Spring has brought a return of the black and white intensity that propelled them up the Premier League last season.
“Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happening again,” crowed a sell-out home crowd, who enjoyed taking another bite out of a club who probably have the most to fear from a resurgent Newcastle. This defeat was so bad they actually tumbled out of the top four on goal difference.
Newcastle were absolutely superb here and have form, a favourable fixture list and a front three that can surely now go on to deliver Europa League football. And in Isak they have a player now chasing Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot.
Micky van de Ven will wake up in a cold sweat after his brush with Newcastle’s number 14, a player who looks more and more like the Premier League’s most complete striker with every passing week. He has electric pace, elite technique, perfect timing and ice in his veins when presented with one-on-one opportunities.
The aplomb with which he took his two goals, dumping the unfortunate Van de Ven on his backside as he slalomed into the penalty box for the opener, was ruthlessness personified. No defender would want to face him at the moment – and the comparisons to Thierry Henry feel justified.
Tottenham were architects of their own downfall, though. With injuries depleting Newcastle’s defence, Eddie Howe opted for a back three that had just one player who would have started in that role if he’d had a full compliment of defenders to pick. But Emil Krafth played with concentration and diligence while Dan Burn’s performances are making a mockery of those willing to write him off after a difficult January.
Spurs’ strategy is more high risk, playing out from the back and relying on the pace of Van de Ven – who has been excellent in his debut Premier League season – to bail them out of trouble. It did not work here and Postecoglou, who could not muster a response to the problems Newcastle’s front three caused, must take his share of the blame for such an amateurish display.
What a contrast they were with the Magpies, who were back to their best and moving ominously for the rest of the Europa League challengers.
The Magpies were utterly scintillating here, their front three electric. Isak – now on 21 goals for the season – absolutely lethal and Anthony Gordon an unplayable whirlwind of energy and intent. Add Harvey Barnes and the excellent Elliot Anderson into that mix and this felt reassuringly reminiscent of the sort of stuff Newcastle served up last season.
Curiously, it was all fairly non-descript before Isak’s breakthrough. Newcastle had torn into Spurs 12 months ago with unrelenting pressure but they were more circumspect this time around.
James Maddison, barracked by some of the home fans for his decision to pick Tottenham over Newcastle last summer, exerted influence while Bruno Guimaraes, so often the catalyst, looked quiet.
But Isak does not need much invitation and when Gordon – playing so well he must surely be part of Gareth Southgate’s plans this summer – teed him up, his movement left Van de Ven grounded – literally. A minute or so later, Gordon struck as Newcastle comprehensively seized the initiative.
What a conclusion to the campaign this is turning into for Newcastle and Howe, who has provided a comprehensive riposte to the critics posing profound questions about his managerial ability after the tame exit from the FA Cup.
Ten points from a possible 12 since they returned from a restorative sunshine training break in Dubai tells its own story but it was the performance here that was most pleasing for the Newcastle boss. He has harnessed a system that is getting the best out of Isak, who is a world class talent.
They cherish him here and are not minded to sell him. The Swede wants to stay and suddenly, St James’ Park feels like a place where great things are possible again.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/Rr5hWsY
Post a Comment