Alexander Isak scored his 13th Premier League goal of the season as Newcastle United secured their fifth successive league victory, putting Eddie Howe’s side four points ahead of sixth-placed Manchester City.
Tottenham have had to deal with a host of health problems this week, but it was with surprise that coach Ange Postecoglou decided to leave James Maddison and captain Son Heung-min on the bench. Although both players came on in the second half, they failed to galvanize a comeback, with the 2-1 defeat taking Tottenham’s home winless run in the league to six. The team is now in 11th place in the standings, with 24 points from 20 matches.
Tottenham took the initiative in the fourth minute thanks to a superb header from Dominic Solanke, but Newcastle equalized just two minutes later thanks to Anthony Gordon, who scored with a low strike. Isak then converted a chance late in the first half in the 38th minute to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
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In midweek, Tottenham host Liverpool for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, while Newcastle face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the other semi-final.
Our analysts dissect the key moments of this match between two teams with contrasting fortunes…
After recovering from Solanke’s opening goal, Newcastle showed their skills for much of the first half. However, they missed several chances to score a third goal and, during the second half, they struggled to get out of their own half. However, at the last second, these difficulties lost their importance. The Magpies recorded their sixth victory in all competitions and their fifth in a row in the Premier League, scoring 18 goals while conceding just two during this fine run.
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Newcastle’s season is gaining momentum; they are now engaged on three fronts with new confidence. Following their Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal, they will face League Two club Bromley in the FA Cup third round, while their Premier League campaign will take a temporary break, guaranteeing them fifth place for some time to come.
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If the ranking remains as it is, this position would be sufficient according to the current UEFA coefficient to qualify for the Champions League in the 2025-26 season. However, Newcastle are aiming for higher ambitions by chasing the teams above them, rather than just protecting their position. The year 2025 promises to be full of promise for supporters, who can dare to dream of unforgettable moments to come…
On the other hand, Tottenham are in disarray, facing a mix of injuries and a wave of illness this week. In such times, experienced players become indispensable. Given the changing dynamics and an emergency defensive line, Spurs desperately needed their attackers to make a difference.
Consequently, Postecoglou’s selection has raised questions, particularly with Son left on the bench – an unusual sight – and Maddison also on the bench for the third consecutive time in the league. Postecoglou’s post-match comments suggested that benching Son was a tactical decision linked to the team’s heavy workload. However, many would argue that he is not at his best recently, whether playing on the left or replacing the injured Solanke.
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Maddison has not started since the December 22 rout against Liverpool. Tottenham visibly lacked their creativity, especially against Wolves. Although he returned from injury, Saturday’s game saw him come off the bench to improve Spurs’ performance, almost coming close to an equalizer. Still, it was telling that Postecoglou preferred Dejan Kulusevski in the number 10 position in a defense-focused 4-2-3-1 scheme.
Currently, Kulusevski and Solanke represent Spurs’ main offensive threats, leading the charge against their opponents, while the importance of Son and Maddison appears to be diminishing.
Isak’s shot may not be among the best moments of his campaign, but Howe and his staff are looking for precisely this type of instinctive goal from the Swede more often. A deflection from Radu Dragusin on Murphy’s low cross allowed Isak to score, marking his goal as a fox of the areas.
For the seventh consecutive Premier League game, Isak found the net, joining an elite club of Newcastle players, becoming only the third to do so. In that time, he has racked up nine goals, taking his league tally to 13. With Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth and Southampton in their next league encounters, the 25-year-old could significantly increase his goal tally.
But first, Newcastle are preparing for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, who are said to have their sights set on acquiring Isak. To lift a first national trophy since 1955, Isak will need to stay sharp in front of goal, as will Gordon, who shone in a key encounter in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Brandon Austin faced the challenge of becoming Spurs’ emergency third goalkeeper following injuries to Fraser Forster and Guglielmo Vicario. His last senior appearance was in July 2021 with Orlando City. Despite the challenge presented, Austin was able to walk off the field with his head held high.
His early contributions included a role in Solanke’s goal, while also showing good handling when facing Gordon’s shots. Austin showed bravery in dealing with aggressive aerial threats. Although he was a little hesitant with the ball at his feet, he gained confidence, even if he had little luck with Isak’s second goal.
Austin will remember this day despite the defeat.
Meanwhile, Sven Botman returned to Newcastle’s starting XI after nearly 300 days out due to a cruciate ligament injury — a risky move given his recent limited playing time. The absence of Fabian Schar, as well as injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth, left Howe with few options. Although he appeared hesitant at first, Botman adjusted impressively and showed the attributes lost during his injury. His passing and comfort in possession regenerated Newcastle’s defense.
Botman’s substitution during injury time raised concerns about fatigue, given it was his first significant game back, with the hope that it was just a matter of fatigue, and not underlying problems.
The midfield battle saw Tottenham duo Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall struggle against Newcastle’s dynamic midfield unit, which has been crucial in their recent winning run. Spurs aimed high initially, but Newcastle’s experienced midfielders soon began to take control. The teams’ contrasting abilities were highlighted in the moves leading up to Isak’s goal, as Sarr and Bergvall faltered defensively, creating opportunities for their opponents. Despite disappointing times for the duo, they showed glimpses of promising futures in the Spurs set-up.
Post-match analysis will continue after the press conference.
Next up for Spurs: Liverpool at home on January 8, for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, at 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET.
