Newcastle were out thought, outfought and outplayed on a chilly night in North London as a good week for Harry Redknapp got even better. A clinical performance from Spurs saw them enhance their credentials as title contenders, but a lacklustre Newcastle United made things very easy for them indeed.
The worst possible start
It was a match that everyone was looking forward to, even the neutral. On the back of a workmanlike victory against Villa, and our fantastic season so far, there was always the chance that we could get something. Despite being lightweight in midfield, the goal threat we possess and a relatively solid back 5, if Newcastle performed to their best there was the chance of leaving London with something. Sadly this was not to be. There was fire in the bellies of the Spurs side from the off, Redknapp clearly had them fired up, they were unstoppable. 2 down with 6 minutes gone, 3 down after 20 minutes and 4 down just after the half hour mark. It was like that day just over a year ago when their bitter rivals Arsenal tore us apart. Modric, who was outstanding in the reverse fixture earlier this year was given too much time and space, and Adebayor was outstanding, showing the sort of pace and energy he is capable of but doesn’t always produce. We were almost overawed with them, not quick enough to close them down, and making things far too easy for a side who can tear you apart given the opportunity to do so. 4-0 at half time and the fear was how bad could it get. They only managed the one more after the break, but could have had more, possibly should have had a penalty and weren’t playing in top gear at any point during the second half.
