Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of today's Premier League encounter between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.
When the Premier League fixtures were announced for the opening weekend of the season, it would be fair to state that this encounter whetted the appetite more than most.
Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League last season after an exceptional campaign, while it was fourth for Spurs – although they cruelly missed out on qualification for the Champions League.
The Magpies have not lost at home to Spurs since 2004, although they have not won on the opening day of the season since 2007.
The two sides met on the opening day of the season in 1993 – when Spurs beat a newly-promoted Newcastle side 1-0 at St James' Park.
Please note that kickoff is at 5.30pm.
7.36pmSo there we have it. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the coverage and be sure to join us tomorrow for the two matches in the Premier League. Until then!
7.34pmThe final result saw West Ham United mark their return to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. Wow, what an opening day of fixtures!
7.34pmSwansea City also scored five without replay at Queens Park Rangers. Meanwhile, Reading and Stoke City drew 1-1 and West Bromwich Albion defeated Liverpool 3-0.
7.32pmJust a reminder of today's full-time results in the Premier League. Arsenal drew 0-0 with Sunderland at home. Meanwhile, Fulham beat Norwich City 5-0 at Craven Cottage.
7.30pmThe opening period belonged to Spurs as they twice hit the woodwork - but they failed to take the lead while on top. They never really appeared in danger throughout the 90 minutes, but they leave with zero points.
7.28pmSo there we have it. Newcastle get their season off to the best possible start with a 2-1 win over Spurs - who will be left wondering how they have lost the match. Ba handed Newcastle the lead in the second period, before Defoe levelled it from close range. The Magpies were ahead four minutes later, however, when Ben Arfa finished from the penalty spot.
FULL-TIMENewcastle 2-1 Tottenham
90 min+2However, Krul produces a huge punch to clear the danger. That will be just about it for this one.
90 min+2Spurs continue to pass and probe around the Newcastle box, but they just cannot find a way through. Although, they have a free kick out wide. Last chance saloon.
90 minWe will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match. Tottenham still have time to secure a point in this one.
88 minThe pressure is all one-way at the moment with Spurs searching for the equaliser. Newcastle just cannot get out.
86 minSecond change for Newcastle as Ba is replaced by Gabriel Obertan. Meanwhile, Harry Kane replaces Sandro for Spurs.
85 minWonderful effort from Jonas as he hits a half volley from outside the box, but Friedel pushes it over the crossbar.
84 minSimpson commits another foul on Walker. The Newcastle defender should have been sent off twice in this match. Meanwhile, Krul punches a Van der Vaart cross clear of the danger zone.
82 minSo, 10 minutes remaining. Can Tottenham get back into the match once more? We are in for a cracking conclusion to this one.
80 minNewcastle restore their lead as Ben Arfa scores from the spot. What on earth was Van der Vaart doing with that challenge inside the box?
80 minGOAL! Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham (Ben Arfa)
79 minBen Arfa wins a penalty for Newcastle as he is felled in the box by Van der Vaart. The Frenchman will take it.
79 minPENALTY TO NEWCASTLE
78 minTottenham are well worth that goal. Meanwhile, Tiote strikes just wide down the other end as he attempts to restore the home side's lead.
76 minTottenham level as Krul makes a wonderful save to deny Van der Vaart, but Defoe is the first to react and taps it home from close range.
76 minGOAL! Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham (Defoe)
75 minAnother sighter for Spurs as Defoe evades the Newcastle defence before releasing a strike, but it just deflects wide.
73 minChance! Another chance for Spurs as Lennon finds Defoe in the box, but Krul pushes his low shot to safety. What do Spurs have to do to score?
71 minChange for Newcastle as Anita comes on in place of Cabaye - who has looked tired this afternoon.
70 minChance! Really good opportunity for Spurs as Defoe finds Lennon in the box, but Simpson just clears the danger.
68 minChange for Spurs as Sigurdsson is replaced by Van der Vaart. Can he inspire his team in the final 20 minutes of this match?
68 minVan der Vaart will indeed join the action very soon. Meanwhile, Spurs remain a threat on the counter attack. They have not done too much wrong today.
66 minIt's good pressure from Lennon as he charges down Perch, but the England man cannot find Defoe. The match has just gone a bit stale since the opener.
64 minStill so sign of any changes for Tottenham. Surely Van der Vaart needs to be introduced? Meanwhile, the issue with Pardew's headset continues!
62 minPardew has installed his headset for communication purposes - although it does not appear to be working! Meanwhile, Krul pushes an Assou-Ekotto shot to safety.
60 minSuddenly it's all Newcastle as Ba strikes from inside the box once more. However, Spurs remain a clear threat on the counter attack.
58 minPardew has been sent to the stands! The Newcastle boss appeared to push the linesman for failing to award his team in a throw. Incredible scenes.
58 minCouple of chances for Spurs to get back into it as Kaboul strikes one from distance, while Sigurdsson bends an effort just wide of the post.
56 minIsn't that just like football? It had been all Spurs, Newcastle have not been in this match whatsoever - but they lead. How do Spurs respond?
54 minDemba Ba scores his first goal in six months as he puts one in the top corner from just inside the box. Wonderful finish.
54 minGOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Tottenham (Ba)
54 minAn interesting point - no Tom Huddlestone or Michael Dawson in the Spurs squad today. Neither is injured. What is going on there?!
54 minChance! Wonderful opportunity for Tottenham as Bale dances into the Newcastle box, but he just overuns it when he might have found Defoe. He sprinted past Perch like he wasn't there.
52 minBen Arfa has certainly started the second period full of energy. However, Tottenham are continuing to dominate the ball in advanced areas.
50 minWonderful play from Lennon as he dances into the Newcastle box, but his cross is just blocked by Taylor. End-to-end football at the moment.
48 minMuch better from Newcastle in the early stages as Santon finds Ba in the box, but Gallas just clears the danger. It appears that Alan Pardew had some serious words at the interval.
46 minTottenham get us underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the break.
6.38pmHere we go then. Both sets of players are emerging for the second period. Will we see a goal in the next 45+ minutes of action?
6.36pmOh, there is some new fancy equipment over on ESPN. Craig Burley is taking us through the opening half of action. It isn't great viewing for the home side.
6.34pmMeanwhile, as it stands, Fulham and Swansea City sit top of the Premier League table. Meanwhile, West Brom and West Ham make up the Champions League places. Enjoy it supporters of those outfits!
6.32pmMeanwhile, a bit of news away from this match. It appears that Arsenal midfielder Alex Song is on his way to Barcelona. Arsenal fans - what do you think about that?
6.30pmI would be surprised to see Tiote emerge for the second period - he does not look fully fit. He has a ready made replacement in Anita.
6.28pmThere doesn't appear to be a host of options on the home side's bench. Meanwhile, you would expect to see Van der Vaart for Spurs in the second period.
6.26pmFor Newcastle, it jusr hasn't quite happened. There seems to be a huge gap between the midfield and strikers - while Ben Arfa has hardly had a touch of the ball.
6.24pmVillas-Boas will certainly be pleased with his side's performance. Although they have failed to score while on top. It also appears that they have got their tactics spot on this evening.
6.22pmSo there we have it. Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur remain level after a goalless opening 45 minutes at St James' Park. Spurs have had the best of it - twice hitting the woodwork through Defoe and Bale - while Newcastle have struggled for any real invention.
HALF-TIMENewcastle 0-0 Tottenham
46 minHalf-chance for Newcastle as Simpson searches out Ba in the box, but Gallas heads clear, before Sandro clears the resulting corner.
45 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional two minutes at St James' Park.
44 minEverything continues to go long for Newcastle, while Bale and Lennon are causing the home side problems as they come in from each wing.
42 minIt just looks really disjointed for Newcastle at the moment with a huge gap between their midfield and front two. Tottenham have been streaks better thus far.
40 minSighter for Tottenham as Defoe picks up possession outside the box, but he strikes it over the bar. Good counter attack from the away side.
40 minPenalty shout from the Newcastle fans as Gallas slides in on Cisse in the box, but Martin Atkinson waves play on. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
38 minTottenham should be leading this one - and don't they know it. Meanwhile, Newcastle have been poor in this opening half.
36 minChance! Another glorious chance for Tottenham as Lennon finds Bale at the back post, but the Welshman heads against the crossbar.
34 minBetter pressure from Newcastle as they attempt to crowd out Tottenham in their own half. Aside from the Defoe effort, chances have been few and far between.
32 minChance! Best chance of the match for Spurs as Defoe advances into the box, but his strike smashes off the post.
32 minDecent pressure from Newcastle as Cabaye whips a dangerous cross into the box, but it is cleared before Tiote hits it into Row Z.
30 minAnother sighter for Spurs as Sigurdsson strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target.
28 minNo real attacking intent from Newcastle at the moment with Tottenham carrying the biggest threat. The Magpies need to get Ben Arfa on the ball.
26 minSigurdsson's effort is on target, but Krul pushes the ball wide before the former gives away a free kick. 0-0 with 30 minutes fast approaching.
26 minDanny Simpson - who has already been booked - is giving himself a real problem at the moment as he chops Bale down once more. Free-kick Spurs just outside the penalty area.
24 minThe match remains ever so scrappy at the moment with both sides giving away a host of fouls. This one is going to be decided by the odd-goal, you can just sense it.
22 minChance! Best chance of the match for Newcastle as Cisse strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just drifts wide of the most. Inches away.
20 minIt had appeared that Anita would replace Tiote - who picked up a knock making a challenge early in the match. However, the Ivorian remains on the field of play for now.
18 minMeanwhile, Sandro picks up a yellow card for chopping Ben Arfa down in the middle of midfield. The match has just gone ever so bitty in the past few moments.
16 minDecent spell of possession for Newcastle as Cabaye searches out the run of Ba, but his pass is just overhit. Meanwhile, there is a nice look to the Tottenham team in the early stages.
14 minAll the noise is coming from the away fans as the 15 minute mark approaches, while it seems ever so narrow for Newcastle at the moment. Another chance for Tottenham as Sigurdsson whips a free kick into the box, but it drifts over.
12 minIt's all Tottenham at the moment as they continue to pass and probe around the Newcastle box, but solid defending from Jonas gains his side a goal kick. Newcastle need a bit of inspiration here.
10 minSpurs continue to threaten down the right with Walker carrying the attack, but Perch comes across to clear the danger, before the former whips a dangerous cross into the box.
8 minAndre Villas-Boas is not best pleased with that decision - and he is letting the fourth official know all about it! The midfielder was miles onside.
8 minSighter for Spurs as Defoe finds Sigurdsson in the box, but the former Swansea City man is just ruled offside. However, replays have shown that he was on.
7 minChance for Newcastle to whip a cross into the box as Livermore fells Jonas, but Sandro thumps the header clear - before Lennon darts off down the right.
6 minFirst sign of an involvement for Bale as Gallas searches out the winger, but Taylor comes across to usher the ball out of play. Decent start from both sides.
4 minTiote came off worse in the challenge, but it does appear that he is alright to continue. He's a tough boy. He should be fine.
4 minSeems to be awfully compact in the middle of the park at the moment as Ba attempts to dance through the Tottenham defence. Meanwhile, a thunderous challenge from Tiote draws a huge applause from the home crowd.
2 minDecent start from Tottenham as they force the first corner of the afternoon, but Ba heads the danger clear.
1 minHere we go then. Newcastle get us underway. Fifth versus fourth in the Premier League last season.
5.32pmJust a final reminder of the two teams:
Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Perch, Santon; Ben Arfa, Tiote, Cabaye, Jonas; Ba, Cisse
Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Livermore, Sandro, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale; Defoe
5.30pmI am getting cranky now. It's 5.30pm and we are yet to get this one started. Have no fear, we are almost there.
5.29pmIt's also Steven Taylor's comeback for Newcastle after eight months on the sidelines. Big day for him. Let's get this one underway.
5.28pmWilliam Gallas skippers Tottenham this evening. The Frenchman had been linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers - does this mean he will now stay at the club?
5.26pmHere we go then. The two teams are just emerging from the tunnel ahead of kickoff. I'm tipping a 2-2 draw this evening!
5.24pmEven though the clock is fast approaching 5.30pm - it remains extremely warm on this opening day of Premier League football. Perfect for those used to warmer climates.
5.22pmIn terms of Tottenham, it is good to see Jake Livermore given a chance in midfield. But so much rests on the performances of Gareth Bale.
5.20pmMeanwhile, it is going to be difficult for Newcastle to match last season's fifth-placed finish. There remains so many interesting questions - will Cisse score as many as last season? Can Ba get among the goals? Will Ben Arfa shine? Only time will tell.
5.18pmIf Spurs are to challenge for Champions League football this season, you would have to think that they need to add to their forward line. Has anyone seen Emmanuel Adebayor anywhere?!
5.16pmSome start to the Premier League season with 16 goals scored in the opening six games. Can this evening's match add to that tally?
5.14pmSpurs will enter the match full of confidence having thrashed Newcastle 5-0 at the end of last season, but Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha were on the score sheet that evening. Meanwhile, the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at St James' Park in October.
5.12pmIn terms of the history between the two sides - Newcastle's second biggest win in the league was recorded against Spurs in 1996 when they overcame Gerry Francis's side 7-1. I'm not sure if history will repeat itself, but the Magpies can dream.
5.10pmLuka Modric will reportedly soon complete a move to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Jan Vertonghen and Gylfi Sigurdsson have arrived at White Hart Lane. There has been no marquee striker signing, however, with Jermain Defoe the only recognised first-team forward at the club.
5.08pmMeanwhile, it's been all change at Tottenham this summer with new boss Andre Villas-Boas at the helm. It did not quite work out for Portuguese at Chelsea - and he will be keen to prove his worth this time around.
5.06pmIt's been a successful transfer market for Newcastle, not in terms of additions - only Victor Anita has arrived - but with the fact that they have kept their squad together. Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye resume their midfield partnership. Meanwhile, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse will form the attack once more.
5.04pmMeanwhile, Tottenham name Jermain Defoe as their lone forward. Meanwhile, Rafael van der Vaart and new signing Jan Vertonghen start on the bench.
5.02pmSo there we have it. Newcastle name arguably their strongest side - bar skipper Fabricio Coloccini who misses out through injury. Meanwhile, new signing Vurnon Anita is on the bench.
5pmNewcastle: Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Perch, Santon; Ben Arfa, Tiote, Cabaye, Jonas; Ba, Cisse
Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Livermore, Sandro, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale; Defoe
5pmBREAKING: Gylfi Sigurdsson makes his debut for Tottenham. Meanwhile, Newcastle name Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse in attack.
5pmHello all! Just some full-time scores to bring you from Premier League: Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland, Fulham 5-0 Norwich, QPR 0-5 Swansea, Reading 1-1 Stoke, West Brom 3-0 Liverpool, West Ham 1-0 Aston Villa.
