Newcastle United fought back from a goal down to edge out Tottenham Hotspur via a 2-1 scoreline to claim a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and pile the pressure on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.
Dominic Solanke wasted little time in opening the scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, heading home from Pedro Porro's inch-perfect cross to make a positive impression in front of new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was watching on from the stands.
Just three minutes later, Anthony Gordon made his own claim to be a part of Tuchel's plans, firing into the bottom corner to net his fifth Premier League goal of the season, with VAR confirming the goal after a review for a potential handball by Joelinton.
Premier League debutant Brandon Austin was forced to pick the ball out of his for a second time in the first period when Alexander Isak tapped the ball in from close range to score in a seventh consecutive Premier League match.
Tottenham did their utmost to find an equaliser in the second half, but while they created a number of promising chances, they were unable to restore parity against a stubborn Newcastle backline.
As a result of their strong defensive display, Eddie Howe's side celebrated a precious away win, moving them level with fourth-placed Chelsea and leaving Spurs in 11th position after falling to a fourth defeat in five top-flight matches.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Unfortunately for Spurs, their issues continued in the lunchtime kickoff, losing possession in their own half for both of Newcastle's goals.
Postecoglou will be bitterly disappointed with the fact that his side gave away an early lead, especially as his team have now conceded at least two goals in each of their last five competitive home games.
They may have shown great spirit in the second half, but a lack of quality in the final third combined with Newcastle's grit and determination ultimately proved to be decisive.
As for the Magpies, they showcased a clinical nature in the final third and a sturdy backline to highlight why they are in contention to qualify for the Champions League.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Solanke goal vs. Newcastle (4th min, Tottenham 1-0 Newcastle)
Solanke requires just four minutes to open the scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The striker steers a header past the unmoved Martin Dubravka after showing great determination to beat Sven Botman to Porro's inviting cross.
Gordon goal vs. Tottenham (7th min, Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle)
Newcastle produce a near-instant response. Lucas Bergvall knocks the ball against Joelinton, causing it to fall favourably to Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder feeds Gordon, who drives a low strike into the bottom corner. Replays show that the ball struck Joelinton's hand, but with his arm by his side, VAR stuck with the on-field decision, deeming it to be an accidental handball.
Isak goal vs. Tottenham (38th min, Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle)
Newcastle complete the first-half turnaround. The Magpies work the ball out to Jacob Murphy after winning possession in the Tottenham half. Dragusin attempts to deal with Murphy's low ball across the face of goal, but he cannot stop Isak from putting the ball in from close range.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTHONY GORDON
Gordon was one of the key players behind Newcastle's first-half turnaround, showing great composure to score the crucial equaliser in the seventh minute.
The England international certainly made a positive impression in front of Tuchel, who saw the attacker offer a constant threat on the left flank, creating a couple of changes and registering a total of five shots.
Gordon's teammates Isak and Guimaraes also deserve a mention for the role that they played in another successful outing for Howe's in-form side.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Tottenham 57%-43% Newcastle
Shots: Tottenham 13-14 Newcastle
Shots on target: Tottenham 4-4 Newcastle
Corners: Tottenham 9-10 Newcastle
Fouls: Tottenham 11-15 Newcastle
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
After suffering another disappointing result, Spurs will have to pick themselves up for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool, which will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.
Like Tottenham, the Magpies will also be in EFL Cup semi-final action when they travel back to the capital for Tuesday's first leg against Arsenal.
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