Newcastle defeat Tottenham 4-0 to shake up Champions League race

Newcastle thrash Tottenham 4-0, closing in on top six spot in Premier League. Isak scores twice, Spurs struggle defensively.

Newcastle United has made a remarkable leap into the Premier League's top six after a stunning 4-0 victory over Tottenham, led by a stellar performance from Alexander Isak. This victory has reignited their chances of securing a spot in next season's Champions League, narrowing the gap between them and Spurs to just 10 points with six games left to play. Despite facing a daunting challenge due to injuries in defense, Newcastle's makeshift backline proved to be solid as they outplayed and outscored Tottenham once again.

The game took a decisive turn in Newcastle's favor when Micky van de Ven made two costly errors in quick succession, leading to goals from Isak and Anthony Gordon. Isak's brace, coupled with solid defensive displays, ensured Newcastle's dominance throughout the match. The Swedish striker's performance puts him in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot, trailing just behind Erling Haaland.

Tottenham's disappointing display prompted manager Ange Postecoglou to make drastic changes, including substituting captain Son Heung-min early in the second half. The loss of right-back Pedro Porro to injury further compounded Spurs' woes, jeopardizing their Champions League aspirations. With tough fixtures against title contenders Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City looming, Tottenham's path to a top-four finish remains uncertain.

Postecoglou's pre-match warning about the toll of European football on squads was exemplified by Newcastle's resurgence, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Despite their struggles this season, Newcastle's recent form suggests they could still secure a top-four finish with a strong finish to the campaign. Fabian Schar's late goal from a corner sealed Newcastle's emphatic victory, underlining their determination to defy the odds and challenge for a coveted Champions League spot.