Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur VS Newcastle United: Spurs lose again, Magpies move into the top 4

Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron scored twice in short succession during the first half before Harry Kane pulled one back for the Spurs.

The result leaves Newcastle in fourth place, ahead of Chelsea on goal difference but two points behind Spurs in third.

The more concerning thing for Spurs, however, was that this was their second league loss in as many games where they put in a generally listless performance.

They lost to Manchester United also before this and now find themselves losing form at arguably the worst time possible, given the countdown to the FIFA World Cup has well and truly begun.

In many ways, the first half of the game was all Newcastle. The away team played with more intent and intensity, so it was little surprise when they went ahead.

Callum Wilson gave them the lead in the 31st minute of the game, converting a low shot from just outside the box that needed a VAR check for a suspected foul on Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before it was confirmed.

Lloris and Spurs were unhappy, but VAR concluded that Wilson had run into the goalkeeper, so it wasn’t a foul.

Buoyed by the goal, Newcastle pushed hard for another. And they were rewarded just before halftime with a goal that doubled their lead.

An alert Newcastle side intercepted a poor pass out from Lloris, and Sean Longstaff found Miguel Almiron in space.

The diminutive winger converted a clever left-footed shot from a tight angle to double Spurs’ lead in the 40th minute. In truth, it was no more than Newcastle deserved.

However, Tottenham, to their credit, came out fighting in the second half. They played with a higher intensity and looked to make their home advantage count.

They managed to pull one back courtesy of a corner in the 54th minute. Clement Lenglet headed one towards the danger zone after the corner was played, and Harry Kane headed in from close range.

There was a massively long VAR check for offside – much to the chagrin of the home support – but the goal stood. The real question now was whether Spurs could find another.

They did find their rhythm a lot more after the goal and kept the ball better. However, Newcastle dug deep and repelled attack after attack.

It didn’t help matters that Spurs were not creative enough, keeping the ball well but not creating too much – if anything – of note. And, to no one’s surprise, it finished 2-1 in favour of the away side.

Newcastle has invested plenty of money into their squad, but they have done well to integrate those signings and consistently get results.

However, for Spurs, this was another poor result – and won’t help the mood either around the club or with Conte, who’s never shy to voice his displeasures at the club with the media.