EPL: Newcastle's Unstoppable Run Continues with 2-1 Win Over Tottenham

Alexander Isak scored his 13th league goal of the season as Newcastle United came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

Alexander Isak squandered a promising opportunity shortly after the half-hour mark, dragging a Jacob Murphy cross off target. However, he made amends moments later, slotting home from a similar position after Radu Dragusin had deflected another Murphy delivery into his path. This goal marked a significant milestone for Isak, as he became the third Newcastle player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches.

Isak joined illustrious company, emulating the achievements of Alan Shearer in 1996 and Joe Willock in 2021. Tottenham attempted to mount a comeback in the second half and came close to equalizing 10 minutes after the break. Brennan Johnson struck the woodwork from a tight angle, following Martin Dubravka's save from Pape Sarr's effort from outside the box. Despite late efforts from James Maddison and Sergio Reguilon, Tottenham were unable to find a way back into the game, succumbing to their fifth home league defeat of the season under manager Ange Postecoglou.

The transformation of Newcastle United over the past month has been nothing short of remarkable. Just five weeks ago, the team struggled to create scoring opportunities in a lackluster 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, managing only one attempt at goal and none on target. However, Eddie Howe's team has since undergone a dramatic resurgence, scoring 18 goals and conceding only two in a streak of six consecutive victories.

Newcastle's response to Dominic Solanke's early opener was impressive, and they should have been further ahead by halftime. Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Joelinton all came close to scoring, but it was Isak who eventually found the net. His strike marked his 13th league goal this season and his 12th in as many top-flight appearances. Notably, Isak has now scored six times against Tottenham in the Premier League, making them his favorite opponents.

In the second half, Newcastle adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on protecting their lead rather than pushing for more goals. This strategy, also employed in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Monday, allowed them to conserve energy and maintain control. Sven Botman, making his first appearance since March 2024, delivered a composed performance at the heart of defense before being replaced by Lloyd Kelly in added time.

The win cements Newcastle's position in fifth place, which could potentially secure a spot in the Champions League for the 2025-26 season. As the team continues to ride their impressive winning streak, their confidence and momentum will be crucial in maintaining their top-five position and achieving their European ambitions.

Tottenham Hotspur fans may have approached the match against Newcastle United with some apprehension, given their team's recent struggles at home. In their previous four matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs had conceded a staggering 15 goals, raising concerns about their defensive solidity. The starting lineup selected by manager Ange Postecoglou may have also raised some eyebrows, as it was the youngest Tottenham team to start a Premier League match since March 2015.

Postecoglou's decision to leave Son Heung-min on the bench and replace ill goalkeeper Fraser Forster with 25-year-old Brandon Austin was a bold move. Despite making a promising start, Tottenham were unable to maintain their lead, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. This result means that Spurs have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 consecutive Premier League matches, a worrying statistic for Postecoglou and his team.

As the match drew to a close, Tottenham pushed for an equalizer, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. Dominic Solanke's looping header onto the roof of the net was the closest they came to troubling Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Unfortunately for Spurs, they were unable to create enough scoring opportunities in the second half to merit a share of the spoils. The defeat leaves Tottenham with just five points from their last eight Premier League matches, while their winless run at home now stands at six games, their longest such streak since 2008.

Looking ahead, Tottenham face a challenging schedule, with matches against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Tamworth in the FA Cup third round on the horizon. They will then return to Premier League action on January 15, when they face north London rivals Arsenal in a highly anticipated derby match.