Newcastle United could not have returned to Premier League action after the international break in much worse fashion. After taking a first-half lead, the Magpies were taken apart by Tottenham in a thoroughly dismal 5-1 defeat.
When Fabian Schar opened the scoring with a free kick in the 39 th minute, the travelling supporters might have been expecting another impressive result but, just three minutes later, they were brought crashing back down to earth. Ben Davies met an inviting Son Heung-min cross to ensure the hosts would go into half-time on level terms.
Goals from Doherty, Son, Emerson Royal and Steven Bergwijn in the second half consigned United to their joint-heaviest defeat of the season and like every other Toon Army member, Alan Shearer was not impressed by what he saw from the visiting defenders in North London. He took to social media to deliver his fairly ruthless verdict.
Read more: Newcastle United suffer worst day of 2022 as Eddie Howe tactical note lies in tatters at Spurs
Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer said on Twitter: “Spurs on a different level up front but the Toon a shambles in the second half.”
While sounding harsh, it was a very fair assessment of a pretty bleak afternoon in the capital for Eddie Howe’s side. The performance and result reinforced the United manager’s pre-match comments that his side are still not out of the woods in regard to the Premier League relegation battle.
A couple of positive results in the final eight matches of the season will ensure Newcastle are playing top-flight football again next term but Howe needs to guard against the risk of complacency within his squad. He will be desperate to see a response upon their return to St James’ Park on Friday evening when Wolves travel to the North East.
The Magpies must take advantage of their upcoming string of home games as clashes against Leicester and Crystal Palace succeed the visit of Bruno Lage’s side.
