Newcastle United's shell-shocked players almost looked relieved when referee Martin Atkinson finally put them out of their misery at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following Sunday's 5-1 defeat against Spurs. Some of these individuals had fond memories of smash-and-grab results in this very arena in years gone by, but they won't be in a rush to watch this mauling back in the analysis room.
'Bad day' was the succinct verdict of watching part-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi after a result and second-half performance no one saw coming. Even substitute Bruno Guimaraes felt the need to apologise.
Ahead of this game, Eddie Howe warned that his side were still in a relegation battle despite being nine points clear of the drop zone and this was a timely reminder of why that's the case. Indeed, the manner in which the Magpies capitulated after going in front at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was worrying.
