Gary Neville has stood by his 'unpopular' prediction that Newcastle United will not secure a top-four finish after watching a 'turning point' in Tottenham's season. Eddie Howe's side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by West Ham on Saturday, a result which means the Magpies have drawn three of their last five top-flight fixtures.
Newcastle's cushion in the Champions League qualification spots has now been cut to one point following Tottenham's impressive victory over Manchester City the following day. Harry Kane netted the only goal of the game to defeat the defending champions and become the club's all-time leading goalscorer.
Neville recently outlined his mid-season predictions, and selected Antonio Conte's side ahead of Newcastle in fourth place come the end of the campaign. The Sky Sports pundit believes the emphatic derby victory at high-flying Fulham last month could prove to be a 'turning point' for Tottenham, and insists there is a 'foundation' in place for the club to pip Newcastle to the final spot.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville disagree over Newcastle top-four prediction
Reflecting on the victory over City, he told the Gary Neville Podcast: "It's a big day for Spurs. I said a couple of weeks ago, they can get into that top four. I said earlier on in the week that I didn't think Newcastle could get into the top four and it was quite unpopular.
"Spurs could go on a run, Conte has that ability to get results and get to where he wants to be. I was a bit worried about them a few weeks ago because I just felt as though there was that little bit of unhappiness.
"We did the Arsenal game, I thought they were poor. But then we did the Monday Night Football game and that was probably a big turning point for them, that game against Fulham away.
"After that game, I said there was no reason looking at these fixtures in this next couple of months...they're in the Champions League. They've got a lot to play for, and this could be a really good season for Tottenham Hotspur.
"There's no need to have this doom and gloom, and these clouds hanging over you. They just need to put a smile on their faces, and I think today along with that victory against Fulham a couple of weeks ago, they've got a foundation to go ahead and finish in the top four."
READ NEXT
Jonjo Shelvey shows class as he opens up on Newcastle exit in first interview since transfer
Allan Saint-Maximin responds to AC Milan bid and Newcastle United situation he wouldn't accept
'How can I not be?' Jurgen Klopp concerned about Liverpool form as Newcastle lie in wait
Newcastle United handed £63million boost for weekend clash against AFC Bournemouth
Why Lucas Paqueta move to Newcastle United never materialised despite 'come and get me' plea
