Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United took 'confidence' from their win against Spurs earlier this season - even if Sunday's rematch will be a 'totally different game'
Newcastle moved into the top four following an impressive 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in October. It was Newcastle's first win against a traditional big hitter this season and the Magpies have since gone on to defeat Chelsea and Manchester United in the top-flight ahead of the visit of Spurs to St James' Park on Sunday.
Much has changed since the reverse fixture six months earlier. Spurs were above Newcastle in the table at the time, but the fourth-placed Magpies now know they can land a huge psychological blow in the race for the Champions League by moving six points clear of their rivals with a win while still having a game in hand.
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Spurs do not travel in confidence, having failed to win on the road since January, and interim boss Cristian Stellini admitted St James was 'one of the worst stadiums to play' because of the 'atmosphere and power'. Newcastle, in contrast, have only grown stronger since these top four contenders last met and Spurs could face an even better side than they did earlier this season.
"You always take confidence from those types of wins," Howe told reporters about that win in the capital earlier this season. "Especially away from home, it gives you even more confidence.
"We were excellent that day, but that game will mean nothing to this one. This is totally different. Hopefully we have developed from that day. Tottenham are under a different manager now so it's a totally different game, but one we look forward to."
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