Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for April 23.
Statement win
Newcastle United handed the rest of the Premier League a major statement with a thumping 6-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
This hammering means there are now six points between Newcastle and Spurs not to mention a game in hand for Eddie Howe's team and a better goal difference. Newcastle are not in the Champions League yet but they may now require just a few more win to return to Europe's top table.
Here, the Magpies threatened to chalk up their biggest ever Premier League win here - an 8-0 win over Sheff Wed back in 1999 - but in dismantling Spurs they effectively have one foot in next season's Champions League. If United beat Everton on Thursday night they will hold a nine point lead over Spurs with six matches to play - it's almost a done deal.
You can read the full match report here.
Levy chants
Sean Longstaff, as expected, came back into the side, with Joelinton moving out to the left, after the midfielder missed the Villa game following a bout of tonsillitis. Having been an ever-present for so many months, Longstaff's rare absence was a timely reminder of what he brings to this side, whether it is the dirty work he does out of possession or his ability to keep hold of the ball when in possession.
Cristian Stellini recognised that, switching to a 4-3-3 in response to the power and energy he expected from Newcastle in the middle of the park, but the visitors' game plan was soon undone with Newcastle ruthlessly exploiting the fact Ivan Perisic and Pedro Porro are not recognised full-backs. It said it all that Stellini reverted to a back five and threw on Davinson Sanchez midway through the first half, which felt like a damage limitation exercise at 3-0 down. Only it did not work, with his side going on to concede another three goals.
The government's emergency alert may have pinged around mobile phones across the stadium at 3pm but that wake-up call came too late for Spurs. No wonder so many Spurs fans did not bother returning for the second half. Those who did repeatedly chanted: "We want Levy out!" as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy watched on.
You can read the full story here.
Shearer's verdict
Alan Shearer hailed Newcastle United as 'brilliant' after they tore Tottenham apart to move closer to Champions League qualification. Eddie Howe's side romped to a 6-1 victory over their nearest top-four rivals, racing into a five-goal lead within 21 minutes at St James' Park.
Shearer regularly takes to social media during the matches to offer his assessment of Newcastle's performance. The club's all-time goalscorer posted several times during the emphatic victory over Tottenham, and summed it up following the full-time whistle.
You can read the full story here.
Lloris' fury
Hugo Lloris could not hide his fury following the full-time whistle after Tottenham were thrashed by their top-four rivals Newcastle United.
Lloris bravely fronted up to the Sky Sports cameras after the 'embarrassing' defeat, and apologised to supporters who had travelled to Tyneside or watched from home. Tottenham switched to a back four for the clash with the Magpies, but the World Cup winner refused to blame the result on the tactical switch.
You can read the full story here.
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe's firm message to Newcastle squad as Magpies prove they belong in top four
- 'Incredible' - Eddie Howe gives his reaction after Newcastle United smash Tottenham
- Jamie Carragher unsurprised by 'brilliant' Newcastle but slams 'disgraceful' Tottenham
- Newcastle told the ideal three transfer targets who would turn Magpies into 'top four staple'
- 'Wow': Newcastle supporters react to 'incredible' first-half as Magpies demolish Tottenham
