The landscape has shifted significantly on Tyneside since Tottenham Hotspur last paid a visit to St James' Park. Newcastle United could take a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League next term with victory on Sunday, and it is worth recalling just how far the Magpies have come since they last hosted the same opponents.
Tottenham faced the unenviable task of being the first visitors to the North East following the Saudi-backed takeover when they arrived on October 17, 2021. Newcastle were winless in their opening eight matches of the campaign, but buoyed by the change of ownership and the long-awaited exit of Mike Ashley during the international break.
Steve Bruce was granted the honour of leading out the Magpies for his 1,000th match in management, but rumours remained the head coach would soon depart. New co-owner Amanda Staveley confirmed in a statement two days' prior that change does not happen overnight, and the process of appointing a successor would not be rushed ahead of an 'important game'.
