Ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker and BBC pundit Garth Crooks has backtracked on his Newcastle United top-four prediction after the Magpies blew his former club out of the water. Eddie Howe's side turned in one of their performances of the season to thrash Spurs 6-1 with an emphatic five goals inside the opening 21 minutes at St. James' Park.
The result sees the Magpies move six-points clear of Spurs - who have since parted company with Interim boss Cristian Stellini - and still boast a game in hand on the North London club. Crooks now believes the Toon are 'going places' despite only claiming they weren't ready for the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa a week ago.
"This was an impressive performance by Aston Villa," Crooks told the BBC following the defeat at Villa Park. "Two things stood out in this fixture: firstly, Aston Villa have been transformed under Unai Emery, and secondly, Newcastle United are not ready for the Champions League even if they do achieve a top-four place."
