Tottenham Hotspur climbed into the top four – at least for the time being – by pulling away from Newcastle United after a dominant second half, culminating in a 5-1 win.
Spurs have been creeping up on the Champions League places over the past few weeks and have temporarily broken into that territory courtesy of a comfortable win over Newcastle. Although they actually went behind, they caused problems for their visitors from the start.
The first half-decent strike came in the 15th minute, via Harry Kane. He hit the ball into the ground, though, which affected its power as it drifted wide of the post anyway.
Eric Dier was next to take aim with an ambitious, curling free kick. It went wide, clipping the frame behind that holds the goalposts together.
At the other end, Cristian Romero made a couple of blocks – most significantly to stop a close-range Allan Saint-Maximin effort – to avert any danger for Tottenham, who had otherwise been comfortable.
But Newcastle took the lead in the 39th minute when Fabian Schar found the bottom corner with a free kick on the edge of the box. Hugo Lloris was not able to keep it out.
However, Tottenham hit back moments later when Ben Davies glanced in a well-placed, inswinging cross from Son Heung-min to restore parity.
There were unsavoury scenes just before half-time due to a coming together between the sets of players. Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Rodrigo Bentancur all received yellow cards.
Tottenham take control in second half
After the re-start, Tottenham took the lead for the first time quickly. Matt Doherty arrived in the box to meet a cross from Kane, swooping low to head it in.
Just like had happened to them, Newcastle tried to respond instantly. However, Chris Wood fired slightly off target with their first effort since conceding again. Little did they know at the time, it would be their last chance before the game pulled away from them.
It became 3-1 a few minutes after. Kane fed the ball wide to Dejan Kulusevski, who teed it up for Son in the middle to finish.
What a start to the second half for Tottenham as Son makes it 3-1 to the hosts!
pic.twitter.com/dcGilKoKTH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2022
And the margin increased further – this time via an unlikely source again – just beyond the hour-mark. Emerson Royal scored his first goal for Tottenham by outstretching his leg to connect with a deflected Doherty cross from close range.
It should have been five instantly after when Kane picked out an outstanding pass for Son, only for the South Korean forward to drag a shot wide.
Spurs did get a fifth goal within the final 10 minutes, when substitute Steven Bergwijn finished one-on-one with Martin Dubravka.
The Dutchman then tried to catch Dubravka out with a volley from a wide angle. However, it went off target.
Kane also attempted to get in on the act with an effort from the edge of the box. It drifted wide, leaving him goalless despite his influence on the game – which by this point was well won.
The win means Tottenham have moved into the top four thanks to their superior goal difference over Arsenal. That said, their north London rivals have two games in hand, starting with Monday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Tottenham are next in action next Saturday, at home to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Newcastle – who remain nine points clear of the relegation zone – will next host Wolves on Friday.
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source https://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/spurs-stride-towards-champions-league-three-defenders-score-newcastle-united-report
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