Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle United: home sweet home? Not for Spurs anymore

Ange Postecoglou’s side succumbed to a 1-2 defeat against Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle, United making it one win in their last eight league games.

2025 began on a “peaceful” note for Spurs—undefeated, unbeaten, and unbothered. But then, of course, they had to play football

Ange Postecoglou was dealt a brutal hand, with ten players unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, or an illness sweeping through the squad. When the starting XI was announced, fans for sure weren’t expecting a top-notch performance given Spurs’ current circumstance. And rightly so—Spurs’ longest-serving player on the day? Brandon Austin. Yes, the goalkeeper making his debut, just days shy of his 26th birthday.

Despite all that, Spurs showed grit, heart, and flashes of quality. Sadly, it wasn’t enough, and another three points slipped away. Let’s have a look at the match report.

First-half woes: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle

Spurs couldn’t have asked for a better start. Within four minutes, Pedro Porro whipped in a sublime cross, and Dominic Solanke was on hand to head it past Dubravka. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted, and for a brief moment, it felt like this might be the night.

But Newcastle weren’t having it. Just two minutes later, a loose pass from Bergvall allowed Bruno Guimarães to slot in Anthony Gordon, who made no mistake. The real controversy, though was – Joelinton’s flailing arm had made the interception which indirectly led to the goal. The referee, apparently, was looking elsewhere. Joelinton’s hand looked more like a stray windmill than anything natural. A booking? A foul? Not even a whistle.

Newcastle didn’t need much longer to take the lead. In the 38th minute, a low cross from Jacob Murphy deflected off Radu Drăgușin, falling perfectly for Alexander Isak. Of course, Isak buried it. By the end of the half, Newcastle had 1.82 xG to Spurs’ 0.35. The visitors had clearly been better, and the scoreline showed it.

Second-half: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle

If Spurs lacked anything in the second half, it wasn’t spirit. They threw everything at Newcastle, Brennan Johnson hit the woodwork, Solanke squandered a couple of chances, and Dejan Kulusevski, donning the captain’s armband, floated in a cross that begged to be buried.

Pedro Porro, often criticised for his defensive frailties, put in arguably his best display of the season. Not only did he set up Solanke’s opener, but he also kept Gordon quiet after the early goal. It was always expected that Newcastle were going to target his side but Porro stood his ground and put in an incredible shift both offensively and defensively.

His stats speak volumes: two key chances created, 5/5 tackles won, took a couple of decent shots and surprisingly not dispossessed once. A complete performance, even if the result didn’t match. But effort doesn’t win games; goals do. Spurs’ xG of 0.94 from 13 attempts says it all—huff and puff, but no finishing touch. Newcastle, with their 2.45 xG, had more chances and made them count but it was never an equal battle.

Takeaways: What’s going wrong?

• Porro shines bright: I’ve criticised him before, but credit where it’s due—Porro was outstanding. He didn’t put a foot wrong and finally, a defensive performance that matches his attacking flair. If this is the level he can consistently hit, Spurs might concede fewer goals down his side.

• Bergvall’s bittersweet afternoon: Despite the unfortunate handball and losing possession for Newcastle’s equaliser, Bergvall was my pick for Spurs’ best player this afternoon. He was lively, composed, and played a big part in Solanke’s opener. The boos that rang out when he was subbed off said it all—he didn’t deserve to leave the pitch.

• Illnesses taking their toll: Drăgușin had to come off at half-time, forcing Djed Spence into an unfamiliar centre-back role. Radu looked shattered, and fair play to him for battling on despite clearly not being 100%. Fans have your back, Radu!
  
• Ange’s pride: Postecoglou summed it up perfectly: “Our football was outstanding… On any other day, we would have won.” Hard to argue with that.

What’s next?

Spurs are now winless in their last four league games, with just one win in eight. Oh, those days when Spurs used to win games. Sitting 12th in the table, they’re only moving a step closer to the bottom every week. It’s bleak reading, but as Ange insists, the fight is there. \

Next up is Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – an intimidating task, but this team has shown they can rise to the occasion.

If Spurs can channel the second-half spirit from today, who’s to say they can’t take a step closer to some long-awaited silverware? For now, though, home doesn’t feel like home, and the top four feels like a distant dream.

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