This evening we welcome Thomas Frank and his Tottenham Hotspur squad to St. James’ Park. Every team managed by Thomas is well coached, dangerous and really hard to beat. So we know we face a tough test today as a result.
We approach today’s game in good spirits after an excellent performance and result in our last home game against Fulham at the weekend. Boosted by an equally excellent result in the UEFA Champions League against Benfica a few days earlier, we were keen to follow up with another positive performance and we started on the front foot.
Fulham are a tough nut to crack and despite our early possession and a number of good chances, we had to show patience and stick to the game-plan. Our reward came when Jacob Murphy gave us a deserved lead.
We pushed for a second goal before the break and started the second half in a similar fashion. We knew Fulham were capable of scoring at any point and out of context with the match, they found a way back in just before the hour.
We stayed calm and continued to ask plenty of questions of the Fulham defence. When it looked as if we might run out of time, Bruno Guimarães stepped up to score the winning goal and secure another important win and three Premier League points.
There were once again a number of positives we took from the game, not least a second victory in a matter of days and the never-say-die attitude we displayed, which means we are seeking and finding a way to win in the 90th minute. This is a hallmark of our recent success and something which will remain vital this season too.
This evening we return to Carabao Cup action and an opportunity to make progress in a competition which is very important to our club. We are of course the holders, and having tasted success on that special day at Wembley last season, we are determined to return and compete for more silverware.
We know it won’t be easy. Our fixtures continue to come thick and fast and that’s a challenge for the whole squad. We also wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the result of a lot of hard work, and it’s an opportunity we will continue to embrace. We believe we have built a strong squad with genuine depth, and we will need everyone to continue to contribute.
The atmosphere you generated against Fulham created the conditions for the players to keep going and chase the win. It is impossible to underestimate the difference you make.
Your energy and support is so important, and it was great to be able to celebrate the moment with you afterwards. Thank you for your incredible support, which we never take for granted.