The Mag

For Spurs fans and their team, it was business as usual last night against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Under Eddie Howe, United had won their three SJP clashes against Spurs.

Now it reads played four and won four for Eddie Howe Newcastle United, having scored 14 goals in this quartet of victories over Tottenham.

Intriguing reading these comments from Spurs fans after the latest defeat, a wide range of opinions.

A lot of crying on from many Spurs fans about how nasty Joelinton is, how they are supposedly actually pleased to be out of the competition, how unfair the referee was in not allowing Spence more than ten minutes to tie his bootlaces.

Then you also have the more honest Spurs fans, willing to admit that they had seen the better team win and that Tottenham supporters need to accept that, as well as looking at the shortcomings of their own players.

Spurs fans commenting via their top supporters forum:

‘The bar has been set at pretty moderate at moment…

Toon looked as if they could step up a gear at any given time

Dan Burn looked prime CR7 in ist half and could have lit a cigar against Brennan.

Unless we got our First 11 out its to be expected.’

‘Newcastle should NEVER have a better squad than Tottenham Hotspur. They just shouldn’t.’

‘I find this a bit entitled. They’re the richest club in the world. we don’t have a God given right to be better than them.’

‘Bad luck that Kinsky had to swat that fly just as Newcastle crossed for the second.’

‘I thought he was tying his laces!’

‘Until he rocked up at Newcastle had anybody heard of Woltemade ??????’

‘Well he’s a starter for Germany. So yeah.’

‘We just take our medicine. I’ll probably be cheering for Newcastle in the semi finals if they meet Woolwich or Chelsea so will be hoping Joelinton behaves the same way against them. It is what it is.’

‘Worse thing tonight is the Newcastle love in …..suddenly there real madrid’

‘They took their chances and we didn’t. That’s it basically.

Also, not buying Woltemade is another black mark against our utterly tragic plums in charge of recruitment.’

‘The difference between ourselves and a lot of the top teams isn’t the money spent, it’s the dross it’s been spent on!’

‘Absolutely hate Newcastle. The place. The club. Everything.’

‘Their women are pretty ‘friendly’!’

‘Men against boys tonight.

Never looked like winning at any point. The trophy we had the most chance of winning, lost before we even got to a quarter final.’

‘Let’s be honest, the league cup is all about getting home draws.

It’s really unlikely and difficult to go away to a top 6 side and win.

Until the semi finals anyway.

As soon as we were drawn away at Newcastle, we were out. They are no mugs. They don’t lose many games there at all. They are also the current holders so have some extra motivation.’

‘Let’s be honest, the league cup is all about getting home draws.

It’s really unlikely and difficult to go away to a top 6 side and win.

Until the semi finals anyway.

As soon as we were drawn away at Newcastle, we were out. They are no mugs. They don’t lose many games there at all. They are also the current holders so have some extra motivation.’

‘Var should have Linton sent off but not sure why it is not used when available.’

‘Quite a lot of us expected a defeat tonight. Newcastle are a better team than us but it’s always disappointing going out of a cup.’

‘I know we made changes but to play Newcastle without Bruno and joelinton , no Gordon and a weaker defence, I thought we went out with a whimper.’

‘So sick and tired of Eddie Howe teams bullying us like men vs boys everytime we go there.

We just get battered all over the pitch. Nobody leaves anything on them.

Instead you get likes of Sarr in the 92nd minute wafting a leg into a 50/50 rather than going in and getting some pay back for them kicking lumps out of us for 90 minutes.

It’s a 50/50 f..ing go in hard and give them some back.

Only three I’d want in my corner in a tight situation are Kudus, Paulinha and Big Kev. The rest are so weak.’

‘We were too beat up to do it this game, but the next time we have a more fit squad, we should be able to square up to them physically. I agree though far too often we put out diminuitive lineups that look small and weak vs bigger teams like this. We miss Romero and VdV greatly. Dom too.’

‘5k Spurs fans for a midweek away day up in Newcastle in a competition that according to the armchairs dOesNt rEaLly maTtEr is utterly immense. Beautiful, mad lunacy to be honest but utterly immense.’

‘Terrible stadium for away supporters. Tinpot trophy, didn’t want to win it anyway!’

‘Bored off, really. Looked disinterested.

The circumstances are not changing soon, we’ve no attack and no one to score goals, and we aren’t winning against a physicality team like Toon.

It was a limp display but our squad is bang average and we weren’t winning the carabao, it’s just as well to focus on the league and Europe’

‘Kavanagh was awful as a ref tonight, that joelinton challenge was criminal.’

‘I hate the mugs. Failed striker Joelinton thinks hes a hard man. Kudus would batter him. Was good to see Kolo-Muani give him some back. We need a few more toughs. Brennan Johnsons a so powder puff him and Richarlison are killing us.’

‘Best part of the game for me was when Kudus started some argy bargy after what can only be described as some kind of WWE flying leg drop…

Was watching it with an NU Fan and he said you’re playing sh.., we are just bullying you off the ball and can’t even finish your dinner.

I agree – I have no idea about that Starting XI, no idea about the subs just pure confusion.

I had no thought we would win it but we are toothless.

I don’t care about Spence’s boot – things happen but their squad performed better with greater depth…’

‘Seeing that close up, disgraceful decision – Joelinton is on a par with Cash for awful tackles that are meant to hurt. You just know that our players would never get away with it.’

‘It was a limp display but our squad is bang average and we weren’t winning the carabao, it’s just as well to focus on the league and Europe.’

‘Because we’re likely to win those?’

‘Yeah its a disappointing result but I thought we did good to play the way we did at St James Park of all places with a weakened team.’

‘Their goalie was busier than ours, Ramsdale made a couple of very decent saves.’

‘We’re just a very ordinary team, full of average players and managed by a 2nd rate coach. Period.’

‘This is all very 90s Spurs at the moment. A good win never far away but so much inconsistency and inevitability that a defeat is coming when we face any reasonably good side.

Of course there are exceptions to that (City away) but I think it it is going to be a long and tough season, although thankfully much better than the disgrace of last year. I think upper mid-table is our level right now. Let’s hope Frank has the long term answers because I see no short ones.’

‘My point was more we played ‘the Venue’ tonight, same as we would have at Anfield, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

St James’ Park can be loud, but it can also be silenced… It was out job to do that, but we didn’t.’

‘Each time I watch spurs I do think how the f… we won the games we have.’

‘Always sh.. away to Newcastle, and given this was the LC with Chelsea midweek – I honestly don’t care. Better off being out of this sh.. comp before the congested holiday fixture season arrives.’

‘Of the available options, assuming Cardiff can’t win it, I hope Fulham win it.’

‘Newcastle away and Chelsea at home are our f…ing Kryptonite…

Oh, and looky looky who’s up next!’

‘The more I see that with Joelinton the more I think it will be hard to see a worse challenge this season and he got away with a booking and I think that was for the retaliation..

I dont usually critic refs but when he looks back at that and the Spence foul which led to the corner before they scored he will know hes had a shocker.’

‘And he won’t care and there’ll be no comeback from the authorities either.

Knew the ref was a ‘homer’ from the first couple of minutes. And yes, I’m biased but even the most rabid Geordie couldn’t have complained if Joelinton had been dismissed.’

‘Total overreaction to this game especially on twitter. People saying they are disgusted, etc.

Get a grip. It’s the caribou cup. We got the worst draw possible in the 4th round.

Also given how tight our squad currently is, its prob a good thing to go out of this competition early. It gives us a free midweek in december and 2 free midweeks in january. It really isn’t the end of the world.’

The confirmed Newcastle team v Spurs has now been announced.

Eddie Howe’s side returning to Carabao Cup action.

Tonight’s match sees United looking to make it three wins in a row, all at St James’ Park, all in different competitions.

After having won 3-0 against Benfica in the Champions League eight days ago, Newcastle United then picked up three points in the Premier League on Saturday when winning 2-1 against Fulham.

A win today would make it five victories in the last six matches for Newcastle, in all competitions.

Since arriving at Newcastle United, Eddie Howe has a great record against Spurs.

As well as five wins in seven games against them in total with NUFC, the three of these seven games that were played at St James’ Park, saw United win all three and score 12 goals in them.

Newcastle team v Spurs:

Ramsdale, Schar, Tonali, Barnes, Thiaw, Krafth, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Burn, Ramsey

So eight changes to the eleven that started against Fulham.

IN:

Ramsdale, Schar, Tonali, Barnes, Krafth, Elanga, Willock, Ramsey

OUT:

Pope, Trippier, Botman, Bruno, Joelinton, Miley, Gordon, Jacob Murphy

Subs:

Pope, Trippier, Botman, Bruno, Joelinton, Miley, Gordon, Jacob Murphy, Osula

Welcome to the Newcastle v Spurs preview.

A League Cup match playing for a place in the quarter-finals – Wednesday 29 October and an 8pm kick-off.

Newcastle United, defending champions of the League Cup, can take a huge step towards another Wembley showpiece this Wednesday night when hosting Tottenham Hotspur for a place in a fourth successive quarter-final.

With the match kicking off just forty-eight hours before Halloween, Toon fans will be hoping for a treat rather than a trick.

News is awaited on the fitness of Sven Bat-man, Harvey Bones, Emile Witch-Krath, Fabian Scare and Lewis Halloween.

A fair few former players may well be in attendance as well including Keith Ghoulespie, David Bat-ty, Charles N’Zombia, Craig Hellamy, Jean Alain Boo-msong and Jonas Spookierez!

Form

Newcastle have played one League Cup match this season and put League One side Bradford City to the sword with relative ease. First half goals from Joelinton and Osula had us 2-0 up at half-time before another Joelinton strike put the match beyond doubt. Lifelong Toon fan Cook had his moment of glory when making the score 3-1 but a further goal from Osula put the gloss on a fine win for the Toon.

Tottenham hosted Doncaster and ran out 3-0 winners. This was a straightforward win for Spurs who, despite making seven changes, found themselves 2-0 up after just seventeen minutes and on their way to the next round.

Last time out

Newcastle hosted Fulham on Saturday and just about deserved the three points that were earned through Bruno’s wildly celebrated last-minute effort. The Toon started brightly and hit the post twice in the opening few minutes. Jacob Murphy then scored at the Leazes End before missing an almost identical one-on-one chance soon after. The second half was a more nervy affair and things looked ominous for the black and whites when Fulham scored an equaliser on 56 minutes. At this point, it would have taken a brave man to bet anything on the outcome of the final score. With the match ticking towards a 1-1 draw, twenty minutes of NUFC pressure paid off when substitute Osula ran at the defence and fired a shot towards goal that was parried into the path of our captain to fire home the winner.

Tottenham travelled to Everton on Sunday afternoon and dismantled the toffees with three headers to become the first away team to win at the Hill Dickinson stadium. Spurs 2-0 up at half-time, they strolled to a victory that fired them up to third in the Premier League.

Stat attack!

Newcastle have won their past three home matches against Spurs.

NUFC have scored an astonishing sixteen goals in the past five home matches with Tottenham.

Newcastle have recorded 4-0, 5-1, 6-1 (twice) and 7-1 victories at home to Spurs in the Premier League era. Let’s hope for a few more Toon goals this time around!

Memorable match

Christmas came early for Sir Bobby and the Toon Army when Tottenham visited for an FA Cup replay on Dec 22nd 1999. The first match had seen a nervy 1-1 draw with NUFC grateful for a Gary Speed headed equaliser to bring Spurs back to St James’ Park.

A similarly close encounter was expected with Sir Bobby even using a training session to practice for a penalty shootout. In the end, one of our largest victories of the season was achieved with something to spare as the Toon ran riot and hammered their opponents.

With barely five minutes on the clock, Gary Speed continued where he left off in the last match and swept home to give United the lead. Things got even better soon after when Nikos Dabizas headed in a Nobby Solano corner to double the advantage. Former favourite David Ginola was playing for Tottenham and every touch of his was met with boos and jeers from Toon fans, his reply was to fire an effort from outside the area that deflected off a defender and looped into the net.

If Spurs had gone into the half-time break at just 2-1 down then it may have given them a chance to regroup and have a real go in the second half. The pivotal moment of the match however came at the very end of the first half. With the Tottenham ‘keeper struggling to contain the close attentions of Speed and Shearer, the loose ball fell to Duncan Ferguson who drove home an effort off the underside of the bar to restore our two goal advantage. Whilst our massive Scotsman went mad celebrating, Sir Bobby must have known that the pendulum had swung back in the favour of the black and whites and the game was clearly there for the taking.

The second half was all United but it took the introduction of livewire Kieron Dyer to add further scoring. He’d been on the pitch just a few minutes before bursting through and passing a shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1. With the Toon now looking for a cricket score, it was only a matter of time before Shearer got in on the act. Firstly, our number nine was fouled in the area and stepped up to crack home the penalty, soon after he buried a bullet header to complete the scoring and ensure a very Merry Christmas for NUFC, who would march on all the way to a Wembley semi-final. Final Score Newcastle 6-1 Tottenham.

Played for both

Jonathan Woodgate is widely acknowledged to be one of the best defenders to play for NUFC in the Premier League…when fit! Whilst his ability could never be questioned, his injury record was abysmal. Signed by Sir Bobby in Jan 2003, he stayed for eighteen months before moving to Real Madrid, having only managed twenty-eight league games for the Toon. He played for Spurs for three seasons from 2008 and holds a special place in their history, having headed home the winning goal in the League Cup final against Chelsea to give Spurs their first silverware for nine years.

Stephen Carr was one of Sir Bobby’s last NUFC signings, coming from Tottenham in 2004. He had spent eleven years at White Hart Lane and is remembered for winning a League Cup medal in 1999 as well as scoring brilliant goals against Man United and Sunderland. He didn’t have the best of times at NUFC but did score an absolute belter away at Southampton to give us our first league win there for thirty-two years.

Moussa Sissoko looked like a world-beater when he arrived at NUFC in Jan 2013 and was man of the match when running Chelsea ragged on his home debut. He spent three and a half years at St James’ Park and even had a brief stint as captain. Unfortunately, all the talent in the world can’t make up for an appalling attitude and it was a case of ‘good riddance’ when he left for Spurs following our relegation in 2016. He stayed with them for five years and scored just three league goals.

Managers

Eddie Howe after a 2-1 win over Fulham:

“I didn’t think the performance was bad and I’m delighted how we found a way to win. The strongest part of our game was the last twenty minutes; we hadn’t started the second half well. We needed to inject a different energy onto the pitch. After that, we were the dominant team and you’re just hoping you take one of those chances. Late goals don’t just affect the game you’ve won, it affects mood and belief going forward. It can have a big knock-on effect. We’ve had heartbreak the other way: this felt like a massive moment for us.”

Thomas Frank after a 3-0 victory away at Everton:

“Very happy to be able to go here to Everton and they’ve been very good at home. Any away match you win 3-0 in the Premier League is super impressive. First half, we took control of the ball and passed more. The second half was more of a dog fight, which it can be in the Premier League. The season is very young. We won after the Champions League and that is not easy to do. Set pieces are so crucial. Right now, Arsenal is on track for the title from set pieces. We scored two very good goals and the boys competed excellently in our box.”

Charity

Newcastle United fans food bank will once again be collecting opposite the Gallowgate end and gratefully receiving food, money and toiletries for those in need. Of particular interest are non-perishable food and drink items (such as noodles, pasta, rice, canned food, soup, cereal, cordial, long life milk etc) as well as toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste and sanitary products. Please give whatever you can, any donation is very much appreciated.

For further info and/or to donate online go HERE.

Prediction

I think this is going to be an absolutely classic match. Both teams will think they can win and both will have half an eye on the trophy. We have a brilliant record at home to Tottenham and this will continue as we march on in our defence of the competition. Newcastle 3-2 Tottenham

Wor Flags have released an official statement (see below) ahead of tonight’s match.

Newcastle v Spurs with an 8pm kick-off at St James’ Park.

Wor Flags releasing details of the display which will feature ahead of kick-off.

Newcastle United looking to seal the win that would take them through to the League Cup quarter-finals for a fourth year in a row under Eddie Howe.

Tonight’s Wor Flags display though tonight has focus on a bit of a different and more poignant theme.

Wor Flags official statement via their social media – 29 October 2025:

‘Despite being almost a fortnight until remembrance day, this year’s congested fixture list sees Newcastle United pay tribute to our brave service people tonight, against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.

With this in mind, we will be marking the occasion with our own display of two banners as we reflect upon those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

We will remember them.’

(Please consider making a donation to the Royal British Legion to help with the outstanding work they do to help so many people.)

The departure of Mike Ashley meant the return of Wor Flags to matches, as they ended their boycott.

The pre-match flag displays once again becoming part of the matchday routine.

Ahead of the first home match of the 2022/23 season, Wor Flags invited all fans to consider helping them with future flag displays by setting up a regular monthly donation to assist in funding them. See below how to get involved.

The Wor Flags ‘goal’ explained:

‘Our Goal

Wor Flags goal is straightforward – to create displays at St James’ Park that are worthy of this great club. We will achieve this in the following ways:

Hundreds of black and white hand-held waver flags

Larger custom design one and two poler waver flags

Large text banners featuring messages of support

Foils, surfers and custom tifos’

On behalf of everybody who visits The Mag, we signed up in summer 2022 to make a modest regular monthly donation to help fund Wor Flags and that is ongoing.

Details of the Newcastle v Spurs match have now been confirmed.

The Carabao Cup last 16 match will be played on Wednesday 29 October with an 8pm kick-off.

Even better for Newcastle United fans who won’t be able to be inside St James’ Park that night, the Newcastle v Spurs game will be shown on terrestrial TV.

As well as the Sky Sports Main Event channel, fans will also be watch the game on ITV.

This means that of the next 12 Newcastle United matches (see below), ten of the twelve will be able to be watched (legally) in the UK on the various channels.

Newcastle United official announcement – 29 September 2025:

‘A date has been confirmed for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Carabao Cup holders booked their place in round four of the competition following a 4-1 home win against League One Bradford City, courtesy of braces from Joelinton and William Osula, and have been rewarded with a home tie against Spurs.

Eddie Howe’s side welcome the North London outfit to St. James’ Park on Wednesday, 29th October, with kick-off set at 8pm (GMT).

The cup clash will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV.’

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5.45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 29 October – Newcastle v Spurs (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 22 November – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 25th November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (8pm)

It has been revealed that the presale ticket allocation for the Spurs v Newcastle United friendly have sold out in just 15 minutes.

This presale was for fans based in South Korea, fans of both clubs and neutrals.

Coupang Play are the organisers of the pre-season friendly and Spurs v Newcastle tickets are only available to buy from their site, if you live in South Korea.

Coupang Play say that the presale tickets all went in a quarter of an hour on Thursday 26 June, with those who missed out, now having to wait until Friday (4 July) for the general sale.

Pretty safe to say I think that Spurs v Newcastle will end up selling out, with Son Heung-min the big attraction.

All ticket details are below and for fans travelling to South Korea, Newcastle United have announced that this morning (Monday 30 June) tickets for both NUFC friendlies in South Korea will go on sale at 10am to season ticket holders and members, then on general sale on Monday 7 July.

Korea JoonAng Daily report – 30 June 2025:

‘Girl group 2NE1 will take the stage for the halftime show for an upcoming football match in Seoul pitting Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle United, match organizers said Monday.

Streaming platform Coupang Play announced the veteran quartet as the halftime performer for the second match of the annual Coupang Play series between Tottenham and Newcastle at 8 p.m. on Aug. 3 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in western Seoul.

The group split in November 2016 but got back together to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2022. Then the group embarked on the “Welcome Back Tour” and has sold out every show in its Asian stops.

Newcastle are also scheduled to play Team K League, made up of star players from the Korean league, on July 30 at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi. Another girl group, IVE, was announced last week as the halftime performer for the first match.

Tottenham, captained by Korean superstar Son Heung-min, won the UEFA Europa League title in May. Newcastle grabbed the English Football League Cup title. Coupang Play said the two clubs will each unveil their trophies prior to their Seoul match, with details of the trophy presentation to be announced later.

Tickets allocated for the priority presale last Thursday, reserved for subscribers to Coupang Play’s “Sports Pass,” were sold out in 15 minutes, according to Coupang. The general sale will commence at 8 p.m. Friday on the Coupang Play app.’

Newcastle United official announcement on how NUFC fans can get tickets for the two matches in South Korea:

TICKET INFORMATION (FANS IN SOUTH KOREA)

Tickets for fans based in South Korea will be available during pre-sale and general sale windows, with pre-sale exclusively available to Coupang Play Sports Pass subscribers.

Team K League: Pre-sale – 25 June (8pm KST), general sale – 27 June (8pm KST)

Tottenham Hotspur: Pre-sale – 26 June (8pm KST), general sale – 4 July (8pm KST)

Tickets will be exclusively available via Coupang Play.

TICKET INFORMATION (FANS TRAVELLING TO SOUTH KOREA)

Match tickets for both fixtures will be initially available to Season Ticket Holders and Mags Members from 10am (BST) on 30 June, prior to general sale from 10am (BST) on 7 July.

I predicted that Manchester United and Spurs would both lose on Friday night.

Both losing their games against our fellow aspiring Champions League sides, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

I knew that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur wouldn’t be out to do Newcastle United any favours,

Man Utd actually played a little better than expected at Stamford Bridge but that isn’t saying much, whilst Spurs are suffering an injury crisis.

The bottom line is that they are both very poor teams with second rate managers.

To think, one of these banter clubs will be playing Champions League football…

Courtesy of fluking the Europa League this season, making me grin and shake my head.

Nothing has really changed for Newcastle United from the situation that existed before the aforementioned two Friday night kick-offs.

Everything was, and still is, in our own hands.

Three more points from our last two games of the season will be suffice to see us qualify for next season’s Champions League.

I really feel that this may be accomplished against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

We then have Everton on the last day of the season in what will be an undoubtedly raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park.

We are in pole position and right on track to make 2024/25 one of the best seasons ever in Newcastle United’s 133 year history.

We need a brand new Newcastle United stadium.

I have said this many times.

It needs to have a capacity that will allow youngsters in, as they are the lifeblood of any football club.

It also needs to be financially accessible to the working class folk who have stood loyally by the club, as well as those who walked away when Mike Ashley ran the club as an advertisement vehicle for his sports ware empire.

West Ham upped sticks and ditched their “legacy support” to move to the Olympic stadium for financial gain.

Back in the nineties, John Hall threatened to move our club to Gateshead with a proposed 75,000 seater stadium, in an attempt to get planning permission for a San Siro to be built on Leazes Park/Castle Leazes. This was met with opposition from a group called ‘Friends of Leazes Park’. Sounds like the Wood Craft Folk from Jesmond. For whatever reasons, the Halls and Shepherds instead decided to expand St James’ Park from 36,000 to 52,000.

A quarter of a century further on, we are stuck with a Newcastle United stadium that is not up to the standard that we need and not enough people can get into.

I was recently at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Enough said.

Everton will kick off next season in a brand new stadium (see above and below) built on Bramley Moore Dock.

Liverpool council accepted the development, despite the knowledge that the docks were a designated world heritage site, placing it alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. The Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, said places such as Liverpool should not be left with a choice between maintaining heritage status, or regeneration and bringing in jobs.

This month, Spurs have been given the go-ahead to build a new training ground, despite campaigners arguing it would destroy a park.

According to The Guardian, rare wildlife species would be affected. The football club plans to fence off a section of Whitewebbs Park in Enfield, north London, and build a new women’s academy, with 11 pitches and a new clubhouse.

‘Of the area of the park leased and managed by Spurs, 66% will remain open to the public, but 18 hectares will be fenced off for new pitches and facilities for the women’s football academy.’

Enfield Council backing the plans as Tottenham will be using only part of the land and providing investment to vastly improve the remaining two thirds of the park that will still be open to the public.

This brings us back to St James’ Park.

A recent exclusive from The Telegraph reported that the Newcastle United hierarchy had decided on a preferred option of a brand new stadium that would sit on land that would start on part of where the Leazes End currently is, then go diagonally to cover where the club’s multi-story car park currently sits, then use part of Leazes Park land. Barrack Road wouldn’t be affected and the exclusive reporting that the plans would include Newcastle United financing investment in the rest of the local park area,, as well as creating extra park land to make up for the loss of Leazes Park land for the new stadium. The report saying that the Newcastle United hierarchy of senior staff, are expected to now present this plan for the brand new Newcastle United stadium as the preferred option for final approval.

Would anyone class Leazes Park as a World Heritage site? It was a place us kids went on the boats in the summer and splashed people with the oars.

Newcastle City Council and all other local politicians and key partners, need to get behind the club and get planning permission for that brand new Newcastle United stadium we can all get in, plus financially help the club to compete on and off the pitch.

The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.

The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.

However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.

The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this Newcastle United game away at Spurs.

Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports expert behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could / should have a big bearing on this Spurs v Newcastle United game.

“Tottenham are performing way below their peak without some of their key men at the back and the market is expecting a Newcastle win such has been their imperious form, winning five on the bounce.

“I’m wary of jumping aboard at 5/4 with Sky Bet, though, as breaking up the Fabian Schar-Dan Burn partnership due to Schar’s suspension could disrupt them, especially against such a dangerous Spurs attack that have averaged 2.47 goals per game at home this season.

“In 2024 on the seven occasions when Newcastle played without one of Burn or Schar their win percentage (52 per cent to 28 per cent), goals conceded (1.5 to 1.9) and shots faced (13.5 to 16.9) all worsened from a per 90 perspective.

“There’s no way I’m trusting Spurs either though.

“But I do trust Dejan Kulusevski, arguably with my life. He has got nine goal involvements in his last nine starts at home and is Ange Postecoglou’s go-to-guy. His shoulders must hurt carrying this team.

“He’s evens to grab another goal or assist.

“Score prediction: 2-2.

“Best bet: Dejan Kulusevski to score or assist.”

An interesting take from the Sky Sports expert…

I think though worth looking at this, what he had to say ahead of the last Newcastle United match against Man U (then below that, about the Villa match):

“I’m swimming against the tide here and remain quite positive on Manchester United’s prospects under this manager, especially from a defensive point of view.

“The structure and organisation is so much more secure than under Erik ten Hag and may just lead to positive results…

“The expected goals data does suggest Ruben Amorim’s influence is already stabilising them slightly, albeit the results make that hard to believe. “I’ll put my crash helmet on and…

“Score prediction: Man U 1 Newcastle United 1”

The Sky Sports expert ahead of the Newcastle United match against Villa:

“If Villa play with their same swagger in midfield as they did against Manchester City then the 11/4 with Sky Bet on an away win could turn out to be a cracking bet. The axis of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara with Youri Tielemans playing advanced worked a charm with Tielemans especially flourishing in that role. Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2″

I get the feeling that our mate from Sky Sports is licking his wounds AND his losses!

The Sky Sports expert is clearly desperate to convince himself that the serious upturn in Newcastle form is just a blip. Constantly talking up the opposition ahead of NUFC matches, looking for positive angles on Newcastle’s opponents, whilst also looking for supposed negatives from a United perspective.

Any result is possible in any match but after scoring 11 goals and only conceding one when thrashing Leicester, Brentford and Ipswich, surely these dominant latest two wins when outclassing Villa and Man U, scoring another five goals (deserved many more) and two clean sheets, points to this being a lot more than just a positive ‘blip’ in Newcastle’s season.

Fabian Schar is of course a class player BUT look at all the players Spurs are missing.

I last read it was a minimum of nine unavailable today AND that includes their first choice keeper and three of the usual starting back four!

Will Newcastle United collapse without Schar and suddenly be wide open for Spurs to exploit? Well, this run of five wins in a row has been built on the superbly performing midfield trio of Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton, they have controlled that area of the pitch. Spurs are missing midfield players as well today, including the suspended Bentancur. Certainly the comments I have read from Spurs fans, they appear to take for granted that Newcastle are going to dominate the middle of the pitch.

Eddie Howe will have to make that once enforced Schar change but if he chooses, it appears he will be able to start with the other 10 players who outclassed Villa and Man U.

As for missing Fabian Schar.

It is worth pointing out what the results were in the three tough early season matches that Schar missed, the only ones he hasn’t played in, this campaign. United got what looks now a great draw at Bournemouth (considering their other home results), won away at Forest (cup) and defeated… Tottenham at St James’ Park, Isak getting the winner. Three tough matches and yet Newcastle conceded only one goal in each without Schar, when NUFC weren’t playing anywhere near the levels they are now.

As for Dejan Kulusevski being the stand out (only?) Spurs player who could cause havoc against Newcastle. On Monday night it was clear that Eddie Howe had identified Diallo as the main/only Man U threat and United players swarmed around him whenever he got the ball, totally nullifying his threat.

There are no easy matches but every chance to believe Newcastle will make it six wins in a row if playing to recent levels.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

This is how the Premier League form table looks on Thursday morning.

Worth a look for all Newcastle United fans.

Eddie Howe’s team now facing Spurs next in the Premier League.

A massive week double challenge in North London.

Saturday’s game at Spurs in the Premier League, then followed by Arsenal away in the semi-final first leg of the League Cup on Tuesday night.

First things first though before we get to dreams of Wembley, can Eddie Howe’s side make it six wins in a row (all competitions) away at Tottenham?

Here is the updated Premier League form table on Thursday, which covers the past six matches for all teams:

The last six PL results for Newcastle United with very latest one listed first:

Man U 0 Newcastle 2

Newcastle 3 Aston Villa 0

Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4

Newcastle 4 Leicester 0

Brentford 4 Newcastle 2

Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3

As you can see, Newcastle United now in fourth place in this newly updated Premier League form table.

NUFC with thirteen points from four wins, one draw and just the one defeat, with sixteen goals scored and sevenconceded.

Forest are the only other team to have won their last four PL matches.

As for Saturday’s opponents, these are the last six PL matches that Spurs have played, the very most recent listed first:

Spurs 2 Wolves 2

Forest 1 Spurs 0

Spurs 3 Liverpool 6

Southampton 0 Spurs 5

Spurs 3 Chelsea 4

Bournemouth 1 Spurs 0

So Spurs fifteenth in the Premier League form table with four points from one win, one draw and four defeats, scoring thirteen and conceding fourteen.

Only Southampton and Man U have picked up fewer points in their last six PL matches.

This is how the full Premier League table currently now looks on Thursday 1 January 2025:

The Premier League form table very much reflects sums up the differing directions these two teams appear to be heading in.

The last four Newcastle PL matches seeing four wins, thirteen goals scored and none conceded.

Since winning 4-0 in their first home game in August, Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their 11 home matches in domestic competition.

Spurs haven’t won a Premier League match at home since the start of November, the five home matches since then have seen three defeats and two draws, with a massive 15 goals conceded in those five most recent home games.

The only question now is, can Eddie Howe and his players press home this advantage in class and form at Tottenham?

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)