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Newcastle United player ratings v Spurs: 9/10 'game-changer' & 5/10 Aaron Ramsdale as late drama unfolds

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Newcastle United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur player ratings: Here’s how Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and co fared.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

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Newcastle United drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at St James’ Park - player ratings from the match.

Eddie Howe made two changes to his side that won 4-1 at Everton on Saturday with Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy coming in for Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Elanga.

The Magpies went into the game on the back of consecutive Premier League wins against Manchester City and Everton.

Spurs had won just one of their last seven matches heading into the game and had to endure a tough start at St James’ Park as Newcastle applied the early pressure without finding the breakthrough. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Viacario had only one simple save to make in the first half as the sides went in at 0-0.

Newcastle eventually broke the deadlock in the final 20 minutes as substitute Bruno Guimaraes popped up to score his fourth goal of the season from the edge of the box.

Newcastle’s lead lasted less than 10 minutes as Cristian Romero headed Spurs level heading into the closing stages.

But The Magpies quickly went back in front with Anthony Gordon converting from the penalty spot after Dan Burn was pulled down inside the area by Rodrigo Bentancur.

But the goals didn’t stop there as an overhead kick from Romero in stoppage time bounced into the net to make it 2-2, leaving Newcastle frustrated.

Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from the match (half-time ratings available here)...

Aaron Ramsdale - 5

Had very little to do in terms of saves but will have been frustrated to still let two in. Solid playing the ball out from the back.

Tino Livramento - 7

Charged forward well and kept Newcastle on the front foot. Saw a great effort cleared off the line in the second half.

Malick Thiaw - 7

Set the tone by winning a big header in the opening seconds. Kept his composure.

Dan Burn - 5

Made an important sliding challenge inside the box. Almost set up Woltemade with a good attacking header. Beaten to the ball for Spurs’ equaliser.

Lewis Hall - 8

Showed his quality with a driving run forward before shooting wide of the right post. Made an important block to prevent a potential tap-in for Spurs. Dealt with Kudus brilliantly for the most part and brought the ball forward with class and intent. Won an important header at the back post to deny Spurs a chance from a corner. Allowed the cross in for Spurs' first.

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Sandro Tonali - 7

Tracked back well and showed his pace. On set-piece duty but struggled with his delivery. Withdrawn at half-time after taking a couple of knocks.

Lewis Miley - 7

Had a good opening but shot straight at Vicario, forced another save from the Spurs goalkeeper in the second half. Was strong in the air when needed and tidy on the ground.

Joelinton - 6

Was denied by the post from a tight angle. The closest Newcastle came to scoring in the first half. Dispossessed in his own half on a couple of occasions and wasteful with his passing.

Jacob Murphy - 5

Played a couple of smart balls forward but lacked conviction in the penalty area. Poor off the ball at times as Spurs took advantage down Newcastle’s right side.

Harvey Barnes - 7

Looked to make things happen every time he got the ball. Was a menace for the Spurs defence early on. Created a good opportunity in the second half with good show of pace.

Nick Woltemade - 6

Headed a difficult chance over the bar. A couple of typically clever touches but not overly involved. Had a header cleared off the line early in the second half. Smart play to lay the ball off for Guimaraes. Won some important defensive headers from corners.

Substitutes

Bruno Guimaraes - 9

On for Tonali 46: Gave Newcastle a different dimension in the second half. Sprayed a brilliant ball out to Murphy but the winger couldn’t get a shot away. Put the hosts in front with an excellent finish. Changed the game.

Anthony Gordon - 7

On for Barnes 67: Showed a great turn of pace to break down the left and put the ball in that led to Newcastle’s opener. Converted from the penalty spot for his first Premier League goal since January. A positive performance off the bench.

On for Murphy 67: An improvement on Murphy down the right.

On for Miley 90

up 18y/o v Spurs after striker injury blow

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NUFC call-up 18y/o v Spurs after striker injury blow - Bruno & Elanga dropped - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade all start at St James’ Park.

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Newcastle United are back in Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park tonight - with the team news now confirmed.

The Magpies head into the game eyeing a third successive Premier League win after victories over Manchester City and Everton. Eddie Howe’s side have also won each of their last six matches at St James’ Park in all competitions, including a 2-0 triumph over Spurs in the Carabao Cup in October.

Howe made six changes to his side at Everton on Saturday as they secured a 4-1 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium thanks to goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade between a Malick Thiaw brace.

Spurs head into the game on the back of a poor run of results, with their only win in their last seven matches coming in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen. Thomas Frank’s side were beaten 2-1 at home to Fulham over the weekend.

Goalkeeper decision made

A big team selection talking point over the past couple of weeks has been Newcastle’s goalkeeper with Nick Pope’s place in the side coming under scrutiny after some goal-costing errors.

But a training ground injury to Pope saw him ruled out of the trip to Everton with Aaron Ramsdale coming into the side in his place. Pope is set to miss Newcastle’s next six matches due to a groin injury with Ramsdale now set for a run in the side.

And what was shaping up to be Howe’s most contentious team selection decision of the season has ultimately been taken out of the manager’s hands.

“It doesn't feel like that [decision is made for you] when you're me,” Howe explained. “I'm just making a decision like I do every week. Of course, every decision is a big decision,and that's how I look at it.

“I don't look at it as any one decision is bigger than the other. So, this dramatic showdown of decisions, that's not the reality. I was disappointed for Nick that he picked up the injury when he did, and disappointed for us, because we need him.”

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Teenager drafted into NUFC squad

Yoane Wissa is back training and has played in practice matches but is not yet ready to be named in the matchday squad as he recovers from a three-month knee injury absence.

The ongoing absence of Wissa and fellow forward William Osula has seen 18-year-old Sean Neave drafted into the Newcastle matchday squad once again as a potential attacking option. The teenage forward has shone at academy level and is no stranger to being named on the first-team bench, but he is still yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

"Every player is going to be needed, regardless of age and regardless of experience, there may be a time where they are called upon and we would trust on them to deliver,” Howe said ahead of the match.

"With Sean, he has been training with us for a period of time, he has got the ability to score a goal and he is with us on merit so let's wait and see."

Newcastle United team news confirmed

In addition to Pope, Wissa and Osula, Newcastle are also without Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth due to injury.

After the win at Everton, Howe has made two changes with Anthony Elanga and Bruno Guimaraes dropping to the bench in place of Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali.

NUFC XI v Spurs: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Miley, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes, Woltemade

Subs: Ruddy, Schar, Gordon, Elanga, Willock, A.Murphy, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Neave

Eight already confirmed out of Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - early team news

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Eight already confirmed out of Newcastle United v Spurs - early team news - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Injury news affecting both Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank’s squads ahead of tonight’s Premier League meeting.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

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Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns once again at St James’ Park tonight, but both managers have a number of injury concerns to deal with. Eddie Howe will be without a couple of long-term injured players, whilst there are doubts over the fitness of Nick Pope and Emil Krafth.

Thomas Frank, meanwhile, is likely to be without five first-team players as Spurs look to banish the demons of their 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham at the weekend. Frank’s side were beaten 2-0 on Tyneside in the Carabao Cup back in October and haven’t won a match at St James’ Park in over four years.

Here, we take a look at the latest injury news affecting both camps ahead of tonight’s clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur tonight.

Tottenham Hotspur injury news v Newcastle United

Dominic Solanke - out

Solanke enjoys a very good goalscoring record against Newcastle United and netted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January during the last league meeting between the sides. However, the former Bournemouth man is highly unlikely to feature tonight.

James Maddison - out

Maddison has been ruled-out for the majority, if not all, of the season after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. The former Leicester City man picked up the injury during Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in South Korea in August.

Dejan Kulusevski - out

Kulusevski hasn’t featured for Spurs since their Europa League final win over Manchester United in May. The Swedish international winger remains sidelined and won’t feature tonight.

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Radu Dragusin - out

Dragusin has been out since March with an ACL injury. He will not feature at St James’ Park tonight.

Yves Bissouma - out

Bissouma picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty with Mali in October. He won’t feature on Tyneside tonight.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur injury news

Kieran Trippier - out

Trippier has not been named in either of Newcastle United’s last three matchday squads after suffering a hamstring injury. Howe revealed last weekend that it would be a ‘few weeks’ before the defender returns to action.

Will Osula - out

An ankle injury has kept Osula sidelined since before the international break. He hasn’t been seen in action since coming on against West Ham at the London Stadium.

“He certainly won't be involved tomorrow night.,” Howe said when asked about Osula’s fitness ahead of the clash with Spurs. “We need to have further discussions internally to see quite what's happening with his ankle, because it's not going in a straight line.”

Yoane Wissa - out

Wissa is closing in on making his Newcastle United debut, but the clash against Tottenham Hotspur will come too soon for the former Brentford man. He is back in training and has played in some 11-a-side training matches. He won’t head to the African Cup of Nations with DR Congo later this month and is closing in on a return to action.

Emil Krafth - doubt

Krafth travelled with his teammates to Marseille last week, but was not named in Howe’s matchday squad. He didn’t feature against Manchester City last weekend, nor was he named in Howe’s matchday squad for their trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday either.

Nick Pope - doubt

Pope missed Saturday’s win with a groin injury. He has been sent for a scan, but Howe didn’t have an update on the goalkeeper when he spoke to the media on Monday morning.

“No further update from Saturday,” Howe said. “Again, he's probably one of a number of players that we'll analyse early this week and then try and get a proper diagnosis.”

Anthony Gordon in, Joelinton out? 3 changes to Newcastle United starting XI v Tottenham Hotspur - predicted

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Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Eddie Howe has a number of decisions to make when he names his starting XI for tonight’s Premier League clash with Spurs.

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Newcastle United search for a third-successive Premier League win when they face Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park tonight.

The Magpies defeated Everton 4-1 on Saturday, just hours before Spurs fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham. Eddie Howe’s side have already defeated tonight’s opponents this season, triumphing in their Carabao Cup meeting on Tyneside in October.

Having finally won on the road in the league, Newcastle will hope to once again make home advantage count when they return to St James’ Park for the first of back-to-back home matches this week.

Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for Newcastle United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur tonight. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - predicted XI

Aaron Ramsdale

Ramsdale made his first start of the Premier League season at the weekend and was rarely tested by the Everton attack. He has already kept a clean sheet against Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Tino Livramento

Whilst it will be imperative that Livramento’s workload is managed in the coming weeks, it cannot be denied that the Magpies look a much better team when he is on the pitch.

Malick Thiaw

Thiaw was impressive at both ends of the pitch at the weekend as he netted his first goals for Newcastle United. The German looks very solid no matter who he is playing alongside.

Dan Burn

Burn performed well alongside Thiaw at the weekend and will be keen to keep the Spurs attack quiet tonight.

Lewis Hall

Much like Livramento on the opposite flank, Hall’s game time needs to be managed, but his influence on the team means he is almost a guaranteed starter if fit.

Bruno Guimaraes

A good performance from Guimaraes tonight will go a long way to helping the Magpies win the midfield battle and give them a platform to be successful against Frank’s side.

Sandro Tonali

Tonali was given a rest at the weekend, but his absence from the first-team was hardly noticed as the Magpies dominated the middle of the park. His return to the starting XI will be a major boost.

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Lewis Miley

A large reason why they were able to cope without Tonali at the weekend was because of Miley’s performance. The teenager put in one of his best ever displays and will be desperate to continue that against Spurs if given a chance to start again.

Jacob Murphy

Anthony Elanga was very good against Everton, but Murphy may be given a chance to impress from the off tonight.

Nick Woltemade

Woltemade ended his wait for a league goal on Saturday with a delightful lift over Jordan Pickford. He netted during their win over Spurs in the Carabao Cup in October.

Anthony Gordon

Harvey Barnes has been in brilliant form of late, but with games coming thick and fast, Gordon could be handed an opportunity to start at St James’ Park.

'Outstanding' Newcastle United leader a major doubt v Spurs

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'Outstanding' NUFC leader a major doubt v Spurs - Eddie Howe admits he 'needs him' - Shields Gazette
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Eddie Howe has provided an update on the decision surrounding Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at Newcastle United.

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Nick Pope is a doubt for Newcastle United’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night (8:15pm kick-off) due to injury.

The goalkeeper picked up a groin injury in training on Friday and missed the 4-1 win at Everton as a result. It came amid increased scrutiny over Pope’s place in the side and calls from supporters for Aaron Ramsdale to come into the side.

Ramsdale made his full Premier League debut for Newcastle as the side secure a first away win in the league since April.

The goalkeeper could keep his place in the side on Tuesday night given the uncertainty over Pope’s fitness.

Eddie Howe on NUFC’s goalkeeper situation

When asked for an update on Pope in Monday’s pre-match press conference, Howe said: “No further update from Saturday.

“Again, he's probably one of a number of players that we'll analyse early this week and then try and get a proper diagnosis.”

On Ramsdale, Howe said: “I guess he was in a good mood afterwards. I didn't really see him actually, to be honest due to media duties but I’m sure he felt good returning back to Newcastle as we all did after the game.

“There's that feeling that we haven't had very often away from home, where you've done a good job, you've completed your objective and then you're focusing on the next game in a positive way. So, he can be very pleased.

“It's a really good start for him. I'm sure he's in a good place.”

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But the Newcastle boss was keen to praise Pope as he faces a big decision once the goalkeeper is back available. Pope was voted into Newcastle’s leadership group earlier in the season, joining Bruno Guimaraes, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Nick,” he added. “Since I’ve worked with him he’d been outstanding, not just as a goalkeeper because you see the product, but as a person, the character he is.

“He’s a really humorous lad, he’s vibrant and brings good energy to the group and the players see that and respect him immensely. You can see that by the fact they voted him into the leadership group as a mark of the character he is behind the scenes so his goalkeeping is second to none.

“His shot-stopping is the best I’ve ever worked with and we need him back.”

NUFC decision taken out of Eddie Howe’s hands

What was shaping up to be the most scrutinised team selection decision of the season was ultimately taken out of Howe’s hands by the news of Pope’s injury. And Howe remained tight-lipped after the Everton game as to what decision he would have made had both goalkeepers been available.

“It doesn't feel like that [decision is made for you] when you're me,” Howe explained. “I'm just making a decision like I do every week. Of course, every decision is a big decision,and that's how I look at it.

“I don't look at it as any one decision is bigger than the other. So, this dramatic showdown of decisions,that's not the reality. I was disappointed for Nick that he picked up the injury when he did, and disappointed for us, because we need him.”

Yoane Wissa official Newcastle United injury update as secret return confirmed ahead of Spurs

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Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Eddie Howe’s side have several injury concerns heading into the Premier League match at St James’ Park.

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Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa has played a behind-closed-doors 11 v 11 match as he stepped up his return from injury over the weekend.

Wissa has been out since September with a knee injury that has so far prevented him from making his Newcastle debut following a £55million deadline day move from Brentford.

Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Tuesday evening (8:15pm kick-off) as they look to make it three wins in a row in the league and seven straight wins at St James’ Park in all competitions.

The Magpies beat Spurs 2-0 at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup back in October and head into the game on the back of a 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday.

Newcastle were without Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, William Osula and Wissa for the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium due to injury.

“No fresh injuries, I believe,” head coach Eddie Howe said ahead of Spurs. “We had a good look at the lads. Yeah, positive physical performance, I thought. It wasn't the biggest game in terms of load, so yeah, the lads are okay.”

Yoane Wissa returns

Wissa played an 11v11 training ground match with a young group of players over the weekend and Howe has teased the forward playing another this week.

Newcastle Under-21s are in National League Cup action at Scunthorpe on Tuesday evening and Wissa would be eligible to play.

“Yeah, he does [continue to build his fitness],” Howe said. “He participated in an 11v11 training game while we were at Everton. I think he'll have another one at some stage this week.

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“I've given so many different [Wissa return] dates, I've got no idea. There's been no change, he's working back, he's doing well, everything's positive, but he will be back involved when we think he's able to contribute to the group, and has a minimal chance of re-injury.

“Whenever he comes back, I'm sure from his perspective, and of course from our perspective, that first goal will be important. But I don't want to put too much pressure on him, he's still a little bit away from that, he's got some more work to do, hopefully he comes through that, and then we can see him back on the pitch.”

Newcastle United injury latest

Pope remains a doubt for the Spurs match after missing the trip to Everton with a groin injury. Trippier, Osula, Wissa and Botman are set to miss the miss the game.

“With Sven he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days, just to get a sort of definitive opinion whether he needs an injection or whether he's able to rest for a few days and then resume training,” Howe said. “So we'll wait and see.”

On Pope, the Newcastle boss added: “No further update from Saturday. Again, he's probably one of a number of players that we'll analyse early this week and then try and get a proper diagnosis.”

Newcastle United striker a doubt v Tottenham Hotspur after injury scan results

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Newcastle United injury latest: William Osula has missed the past five matches for The Magpies due to an injury setback.

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Newcastle United forward William Osula has received a positive injury update on his ankle issue.

The 22-year-old was a late withdrawal from Newcastle’s squad in their Champions League match against Athletic Club despite initially being named among the substitutes. He then missed the following matches against Brentford, Manchester City, Marseille and Everton.

He is also likely to miss Tuesday night’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park (8:15pm kick-off).

The forward has scored three goals so far this season, but had been playing on through an ankle injury before the issue eventually took its toll.

"Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think injury hasn't been totally plain sailing,” Howe explained. “I think there's been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days then where he's felt a bit of pain, so I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday.

“Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's okay to continue as he is. So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games.”

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William Osula injury latest

Osula is a doubt for Newcastle’s upcoming matches against Spurs and Burnley at St James’ Park but Howe is hopeful of seeing the striker back in action soon following positive scan results.

“Will is, I think, okay,” Howe said. “He's been to see a specialist on Monday, to get an update on his ankle.

“He's still feeling a little bit of pain in there, even though sort of all the scans have come back clear."

Newcastle United striker options

Newcastle have limited attacking options heading into December with Nick Woltemade the only recognised, available striker in Howe’s squad.

The German has enjoyed a positive start to life at Newcastle with seven goals to his name already.

Yoane Wissa has been sidelined since September due to a knee injury and is yet to make his debut for the club since his £55million move from Brentford on deadline day. The DR Congo international has since returned to first-team training as he pushes for his first club appearance since May.

With Wissa and Osula unavailable against Everton on Saturday, Howe named 18-year-old forward Sean Neave on the bench. The forward has impressed for Newcastle at academy level this season with 10 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions but is yet to make his competitive first-team debut.

David Ginola joined Spurs after becoming convinced Newcastle United manager would fail

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Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur cult hero David Ginola has opened up about his transfer in 1997.

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David Ginola set the Premier League alight when he joined Newcastle United from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.5million in 1995.

The Frenchman’s flair, charm and stunning goals quickly made him a fan favourite on Tyneside and beyond.

But after 75 appearances, consecutive runners-up finishes in the Premier League and seven goals for Newcastle, Ginola left to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The move came about following Kevin Keegan’s exit and Kenny Dalglish’s appointment at St James’ Park. Ginola would continue to impress at Spurs, winning League Cup and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year during the 1998-99 season.

David Ginola reflects on turbulent NUFC exit

Reflecting on his Newcastle exit in a book about ‘The Entertainers’, Ginola said: "I didn’t want to leave the club but when Kenny Dalglish took over from Kevin it was a shock and it just wasn’t the same anymore. I argued with Kenny and he didn’t play me much after that.

"He tried to get rid of all the foreign players Kevin signed. I was frustrated at the time and I said something in the newspapers that if things don’t change, I will have to leave.

“The following day we had a row. He told me I couldn’t go to the newspapers and say these things. I said, ‘You treat me like I’m having an affair with your wife.’

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"He said, ‘How dare you talk to me like that.’ I said, ‘At least I’m talking. You never look at me or talk to me.’ He wasn’t the guy to take us to the top, as it was proved. He didn’t make the most of the players we had.

"Under Kevin, it was such a pleasure every day in training and every Saturday away and at St James’ Park, where the atmosphere was magnificent. I miss those days. One day, those happy days will return."

Ginola’s view that Dalglish wouldn’t take Newcastle ‘to the top’ was ultimately correct as he led the club to a 13th place finish in his first full season in charge. It was the first time The Magpies had failed to finish in the top six in the Premier League since being promoted in 1993.

Dalglish was dismissed after a winless start to the 1998-99 season.

David Ginola looks back fondly on life at Newcastle United

Despite an unsavoury exit from Newcastle, Ginola still looks back at his time at Newcastle fondly and returns to visit St James’ Park

“When I arrived at Newcastle, the first thing I thought was, ‘Am I in England?’ The way that they were talking and all these things, for me it was like a discovery,” Ginola said via The Overlap. “When I signed from PSG to Newcastle I thought about the Premier League and England and thought it would be like this and that, but I discovered things like baked beans and toast – things I’d never think about in Paris.

“I was used to eating croissants and pain au chocolat and a nice glass of wine. Talking about football these days, I don’t think we realise how good it was at that time. Less money but more passion and appreciation to play for someone who really wants you, like Sir John Hall – what a man.

“He was a Geordie, very successful businessman who bought the club because it was his passion. Nowadays, people buy clubs because they just want to be in football, I don’t know if they are enjoying themselves.”

Newcastle United tease Yoane Wissa return after Tottenham Hotspur dressing room update

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Newcastle United latest news: Yoane Wissa was pictured with his teammates following their win over Spurs.

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Yoane Wissa has featured in a victorious Newcastle United dressing room photo for the first time following his big-money move from Brentford.

Wissa joined the Magpies for £55m on deadline day on September 1, but an injury picked up during international duty with DR Congo means he is still waiting to make his debut for the club. After initial fears that he had picked up an ACL injury, one that may have ended his season before it had even begun, it was confirmed by the club that Wissa had suffered a PCL injury.

Speaking about Wissa’s injury ahead of the clash with Spurs, Eddie Howe revealed he couldn’t pinpoint an exact return date, stating: “I don't know, it's very difficult for me to give a game for you,” Howe said.

“Yoane’s in a different boat to the other two because he's coming from further back fitness-wise. He's been out longer.

“He's still on track but we need to make sure that he's gone through a mini pre-season with us as well.”

There is hope that Wissa can feature before next month’s international break, with a return to action at the Gtech Community Stadium, his former stomping ground, a possibility. The need for Wissa to go through a ‘mini pre-season’ to get back up to speed, though, means it is highly likely that the Magpies won’t see the best of the DR Congo international until the end of next month at the earliest.

Yoane Wissa pictured in Newcastle United dressing room photo

In Wissa’s absence, Newcastle United booked their place in a fourth-straight Carabao Cup quarter-final with a 2-0 win over Spurs at St James’ Park. A first-half header from Fabian Schar set the Magpies on their way before Nick Woltemade netted five minutes into the second half to seal the win.

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Woltemade’s form in-front of goal since joining from Stuttgart has meant that Wissa’s absence has not been too harshly felt, although it would be a huge boost for Howe when he has both of his big-money signings available to him. Wissa and Woltemade, when fit, can either rotate between matches or play together in the same starting XI.

It has been a frustrating start to life on Tyneside for Wissa, but his presence in Newcastle United’s victorious dressing room photo following Wednesday’s win over Spurs will have lifted spirits and supporters will hope that Wissa will be involved in a fair amount more of them by the time his first campaign in the north east comes to an end.

Those dressing room photos have, of course, raised a few eyebrows on social media over the past couple of years - one Howe launched a defence of back in 2022: “We haven’t decided to publish them, they’ve just found their way into the mainstream media which is something that ideally, from my side, wouldn’t happen.” Howe said.

“It’s something we did a long, long time ago to try and enjoy winning a little bit more because sometimes with the pressure that the players are under, it’s nice to have that moment to keep so you can look back on in years to come when we’re old and grey and in a different part of our lives where you snapshot that moment and it will trigger good memories.”

Sky Sports release damning footage after major Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur controversy

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Sky Sports release damning footage after major Newcastle United v Spurs controversy - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Sky Sports have released footage after Fabian Schar’s controversial goal against Spurs.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

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Sky Sports have released footage that shows Djed Spence took 46.5 seconds to tie his laces before Fabian Schar opened the scoring for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

The Magpies had shaded the opening stages and were deserved leaders when Schar nodded home Sandro Tonali’s corner. However, Spurs were left reeling after Chris Kavanagh allowed the Italian to take the corner despite Spence only just getting to his feet after tying his laces.

Speaking post-match, Frank gave his view on the incident, stating: “We conceded two goals because of two mistakes. Unfortunately, the referee was part of the mistake for the first goal.

“I’m not saying there aren’t things we can do better, but his boot is off he’s tying his shoelaces and you can clearly see from the footage afterwards that his boot comes off so he needs to do it. It’s not like we’re playing the game for ten minutes and we’re one nil up. It’s common sense to allow him time to get back in and get his boot on.

“To make it perfect, it’s Djed’s man to mark who scored. That’s why we were very animated.”

Sky Sports release Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur footage

Post-match, Sky Sports took a closer look at the incident with a stopwatch on their footage revealing that Spence had taken over three-quarters of a minute to tie his laces. Jobi McAnuff, on punditry duty in the studio, revealed his belief that allowing the corner to be taken was ‘harsh’ on Spurs.

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“This was the big incident,” McAnuff said. “He gets a nick on the laces and the referee I think tried to allow him a bit of time. You can see that he takes his boot off, clearly the referee at this point says ‘that’s enough time, 30 seconds play on’.

“I feel it’s harsh on Spurs as I believe he’s playing an important part in terms of where that ball is going to be delivered which is right here, that is where Djed Spence would be. For me, I think the referee should have given him a little more time to get in but I know there is going to be an argument against that.”

He added: “I just felt that the fact that the linesman was in such close proximity, he could have just sent a radio over to say ‘give him another five or ten seconds to get back in’. I think it is harsh I have got to be honest.”

The ultimate beneficiary of the decision was Schar as he rose above the defence to plant a header past Antonin Kinsky and fire his side into the lead. The defender admitted post-match that he didn’t register Spence being out of position and that he was full focussed on getting his head first to the ball.

“I didn’t know that it was a rule that you have to wait if somebody has to do their laces,” Schar told Sky Sports. “I actually didn’t even see where he was.

“I don’t think that would have made a difference. We were just focussed on what we trained on what we wanted to do and the corner [from Tonali] was perfect.”