Football London

Pedro Porro has been speaking in the aftermath of Tottenham's 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle

Pedro Porro has claimed he loved Tottenham's mentality against Newcastle - despite falling short at St James' Park. The Spain international full-back captained the side in the absence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven but he was unable to inspire his side to victory on Tyneside.

Tottenham had a number of chances in the North East but Richarlison lacked cutting edge inside the penalty area as Thomas Frank's men fired blank.

Still, Porro is refusing to get too down over the defeat as he also paid tribute to the 5000 travelling Tottenham supporters.

He told Spurs Play: “It is first very disappointing for us, for all the fans that come here today in the night on Wednesday fighting for me myself and my other teammates thank you so much for the support.

“A bad result for them, no and for us I think but I love the mentality of the team because you concede a goal in the set pieces this happens in football.

"But we stayed in the game, started the second half and we concede again. The best thing about today is the fans, thank you so much and keeping going on Saturday."

Porro previously called out the mentality of the Tottenham squad in the dressing room after the 0-0 Champions League draw at Monaco.

He felt Spurs were too flimsy on the night after conceding a whopping 23 shots on their goal. The right-back doesn't feel Tottenham performed badly against Newcastle overall, adding: “I think we played well in the first half.

"A little combination with Richarlison maybe we stay with the ball one more second for the last pass or maybe in this moment you need more people in the area, sometimes football is there.

“But I think the most important thing today is the mentality we put everything in on the pitch, you lose this game, it’s disappointing because last season we arrived in the semi final and lost in Anfield but I think for me the other team is good.

“The atmosphere is incredible. This is important for the game but we know we have another game on Saturday in the afternoon and we'll go again."

Guglielmo Vicario and Micky van de Ven will both be back to face Chelsea on Saturday. Vicario didn't travel with Spurs to the North East while Van de Ven was an unused substitute, earning some rare rest.

Pedro Porro captained Tottenham on Wednesday night as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round

On a night Tottenham desperately lacked leadership, Pedro Porro showcased exactly why he was handed the captain's armband by Thomas Frank. The Spaniard persistently fought Spurs' corner with referee Chris Kavanagh after a series of officiating decisions did not go his team's way.

Tottenham, at times, let their emotions get the better of them at St James' Park, however, Porro ushered his team-mates away from the officials, though he was unable to prevent Richarlison from receiving a yellow card after Fabian Schar's opener.

But at full-time, the all-action right-back did once again show that he knows what it means to be Tottenham. Around 5,000 Spurs supporters made the gruelling 564-mile round-trip and they were in superb voice all evening despite the team's lack of cutting edge.

Some will have driven, some will have paid for the train or a coach but one thing is for sure, it's a huge effort to travel the length of the country on a school night on the back of consecutive away trips to Monaco and Everton.

The least Tottenham's players could do would be to show their appreciation after the full-time whistle but Randal Kolo Muani and Djed Spence headed down the tunnel prematurely.

Yes, it was a frustrating night's work and perhaps they were on auto-pilot but that will serve as no excuse to the Tottenham fans that have paid their hard-earned cash to support the team in the North East.

Porro quickly noticed the pair approaching the tunnel and shouted at them loudly, waving his arms to encourage them to rejoin the group.

As you can imagine, St James' Park was hardly quiet particularly after a midweek victory and the stadium announcer was also speaking over the tannoy.

That gives you an indication of how loud Porro shouted and Kolo Muani and Spence did stroll back over and clap the travelling support alongside their team-mates.

It might only be a small gesture but it's something that means a lot to supporters. Showing appreciation only takes a couple of minutes and definitely goes a long way, especially after a defeat.

Tottenham need to keep their fanbase on board because while things are going well in the Premier League, Thomas Frank's side remain inconsistent in all competitions.

You can also be certain that Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario would never have let anyone leave the field without clapping the fans, so it's testament to Porro that he stepped in to maintain dressing room standards on Tyneside.

Here are our Tottenham talking points following Wednesday night's underwhelming Carabao Cup exit at the hands of holders Newcastle

Tottenham have been left to lick their wounds after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup last night following a disappointing team display at St James' Park.

Thomas Frank made four changes to the side that romped their way to victory at Everton on Sunday but Spurs failed to build upon their 3-0 triumph at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as their first shot at silverware this season went up in smoke.

Headers in either half from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade inflicted the damage but Tottenham did have their fair share of opportunities to force their way back into the contest.

There will be plenty for Frank and his staff to unpack before Saturday's visit of Chelsea and his ranks have also been depleted by injuries to Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray, respectively.

Football.London dissects several talking points and moments you may have missed following a chaotic evening in the North East.

Simons' fourth official anger

Spurs boss Frank and assistant coach Justin Cochrane were animated throughout the first half because Tottenham were on the receiving end of several dubious decisions.

First Djed Spence was not allowed to get back into position by referee Chris Kavanagh for Newcastle's opener after his boot came loose and Frank later claimed that Spence was actually supposed to be marking Schar, who nodded home Sandro Tonali's delivery.

Tottenham were furious and Richarlison was later booked for his remonstrations. But just before half-time, there was another small incident that left the visitors feeling hard done by.

Xavi Simons let fly and his strike was clearly tipped over the crossbar by Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Much to the bemusement of the Tottenham bench, the officials awarded a goal-kick when replays clearly showed that Ramsdale had got a touch on Simons' long-range effort.

Tottenham's players were angry at the break and the half-time whistle came just after the Dutchman's shot.

Simons was rightly aggrieved and confronted the fourth official as he left the field, shouting loudly towards Dean Whitestone: "Wake up!"

Football.London understands Joao Palhinha also waited in the tunnel for referee Kavanagh to fight Tottenham's corner as the squad were unhappy with a number of first-half decisions.

Brennan Johnson sub reaction

When Brennan Johnson was subbed for Mohammed Kudus on 65 minutes, there were cheers from the 5000 travelling Tottenham fans.

Johnson blew hot and cold on the right flank. He nearly created an equaliser in the first half for Richarlison at the back post but otherwise, he rarely troubled Dan Burn.

The Spurs supporters belted out a rendition of "Johnson again, ole, ole" early in the match but it's clear the Welshman has lost popularity in some quarters of the club's fanbase.

While he scored arguably the most-important goal in the club's history in Bilbao, his form has nose-dived since the beginning of the campaign when he netted against Burnley and Manchester City.

The key point is that the cheers were audible when Johnson's name was read out over the tannoy and the reaction did not appear to stem from the fact Kudus was coming on, more so that Johnson was coming off.

He was Tottenham's top goalscorer in all competitions last term, netting 18 times in 51 appearances but he now looks a shadow of his former, sharp self.

The reaction from the Spurs supporters is unlikely to help his morale but he needs to use it as fuel to turn the corner as he can still be a very important player for Frank this season.

Draw annoyance

To add insult to injury, Newcastle later drew Fulham at home in the quarter-finals.

Spurs will not have too many grievances with the defeat to the Magpies as they were not at the races on Tyneside.

But had they seen the job through, a home tie against Marco Silva's struggling Cottagers would have been an enticing reward for their suffering.

Tottenham have not reached a domestic final since 2021 when they surrendered the League Cup to Manchester City at Wembley following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Last season, they made the last-four of the competition under Ange Postecoglou before being thrashed 4-0 in the second-leg by Liverpool at Anfield.

You can't help but feel that in some respects, this might have been an opportunity missed but Spurs are so light on numbers at this moment in time, it would have been hard to justify Frank selecting a stronger team given how many injuries they're currently battling.

Midfield struggles

So much has been made this season about Frank's devotion to the double Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur midfield pivot.

Palhinha had to slot in as a central defender as Micky van de Ven enjoyed some much-needed rest and the Portuguese was sturdy, as expected, at the back - just like he was against Doncaster in round three.

While Bentancur started against Newcastle, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall failed to take their opportunity with both hands.

Sarr forced a fine second-half save from Ramsdale but was otherwise surprisingly quiet after netting on Sunday against Everton. The same can be said of Bergvall, who had a bright 15-minute cameo at the end of the first half but failed to build on that promise after the interval.

The young duo are evidently top players, Sarr hasn't been helped by his lack of rhythm but Spurs are going to need more from the pair in the forthcoming weeks as they prepare to trade blows with Chelsea, Copenhagen, Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.

Palhinha and Bentancur can't play every minute moving forward and while Newcastle is always a tough physical battle, Sarr and Bergvall need to provide more quality in the centre of the park if Tottenham are to pick up consistent results.

Chelsea visit Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend, three days after their thrilling 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup fourth round

Chelsea are due to be without at least half a dozen players when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Both teams were in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday, the Blues beating Wolverhampton Wanderers while Spurs succumbed to Newcastle United. Enzo Maresca made ten changes from the team that started their lost to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, with only Josh Acheampong retaining his place in the line-up.

It was far from a straightforward night in Wolverhampton, but ten-man Chelsea held on and will visit League One promotion-chasers Cardiff City in the quarter-finals. football.london looks at Chelsea's latest injuries and suspensions:

Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile has missed the previous four matches with a muscle injury. The defender last featured during the 2-1 win over Liverpool.

Maresca said on 17 October: "Benoit will be out until December. He is injured again with a muscle problem."

Potential return date: December

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has now missed eight consecutive matches due to a groin injury. He limped off barely 20 minutes into his last appearance against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Maresca said on 17 October: "Unfortunately, he needs to be out for probably six more weeks. This is the update."

"We try to protect Cole as much as we can, and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he is fully fit. We hope the six weeks will be enough, but it's a problem that we need to look at step by step, week by week, but for sure he is going to be okay.'

Potential return date: Burnley (A) - 22 November

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo continues to recover from surgery on a thigh injury. The midfielder sustained the issue on international duty with Portugal's under-21s, and medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill continues to recovery from surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained on the first day of pre-season training. The Sun reported earlier this week that he is on schedule, moving his knee joint again, and aims to return before the end of this season.

Potential return date: May

Liam Delap

Liam Delap returned from injury as a second-half substitute against Wolves but was shown two yellow cards and sent off in the space of ten minutes. The striker will now serve a one-match suspension.

Maresca said: "After the yellow card, I told him four or five times to keep calm. But Liam is a player who, when he's inside the pitch, he'll probably be playing the game for himself, and he struggles to realise and to listen around him."

Potential return date: Qarabag (A) - 29 October

Mykhailo Mudryk

Mykhailo Mudryk is still provisionally suspended after being charged by the Football Association in mid-June with anti-doping rule violations. They allege the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, and a Chelsea statement in December claimed: "Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances".

Thomas Frank has provided an update on Tottenham's growing injury list after Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert missed the Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle, alongside Guglielmo Vicario

Thomas Frank has confirmed Guglielmo Vicario will be back to face Chelsea on Saturday after missing Tottenham's 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle.

The Italian shot-stopper, who has kept back-to-back clean sheets at Monaco and Everton, was not included in Spurs' travelling squad for their trip to the North East. Initially, it looked as if Vicario was just left behind so that he could rest.

Antonin Kinsky replaced him between the sticks but Frank has now indicated Vicario may have had a fitness issue, stating vaguely when quizzed on the 29-year-old's absence: "He had a smaller thing that had to be done but he'll be ready for Chelsea."

Youngster Kinsky was caught under the ball for Newcastle's second goal when he failed to claim Joe Willock's cross, allowing Nick Woltemade to head into a virtually empty net.

Spurs were technically without 12 first-team stars on Wednesday night with Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray also absent. The duo both picked up problems in Monaco but were fit enough to make the bench on Sunday at Everton.

Odobert has a "side strain" while Gray is facing a spell out on the sidelines with a calf issue. Frank said of the pair: "Odobert had a side strain unfortunately, that kept him out for this game. Also we need to assess him but it could look positive for Chelsea."

He later added on Gray: "He got a contact to the calf in Monaco. And probably in there or whatever also picked up a calf sprain."

While Tottenham are not commenting on how long the versatile midfielder could be sidelined, he's expected to miss around one month of action.

In a much-needed boost, Frank confirmed Radu Dragusin looks set to return to action after the upcoming international break. Kota Takai is also getting closer to his first Spurs appearance.

There is also hope that Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are also on the comeback trail. Frank said when asked if there was any concern over the volume of injuries: "No, of course, I would like to have everyone fit and available. We know injuries are part of it.

"It's up to me to find solutions. I think some of the ones we had are relatively, how can I say, unlucky. It's how quick you get them back.

"But a contact injury to [James] Maddison, [Yves] Bissouma. A knee thing with Destiny, we can't do too much about that. Dom mishit the ball."

Liam Delap's injury return for Chelsea ended in disastrous fashion as the striker was shown a red card soon after coming off the subs bench.

The summer signing has missed the last six weeks with a hamstring injury, but he returned against Wolves in the Carabao Cup fourth round, only to be shown two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes on his return.

A pull-back on Yerson Mosquera was the reason for his first caution, with another yellow coming shortly after a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou.

As a result, he will be suspended for this weekend's Premier League clash against rivals Tottenham. Thankfully for Delap, though, his dismissal did not really impact the result.

Chelsea flew into the lead with Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao Willian all on-target in the first half.

Tolu Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe brought the Midlands side back into proceedings - before Enzo Maresca made several changes which included the introduction of Delap.

He left the pitch just 26 minutes after coming on having been shown two quick-fire and needless yellow cards. Jamie Gittens scored a fourth for Chelsea soon after before Wolfe's second set up a nervy conclusion. The Blues held on to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, though.

While that is one positive, Maresca will be impacted by Delap's decisions this weekend, as he will be suspended which likely puts more pressure on Joao Pedro to feature despite concerns over his fitness. He also admitted that Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were dealing with injuries.

"Probably they are players that need to be protected for many reasons," he said. "So probably tomorrow we'll see. But yeah, Enzo, Moises, Joao, they are all players that for different reasons we need to protect them.

Maresca was asked about potentially winning the Carabao Cup during his press conference on Tuesday with the Chelsea boss making his feelings clear.

"Yeah, absolutely," he said when asked if the deeper Chelsea go in the competition, the more hungry they are to win it. "As you said, it's three games away from the final - so we need to have a desire to play for that. As we said many times, we need to go game-by-game.

"Now the first one is Wolves. We need to be focused on that. And then hopefully winning the game we can think about the next one."

Thomas Frank has just spoken to the media after Tottenham's Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at Newcastle

Thomas Frank has faced the media after Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

Nick Woltemade’s sixth goal of the season and Fabian Schar’s 24th-minute opener was enough for the holders to progress to the quarter-final of the competition.

Frank spoke to the press after the match and below is every word the Dane had to say.

What did you make of the game and the performance today?

"I think it was a very even game. I think it was small margins that decided it. I think our performance was good. I think the way we played the game, especially how we built it from behind, phase one, especially phase two, I think we controlled the game much more. I think we had some short connections in the middle of the pitch. I think we found Lucas and Xavi in good positions.

"So I think it was one of our better offensive performances for the season. You could say it was not like we created five hundred percent chances, but we created some really big chances.

"I think Ramsdale had some really good saves. And then I think we had six, seven very good moments where with Richarlison arriving half a second too late, the final pass could have had even more cutting edge quality to have created even more.

"So overall, I'm happy with the performance. Of course, I'm super disappointed that we lost. And I'm super disappointed that we're out. We would love to progress and be in the draw tonight."

Encouraging that the slightly different system the last two matches has had a positive impact?

"Yeah, definitely. I think both Everton and Newcastle, both games looked much more better in the structure we tried to build to hit players in the space between lines. If that opened up or of course around if it's too close. But you're right, I think first half against Everton had it. I think throughout this game, I think we found good positions."

Why was Vicario left out?

"He had a smaller thing that had to be done but he'll be ready for Chelsea."

And Odobert?

"Odobert had a side strain unfortunately, that kept him out for this game. Also we need to assess him but it could look positive for Chelsea."

There's been a few injuries building up. Is this something you're concerned about?

"No. Of course I would like to have everyone fit and available. We know injuries is part of it. It's up to me to find solutions. I think some of the ones we had are relatively, how can I say, unlucky. It's how quick you get them back. But a contact injury to Maddison, Bissouma. A knee thing with Destiny, we can't do too much about that. Dom mishit the ball. Yeah."

Unhappy with some of the decisions? Spence wasn't allowed back into position for first goal?

"Yeah, I think that was clear. I think for me, we conceded two goals because of two mistakes, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the ref was part of the mistake in the first one. I'm not saying there's things we can't do better, but his boot is off, we need to tie his shoelace and tie his boot. And you can clearly see on the footage afterwards that the whole boot is off, so we need to do it. And it's minute 23, it's not like we delayed the game for 10 minutes and we have one goal up. It's common sense to allow him time to get in.

"So as soon as he had the boot on, the ref let it go. And then, to make it perfect, Djed's man, he had to mark, was Schar, that scored. So that's why we were very animated. I think that was the biggest one. I think the rest was fine. There's always small bits you can be irritated about, but it's very difficult to ref a game. But this, for me, was unfortunately a big mistake. And then we made a mistake ourselves on the second one. So small margins decided the game today.

Hard to pick your team tonight?

"It was very difficult, to be honest. You said that Newcastle made eight changes, we made four. But I think we made four because we wanted to compete and I think we competed. Unfortunately, we just dropped out on the wrong end of it. So, of course, as you say, it's a busy schedule. It's a balance to make a very competitive team that can perform and tactically still hit the criteria we want to hit. We played Everton, four changes, Newcastle four changes and then Chelsea on Saturday.

"Some you need to rest, others you need to be able to perform. So, of course, I'm very disappointed we couldn't continue. I think we have 5,000 fans travelling. So we're more than pleased, happy that they're travelling this long way on a late night and give us all the backings. Unfortunately, we couldn't give them back a win."

Assume Archie Gray would have started tonight if he wasn't injured? Training injury?

"He would have started. He got a contact to the calf in Monaco. And probably in there or whatever also picked up a calf sprain."

On rotation

Frank: "It was very difficult, to be honest. You said that Newcastle made eight changes, we made four. But I think we made four because we wanted to compete and I think we competed.

"Unfortunately, we just dropped out on the wrong end of it. So, of course, as you say, it's a busy schedule.

"It's a balance to make a very competitive team that can perform and tactically still hit the criteria we want to hit. We played Everton, four changes, Newcastle four changes and then Chelsea on Saturday. Some you need to rest, others you need to be able to perform."

On injuries

Frank on Vicario: "He had a small thing that he had to be done but he'll be ready for Chelsea."

On Odobert: "Side strain. We need to assess him."

Here are our Tottenham player ratings after Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park

Tottenham's Carabao Cup journey came to an end on Tyneside as they fell to a frustrating defeat at the hands of holders Newcastle.

Spurs, who made four changes from Sunday's 3-0 Premier League win at Everton, never truly got going on a night where they were left angered by the officials. The hosts opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Fabian Schar glanced home Sandro Tonali's cross.

Tottenham were incensed the goal should not have stood as referee Chris Kavanagh seemingly did not allow Djed Spence to get back into position after adjusting his boot.

Thomas Frank's side had a few bright moments on the counter-attack but lacked conviction and belief when they got into the penalty area.

Newcastle then doubled their lead shortly after half-time when Nick Woltemade headed home Joe Willock's cross with Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky left in no man's land.

Here is how the Tottenham players rated at St James' Park.

Antonin Kinsky

Kicking was good but had to do better for the second goal. Came to claim but never got there, handing Nick Woltemade the simplest of tasks. 6

Pedro Porro

Made a good block to deny Jacob Ramsey early in the match but spent a lot of the game - as captain - arguing with the referee. 6

Kevin Danso

Should have listened to a shout from Antonin Kinsky before nodding ball out for corner before Fabian Schar's opener. Good and bad moments. 6

Joao Palhinha

Filled in at centre-back. Made a brilliant, brave block to stop Joe Willock's shot inside the opening five minutes. Booked for dissent, Spurs missed his bite in the middle of the park but he did well at the back. 7

Djed Spence

Made some erratic decisions in possession and didn't always look after the ball. Also went to ground too easy trying to win fouls that were not given. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

Got through plenty of unselfish work in the middle of the park. Played with intensity and gave his all, snapping into tackles. 6

Pape Matar Sarr

Ghosted through large spells of the match. Did force brilliant save from Aaron Ramsdale on hour mark. Has craved a starting berth but failed to make an impression. 5

Brennan Johnson

Battled through a few first-half knocks. Flashed a drive across the face of goal that just evaded Richarlison at the far post. Too streaky throughout the game, passenger at times. Must do more to keep his place. Fans cheered when he was subbed for Mohammed Kudus. 5

Lucas Bergvall

Put one across face of goal for Richarlison, who was just ahead of the ball. Finished first half strongly but then disappeared in the second half. 6

Xavi Simons

Started poorly with a long wayward pass that went out of play but responded very well. Grew in confidence and drew a booking from Malick Thiaw. Best showing when he has started a match and arguably Tottenham's best player. 7

Richarlison

Booked for remonstrations after Newcastle opener. Exploded at Chris Kavanagh as he felt Djed Spence was not allowed to get back into position before Newcastle corner. Lacked sharpness inside penalty box, nodded headed effort straight at Aaron Ramsdale in first half. Was isolated but lacked conviction. 5

Subs

Randal Kolo Muani

Lacked service which is frustrating from a Spurs perspective because Richarlison had several chances before being taken off that Kolo Muani may well have stuck away. Had a good run but ran into the ref. 6

Mohammed Kudus

Misplaced a pass as he looked to launch a counter shortly after coming on. Got into heated row with Joelinton after being wiped out by the Brazilian. 6

Mathys Tel

Tottenham Hotspur have been told they "didn't defend well enough" to prevent Fabian Schar's opening goal for Newcastle United, despite protests against it being allowed to stand.

Schar opened the scoring at St. James' Park in the 24th minute when he headed Sandro Tonali's corner home - past Antonin Kinsky. However, Spurs players were furious with referee Chris Kavanagh after Djed Spence was left out of position when the corner was taken due to him tying his laces.

"The Spurs fans are furious and so are the players," commentator Sam Matterface said during ITV's coverage of the Carabao Cup game. "Pedro Porro is leading the charge and having a word with referee Chris Kavanagh for allowing them to take that set-piece when Djed Spence was still tying his shoelaces."

Sue Smith added: "All the talk was about set-pieces - and how good Spurs were - both managers conceded that Newcastle also were [dangerous].

"He's still putting his boot on. Manages to stand up, but you see, Schar, it's too easy. I think it's [Lucas] Bergvall making him. Spurs are trying to make a complaint to the referee that they weren't ready. Certainly, Fabian Schar was. Simple ball into the box, a number of players running, getting the contact, not defending well enough."

Richarlison was booked for his protests after the goal went in. Speaking about the goal on Sky Sports, meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp admitted he felt sorry for Thomas Frank's side.

"It's certainly a contentious one. If you actually look at the corner before the goal, you can see Djed Spence has an important role in this goal," he said when showing a corner defended by Spurs prior to Schar's opener.

"There's Spurs' set-up, and they've got a few players in good areas, Djed is there marking [Malick] Thiaw and [Nick] Woltemade - marking zonal as well.

"He's in that space, and this is important. Now they [Newcastle] try to do a clever one here with Harvey Barnes attacking the ball, they've [Spurs] got a numerical advantage when that happens. What subsequently happens when they get their next corner, [Anthony] Elanga and Djed Spence go in for a challenge. Elanga's boot actually caught Djed Spence's.

"There's no communication - obviously - because they've got a goalkeeper who hasn't been playing for a while. Spence gets his studs caught in his boot so his laces are messed up. He's got to get his shoes back on.

"I'm not one who gives footballer's a lot of sympathy, but I genuinely have sympathy for him here. I'd just say to Chris Kavanagh, have a breath, let him come back in.

"Pedro Porro is going to say to him [the referee]; 'Just wait'. You've got Richarlison; 'Just wait a second here'. The numerical advantage that Newcastle have plays an important role.

"Spence doesn't get in in time, and Schar gets up. I think it has huge implications on the goal."