Newcastle 6-1 Tottenham: Champions League Humiliation

Newcastle United cemented their status as favourites in the race for the last two Champions League places with a 6-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Jacob Murphy scored after 61 seconds, then Joelinton netted, then Murphy again within nine minutes. Alexander Isak then joined in on the scoring spree, and by the 21 minute mark it was 5-0. Former Tottenham and Newcastle left-back Danny Rose, who is currently unemployed, said he was thinking “how am I unemployed?” Former England winger Chris Waddle, who played for both teams in the 1980s, said “Newcastle must have dreamed of this. They would have expected a tough afternoon but it has just been so easy for them.” Tottenham are a shambles, and this performance proved former manager Antonio Conte’s rant about his players being “selfish” and “not a team” after a 3-3 draw at Southampton on 18 March. Former Newcastle winger Kieron Dyer said “everything Conte said in his press conference has been proved correct.” Cristian Stellini, who is in charge until they find a new manager this summer, sent Spurs out with a back four for the first time in 15 months, but it was not successful. Davinson Sanchez was booed when he was substituted during the 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, but his introduction seemed to galvanise his team – up to a point. Harry Kane and Callum Wilson scored the final 1-1 of the game, but Spurs are now six points behind Newcastle and Manchester United, who are in third and fourth respectively. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said “the quality of our finishing was incredible,” and right-back Kieran Trippier said “we shouldn’t be scared to say we want to play Champions League football.” When Newcastle were taken over by Saudi Arabian-based owners in £305m, the aim was for them to be in the Champions League, and it looks like they may achieve that goal this season. Chris Waddle said “they need to address that over the summer. Newcastle are a club on the up.” It was a memorable afternoon, with even BBC Sport’s live text commentary failing to manage any reaction to some goals before the next one went in.