Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle: Alexander Isak scores winner as Ange Postecoglou’s side suffer further frustration

Newcastle’s resurgence continues, gaining momentum with another win and strengthening their Champions League credentials once again.

He entered the new year with the same hot form as Alexander Isak and claimed the winner. It wasn’t his best, scoring an open goal from a few yards, but he has 14 this season and has scored in each of his last seven Premier League games.

His goals have helped Newcastle climb the table and Eddie Howe, overlooked for the England job, can take satisfaction from this, his sixth win in a row ahead of Thomas Tuchel, who started his new job with a ticket in the competition. VIP seating.

Tuchel once said that Tottenham was his favorite English team. He apparently liked the name, but all Spurs fans continue to suffer.

For them, a new year has brought more of the same old problems. Only worse. In addition to an injury crisis that shows no signs of improving there, Ange Postecoglou missed players who were struck by a disease virus in camp.

They drop like flies. Fraser Forster was bedridden, leaving Brandon Austin to make his debut in goal. Radu Dragusin didn’t make it into the second half, leaving Spurs without a recognized centre-half on the pitch.

Isak scored what turned out to be the decisive goal of the match in the 38th minute

There was further frustration for Ange Postecoglou as his side Tottenham were defeated

In addition, Postecoglou opted to start with captain Heung-min Son and vice-captain James Maddison on the bench.

Somehow his depleted team produced a spirited performance in the second half. In fact, one of their most encouraging halves in recent weeks, and the manager deserves credit for his bravery. And almost had a point.

Maddison came close with a curler and Dominic Solanke, scorer of the first goal of the match in the fourth minute, should have headed in the equalizer in stoppage time. His effort came too close to goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Austin made his first ever Tottenham start and his first appearance for anyone since a loan spell at Orlando City in the summer of 2021.

He impressed with his presence in the air, clearing crosses cleanly and withstanding the physical scrutiny at set pieces, but he plucked the ball from his net inside six minutes, a controversial goal finished by Anthony Gordon.

Lucas Bergvall, the Swedish teenager selected ahead of Yves Bissouma in Tottenham’s midfield, had a pass from defense intercepted by Joelinton. Bruno Guimaraes picked up the loose ball and released Gordon who applied a confident finish.

There was a lengthy VAR check when it became clear that Joelinton’s interception had been made with his left hand, but the goal was allowed to stand. VAR Chris Kavanagh decided that his hand was in a natural position next to him and that the contact was accidental.

Postecoglou fumed on the touchline and his assistant Matt Wells took the complaints to fourth official Lewis Smith. They were offended because Bergvall’s pass was intended for Pedro Porro, who broke from the right back.

Dominic Solanke celebrates after putting Tottenham ahead after just four minutes

Tottenham’s lead lasted just two minutes before Anthony Gordon equalized for Newcastle

Brandon Austin made his Tottenham debut, with Fraser Forster missing due to illness

New England boss Thomas Tuchel and assistant Anthony Barry were present

When Joelinton made the block, Porro was well out of position and Gordon in yards of space.

The home crowd turned on the referees and Spurs lost their cool despite a positive start and an early lead through Dominic Solanke, who escaped Sven Botman in the fourth minute to head in Porro’s cross.

Botman was back in Newcastle’s defense after a nine-month absence with a knee injury and perhaps a little rusty, but Spurs’ threat disappeared as the visitors equalised.

They dominated until the break. Austin saved from Gordon and Isak missed a glorious chance from six yards before claiming his fourteenth goal of the season.

Jacob Murphy crossed low from the right, Dragusin lunged to cut the ball out but turned the ball towards his own goal and Isak pounced to sweep the ball into an empty net.

Gordon and Joelinton had chances to extend the lead and for a while it looked like Newcastle would run away with it before half-time.

As it turned out, Spurs held on, but Postecoglou’s manpower problems only worsened. Dragusin, one of those battling illness ahead of the match, was unable to return, so on came Sergio Reguilon, while Djed Spence joined Archie Gray in the center of defence.

Strangely enough, Spurs improved as an attacking force and almost drew level. Pape Matar Sarr forced a good low save from Dubravka and Brennan Johnson fired the rebound against a post from an acute angle.

Newcastle threatened after the break. Gordon fired over after Gray blocked for Sandro Tonali. Gordon then suffered a bloody nose in a collision with Dejan Kulusevski. Bloodied but unbowed and on the climb.

Another defeat for Tottenham that extends a miserable run of one win in eight Premier League games.