NEWCASTLE United took a step closer to securing a top four finish in the English Premier League today with a 6-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park.
The Magpies were off to a ruthless start and scored five goals in the first 21 minutes of the encounter to return to third spot in the table.
Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak each scored twice and Joelinton added another goal as Newcastle dismantled their underperforming visitors in a devastating first-half performance.
It is the first time Newcastle have ever scored five or more goals in the first half of a Premier League game, and the first time Spurs have conceded five or more goals in the first half of a Premier League game.
Harry Kane pulled one back in the second half but Callum Wilson added a sixth for Newcastle to complete Tottenham’s embarrassment.
The defeat dealt a blow to Spurs’ top four and Champions League hopes as they are fifth, six points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, who have two games in hand.
Newcastle are third, level on points with United, but with a far better goal difference.
Also today in the Premier League, West Ham pulled further away from the relegation places with a 4-0 win at Bournemouth.
Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta, Declan Rice and Pablo Fornals struck for the Hammers as they climbed up to 13th, six points clear of the drop zone.
Bournemouth are 15th, one point behind West Ham.
