Preview of Tottenham versus Newcastle in Premier League

As Tottenham makes the long hike north to Newcastle the Spurs know a win on Sunday brings them back into the Champions League places for at least a little while. In a season full of ups and downs it seems almost improbably that Tottenham has this opportunity to get back into the top four. However, it should not be the top four the Spurs players are using as motivation on Sunday, rather it should be about some revenge.

Newcastle got one over on Tottenham

Newcastle came south to London and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium way back in September during the third week of this campaign. It was one of those matches where the Spurs were dominant. Spurs had 23 shots to only six for the Magpies. So dominant were Spurs over the course of 96 minutes, Hugo Lloris did not have to make a single save.

Tottenham likely feels two points were stolen.

Despite the 11 to 0 difference in saves for the goalkeepers, it was a 96th-minute “handball” on a rule that essentially no longer exists that cost Tottenham two points. Yes, Tottenham should have scored more than 1 goal against Karl Darlow – who had the best game of his life. However, at this point, knowing the rule has been changed, knowing the call would be the same, and knowing Newcastle should have never been given the spot-kick, Spurs should feel hard done.

Since Tottenham has struggled in ‘big’ games where they can move up the table this season, keeping the focus on revenge seems the right approach. Anything short of a dominating victory will be disappointing for fans, given the team has every reason to come out and play hard. Read on for more about Sunday’s game.