James GordonHarry Kane and his Spurs teammates ensured that the optimism of Newcastle fans was replaced by reality as they beat them 4-1 at St. James’ Park on Sunday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane scored a second-half hat-trick as the North London club eased to a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United. The goals from Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung Min were enough to see Spurs move up to fifth in the Premier League standings with three games left this season. Read more in detail here: harry kane.
NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom — Newcastle supporters greeted new chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan with a deafening roar as he took his seat in the directors’ box before kickoff, but it was a case of “new owners, same old story” by the final whistle, as home fans called for Steve Bruce to be sacked after Tottenham’s 3-2 win kept their team in the Premier League relegation zone.
The expulsion of substitute Jonjo Shelvey for two yellow cards in 23 second-half minutes only added to the impression that this Newcastle squad was revealing its real colors to the new owners, who must be well aware of what they must do merely to keep the club competitive in the Premier League.
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This was Bruce’s 1,000th game as a manager, and he won’t be remembering it warmly. Though he remained defiant after the game, saying, “I’m never going to throw it when we’re in the bottom three,” the 60-year-old will not be in charge for another season if fans get their way.
Newcastle’s long-suffering fans have spent the last two weeks playing fantasy football in the wake of the club’s £305 million takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), but it was a £150 million striker who delivered a reality check after Callum Wilson’s second-minute opener boosted home fans’ hype and optimism.
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Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recovered from an early setback to claim a victory that was more emphatic than the final score suggested. Harry Kane, who missed out on a move to Manchester City due to the champions’ refusal to meet Tottenham’s valuation, scored with a sublime lob and set up a goal for Son Heung-Min as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recovered from an early setback to claim a victory that was more emphatic than the final
Newcastle may eventually be able to recruit world-class players like Kane if the club’s new owners commit the sums that many expect them to, but there will be no fast cure. Senior officials in the club have talked about winning a trophy and challenging for the Premier League crown within five years, but the majority of supporters understand that it will take time to contend again.
The celebrations around PIF’s acquisition were as much about Mike Ashley’s departure as they were about the advent of affluent new owners. The hope is that Newcastle will transition from bankrupt to boom, as seen by a massive banner raised by supporters on the Gallowgate End.
Using Jimmy Nail’s lyrics as an example “”Because this is a powerful town, constructed on firm bedrock,” it said. We’ll recreate everything they’ve worked so hard to destroy!”
Mark Ogden, senior writer for ESPN FC, has all the latest news and reactions.
After the unexpected stoppage, both sets of players needed some time to regain their enthusiasm, but Spurs remained the dominating force and increased their advantage via Son, who was put up by Kane’s ball. After Shelvey’s exciting cameo, Newcastle had a glimmer of hope thanks to Eric Dier’s own goal, but the outcome was never in question.
The final whistle was met with boos and a reminder that Newcastle needs a fundamental revamp. Every position has to be strengthened — they could need a striker of Kane’s caliber, for example — but the new owners’ concern is that no top player will opt to wear the black-and-white until significant trophies are on the table.
There’s also the issue of who will be in charge of the reconstruction. Afterward, Bruce said he’ll “continue on as best I can until I hear otherwise,” adding that his new supervisors have “conducted themselves appropriately since they came in,” but he’ll most likely be removed shortly.
Newcastle’s last English top-flight championship was won 100 years ago in 2027. It may take at least that long to catch up to Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. At the very least, the fans are joyful again, even if they must suffer many days like today before they can confidently perform “Beautiful Day.”
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James Gordon
