Newcastle United

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Eddie Howe hailed the ruthlessness shown by his Newcastle side after a thumping win over Tottenham in his post-match media duties.

No doubt the Magpies boss had Alexander Isak firmly in mind with those comments following two clinical finishes.

The 24-year-old Swedish forward now has 21 goals in 34 games in all competitions this season and has clearly taken a liking to playing in front of the Toon faithful.

Isak has netted in six consecutive matches at St James' Park.

He is fast cementing his place as the latest goalscorer to occupy a place in the heart of the Gallowgate.

Isak's exploits in the box are likely to see other clubs sniff about - but after shelling out £60m to bring him to Tynside it would take a truly staggering offer to prise him away.

European football feels within Newcastle's grasp after this victory, especially if Isak continues in this vein of form.

Image source, Getty Images

Alexander Isak speaking to BBC Match of the Day after Newcastle's victory against Tottenham: "Playing football is really fun at the moment, especially when we have days like this. When the fans are like they are always when we play at home, it feels like we are so strong here."

On service he gets from his teammates: "We have spoken about being more precise with our passes, because Tottenham have a high line so if we have good passes we can hurt them in behind. The service today was incredible."

On scoring in a sixth home game in a row: "You guys in the media always find more records and statistics to be beaten, but I just play and do my best. It is obviously a nice thing to have."

On turning form around since FA Cup exit: "We know we can still achieve something this season and end it in a good way. We have a lot of energy and momentum now, have turned things around and it is just about keeping on going like this."

Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day after Newcastle's victory v Tottenham: "It was a great performance from us, I thought the players executed everything in a really professional, diligent way. Really pleased with the players."

On Newcastle's discipline: "We protected the lead really well because we went for more goals and were aggressive still. We looked in a really great place physically, were able to execute what we wanted to do, and I think everyone performed at a very good level."

On getting back-to-back wins: "I think that's why winning when you don't play well is such a skill and can't be underestimated because you will have your days when everything does go your way and I think we showed today that we can still be a very efficient team, ruthless with our attacking, very diligent and compact. Everything came together and we deservedly won."

On how deep the players have had to dig with the squad struggling with injuries: "Incredibly deep. I've complimented the players all season that the guys who have been fit for the whole season have carried the burden and have been outstanding. The mentality to the challenge has never wavered, we've had some difficult moments but they've come through them. Hopefully we can stay in relatively good shape between now and the end of the season and continue to pick up points."

• Only Liverpool (42), Arsenal (38) and Man City (38, before today’s game) have earned more points in Premier League home games this season than Newcastle (36).

• Each of Tottenham’s past three Premier League defeats by 4+ goals have come against Newcastle at St James’ Park – also 1-5 in May 2016 and 1-6 in April 2023. Indeed, they’ve now lost by 4+ goals against Newcastle more often than they have vs any other opponent in Premier League history (5).

• With one goal and two assists, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been involved in three goals in a Premier League match for the first time. Meanwhile, he’s also had a hand in more home goals than any other player in the Premier League this term (15 – 9 goals, 6 assists).

• Tottenham have now conceded 61 Premier League goals against Newcastle at St James’ Park, only conceding more at one away venue (64 at Anfield).

• Alexander Isak scored his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the season for Newcastle – it’s the joint-most netted by a Swedish player in a campaign, along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2016-17.

Alexander Isak's rich goalscoring form at St James' Park continued as Newcastle beat Tottenham to boost their hopes of European football next season.

Isak produced two clinical finishes to score in each half as he netted on home turf for the sixth consecutive match.

The striker now has 17 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.

Anthony Gordan and Fabian Schar were also on target for the Magpies, while Timo Werner had two chances for Spurs but his finishing let him down.

Newcastle's emphatic victory lifted them up to sixth in the table - a point ahead of Manchester United, who face Bournemouth at 17:30 BST on Saturday.

Spurs dropped to fifth and are still level on points with Aston Villa but below Unai Emery's side on goal difference.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Newcastle fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Spurs fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Six matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries:

• Man City v Luton

• Bournemouth v Man Utd

All times BST

Follow BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries and live text updates here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on actor and Leyton Orient fan Daniel Mays.

Sutton's prediction: 2-3

What a game this will be. I was at Newcastle's 4-3 win over West Ham at the end of March and I am expecting a few goals this time too.

I didn't see Newcastle's win at Fulham last week coming, but it was a great result and it means they are looking up the table now, with their sights set on sixth place.

Tottenham's target is to finish fourth and they won't settle for a point here. It is going to be very close but I have got a feeling they will edge it.

Daniel's prediction: 2-1

This is a really tough one to call. They really get going at St James' Park so, as much as I am a Spurs fan, I am going to back Newcastle here.

See the full list of predictions here

As the Magpies look to continue their push for European qualification next season, the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast team have been looking ahead to Saturday's match against top-four chasing Tottenham and where Eddie Howe's side might finish come the end of the season.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Newcastle United via Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe spoke in glowing terms about midfielder Joelinton, who signed a new "long-term" deal with the club on Thursday.

There were fears that he could depart on a free transfer in the summer, but those concerns have now disappeared with news of his new contract.

The 27-year-old Brazil international joined for a then-club record £40m fee from Hoffenheim in 2019. He is currently sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected to return until next season, but is a crucial component of the Magpies' midfield.

Howe is aware of the financial implications of securing Joelinton's future and how it may impact Newcastle's summer business with profit and sustainability limits.

"Of course something like this will have ramifications. You're potentially lifting wages and that has an impact on your Financial Fair Play sheet," Howe said.

"But the alternative is that Joe leaves on a free transfer, which for a player of his quality, would be really bad business from us."

Speaking on how positive securing Joelinton's future is, Howe added: "It helps with the perception of our ambition and that we're still desperate to grow and improve.

"For me, to do that you have to try to keep your best players, you have to try to create something that everyone wants to be part of."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Joelinton has adapted to the midfield role "superbly well" and "is like a brick wall".

The Brazil international was signed as a striker by Steve Bruce in 2019, but he scored just six goals in his first two seasons for the Magpies.

However, Howe's arrival in November 2021 led to Joelinton moving into a midfield role and hand over his number nine shirt.

Howe said: "The first time I saw him, I thought, 'what a player he is'. It led to me very quickly to thinking why has he not been a success.

"In terms of the position, we stumbled upon it and he has taken that opportunity superbly well. He has looked natural.

"In previous clubs he had played in a deeper role as a number 10, but his defensive qualities have been as good as his attacking. The player deserves huge credit for that transformation because it is not an easy transition.

"He does pride himself on being the athlete you want to see. He has strength and speed. He is like a brick wall, you cannot move him. The physical side is probably his biggest strength."

Joelinton has now scored 18 goals for Newcastle in 152 Premier League appearances.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham.

Here are the key headlines from the Newcastle boss:

• Midfielder Joe Willock is unavailable because of a "problematic" Achilles injury. Howe said: "We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive so he may need some rest."

• Left-back Lewis Hall "is a slight concern" after not training this week and right-back Tino Livramento has returned to training but is yet to join up with the team.

• On Joelinton signing a new long-term deal: "It is amazing news for all of us. We are glad he sees his future here. He has a brilliant bond with the supporters as well. Hopefully that is a big lift for everyone."

• He said the deal "gives an insight into the next couple of years" of the midfielder's career and how he will play a part in the club's plans.

• On last weekend's win over Fulham: "It wasn't a great performance, but we were dogged and determined. It was a big step forward by not playing too well but finding a way to score and win the game. We haven't been able to do that enough this season."

• He said he admires opponents Tottenham "tactically and physically" and added that "they have played very well this year".

• Reflecting on last season's 6-1 thrashing of Spurs at home: "I have had it rarely in my career where at every chance you score. We were confident, had good rhythm and our finishing that day was lethal. We are always trying to work towards that and build connections to make a performance like that."

• He hopes to see the return of three or four players to the matchday squad "in the not-too-distant future" but did not name who those players are likely to be.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences here

Newcastle United and Manchester United have reportedly "initiated talks" with 29-year-old Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who could be available on a free transfer this summer. (Calciomercato via TeamTalk), external

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held face-to-face talks with Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley in an attempt to reach an agreement on sporting director Dan Ashworth's move to Manchester United. (Times - subscription required), external

Newcastle bosses have injected £37m into the club in the form of a new share issue, although it is not clear whether the money will contribute towards the summer transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Want more news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Newcastle United via Getty Images

Joining Newcastle United "was the best decision of my career", Joelinton has said, after the Brazil international agreed a new contract.

The Premier League club has said it is a "long-term" contract but has not disclosed the exact length of Joelinton's deal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Magpies from German club Hoffenheim in 2019, told Newcastle's club website: "I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy.

"A lot of things have happened in my years here. I've learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.

"I love playing for the club. I love the club. I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I'm glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come."

Joelinton has scored 25 goals in his 179 appearances for Newcastle.

Manager Eddie Howe said: "This has been a big priority for us off the pitch and I'm absolutely delighted Joelinton has committed his future to the club.

"Joey is an exceptional player and person, and the love he has for the club is reciprocated by all of us here. He brings unique qualities to the group and undoubtedly makes us stronger.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved behind the scenes for bringing this to a swift and positive conclusion. We are all excited to see Joelinton in a Newcastle shirt for many years to come."

On the latest episode of Total Sport, podcaster Kris Wallace and Comedian Anth Young join Raul to discuss the Magpies' season so far, Eddie Howe's style of play and the revival of the dark arts.

The panel believe that Newcastle's performance this season, given the obstacles they have had to negotiate, is a bigger achievement than last year's top four finish.

"If this had been last season without the Champions League, we'd be buzzing," said Young.

"We'd be in a good position. Even taking the injuries out of it, the results we're getting, the position we're in, where we can finish - we'd be absolutely buzzing.

"We were spoilt last season by the Champions League run and that's why this season doesn't look as good.

"I think it's been a fantastic season."

"I agree," added Wallace. "We've probably achieved more this season than we did last season when you look at the bigger picture.

"Last season we didn't have a game every four days, didn't have the injury problems we've got, didn't have players banned for whatever reasons.

"If you look at league position - yes last season was fantastic, best run for 20 odd years. But, this season we've done a hell of a lot more to even still be in the fight for these European spots."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Podcaster Kris Wallace believes Newcastle will draw with Tottenham on Saturday but will still have enough to finish in a position that will qualify for European competition next season.

Eddie Howe's side are currently eighth in the Premier League, 12 points behind Spurs in fourth but just two points behind Manchester United in sixth.

"I think it will be a tight one, I think Tottenham are a good enough team to get something out of it," Wallace told the Total Sport: Newcastle United Podcast on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'll go for a draw. Although Spurs aren't in the best form ever, given our injury crisis, a draw would be good.

"It's going to go down to the last game I think but we'll probably have European football secure at that point. We just don't know which competition it'll be in, I think it'll go right down to the wire.

"I don't think we've ever finished above Manchester United in the Premier League and that's what worries me."

Raul Kohli said: "I'm going to say 2-1 to Newcastle. We're in form and Tottenham are pulling a Tottenham at this stage of the season.

"I think we can finish fifth with our run-in, with Tottenham's run-in, with Manchester United's run-in - if we don't lose any more players, which has been the issue."

Comedian Anth Young added: "I'm going to go sixth. You'd take any kind of European competition, wouldn't you?"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Newcastle and Tottenham in the Premier League.

• Newcastle won this fixture 6-1 last season, last winning consecutive home league games against Spurs between April 2006 and December 2008 (a run of four).

• Tottenham have scored at least once in each of their last 17 Premier League away games against Newcastle, since a 4-0 loss in December 2003. It is their longest scoring streak away against an opponent in their league history.

• Along with opponents Tottenham, Newcastle are one of just two teams to have scored in 100% of their Premier League home games this season. Their current run of scoring in 16 consecutive Premier League home games is their longest since between September 2002 and August 2003 when they had a run of 18.

• Having won four of their first six Premier League away games this season (D2), Tottenham have won just two of their subsequent nine on the road (D4 L3).

• Alexander Isak has scored in each of his last five Premier League home games, netting six goals in total in this run. The last Newcastle player to score in more consecutive games at St James’ Park was Alan Shearer, who scored in each of his first 15 at home for the club in the 1996-97 campaign.

• Son Heung-Min has been involved in 24 goals in his last 25 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 and assisting nine. One more assist would see him become just the sixth player to register double figures for both goals and assists in three separate Premier League campaigns (also 2019-20 and 2020-21), after Wayne Rooney (5), Mohamed Salah (4), Frank Lampard (4), Eric Cantona (4) and Didier Drogba (3).