Newcastle reached the top four of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, which dealt another blow to Spurs’ title aspirations. Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron were on target for the Magpies, who have only lost once this season. Harry Kane pulled a goal back for Tottenham, but a second damaging defeat to Antonio Conte’s men in five days leaves them five points behind leaders Arsenal after playing one more game.
Conte ignored suggestions that his side could be battling for its first league title since 1961 after being thoroughly outplayed on Wednesday in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
Instead of looking up, third-placed Spurs may now be looking over their shoulder as Newcastle came within two points of their opponents.
Eddie Howe’s men were also ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, and with the chance for the Saudi club to strengthen further in January’s window, this will pose a major threat to the traditional powers of a top four place.
Left to rue Son Heung-min, Tottenham failed to open the scoring when the South Korean failed to get enough purchase on an attempted chip over Nick Pope when he had one-on-one with the England goalkeeper early on.
Without the heroism of Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, the Conte men would have been at the end of a humiliating deficit at Old Trafford mid-week at Old Trafford. But the France captain was guilty of both Newcastle goals before half-time.
Lloris was furious that the opening goal was allowed to stand when he collided with Callum Wilson. When Lloris fell to the ground, Wilson turned and lifted the loose ball perfectly into an unguarded net. Despite a VAR check, no error was awarded.
Five minutes before half time, the visitors doubled their lead as Almiron slipped through the Tottenham defense before passing Lloris, who should have done better to keep the Paraguayan’s shot out.
Spurs appear devoid of ideas under a torrent of rain in the early stages of the second half, as Newcastle confidently stroked the ball.
But the home side found their way back into the game via a corner when Clement Lenglet headed Son’s corner towards Kane to nod in his 11th goal of the season. Newcastle boast the best defensive record in the Premier League and showed why they stood steadfast in the last half hour to end Tottenham’s run of 10 consecutive home wins.
Arsenal stumbles at Southampton, Villa rises
Arsenal lost points for the second time this season in a frustrating 1-1 draw for the Gunners at Southampton as Aston Villa reacted to the sacking of Steven Gerrard with a 4-0 thump from Brentford. Mikel Arteta’s men appeared to be on a four-point lead at the top of the table as Granit Xhaka continued his fine form by firing in the opening goal at St. Mary’s after just 11 minutes.
The visitors dominated the first half but failed to extend their advantage with Gabriel Jesus guilty of missing great opportunities on either side of half-time.
Arsenal were punished when Stuart Armstrong made a composed finish to level 25 minutes before the end.
Martin Odegaard singled as the front runners went chasing a winner, but the goal was disallowed as the ball was out of play before Kieran Tierney made the cross.
A draw means Arsenal are just two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table.
Leeds to the bottom three
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard was the cheater for Villa who won just two of their first 11 league games with a 3-0 defeat to Fulham on Thursday’s final straw.
Caretaker manager Aaron Danks didn’t shy away from big decisions when captain John McGinn was dropped on the bench and received an immediate response.
Leon Bailey shot Villa up front after two minutes before Jamaican Danny Ings remembered to make it 2-0. Ings then added a third within 14 minutes of the penalty spot before Ollie Watkins rounded out the score in the second half.
Leicester Win
Wolves are not enjoying the same success under their regular boss Steve Davis as Leicester emerged from the relegation zone with a 4-0 win over Molineux. The stunning attack by Youri Tielemans diving into the top corner got the Foxes off to a flying start before Harvey Barnes’ cool finish doubled the lead for Brendan Rodgers’ men.
James Maddison and Jamie Vardy sealed Leicester’s first away win in the second half against a side that has been playing in the Premier League for a year.
Victories for Villa and Leicester meant Leeds fell into the bottom three after a 3-2 home defeat to Fulham.
Rodrigo, under pressure, gave Leeds manager Jessie Marsch the start he needed when the Spaniard headed in on the far post. But Aleksandar Mitrovic started the Fulham fight that took Marco Silva’s men to seventh.
promoted
Bobby Decordova-Reid’s header gave the Cottagers the lead before Willian’s first goal for the club made it 3-1.
Crysencio Summerville’s stoppage time goal was only a consolation for Leeds, who are now scoreless in eight games.
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