Premier League: Are Newcastle or Spurs Ready to Take Next Step?

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

There’s something not quite right about Newcastle right now.

Perhaps it is the ongoing battle to ensure they comply with financial regulations; perhaps they have been unsettled by the recent departure of Amanda Staveley, almost three years after becoming the public face of the club’s Saudi Arabian-controlled takeover; perhaps it is uncertainty over the future of manager Eddie Howe with the England vacancy looming large in the background; perhaps it is a combination of all three.

With no European football to occupy them, this season actually appears to be an ideal time for the Tynesiders to launch a challenge for, at least, a Premier League top four spot.

Yet based on the opening two matches of the season – and granted it is only two games – something appears amiss to me. 

 

Talking Points

Their opening day 1-0 win over Southampton can perhaps be excused given they played two thirds of that of that contest with 10 men.

The second game, a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, was less convincing and, but for a controversial last gasp VAR ruling, they would have been beaten.

To their credit though, the Geordies fought back from a goal down to earn a point on the South Coast which showed character on Howe’s old stomping ground.

The introduction of Kieran Trippier – who has been linked with a move away from the club – appeared to inspire their comeback as his experience and leadership added stability to the Newcastle backline.

Howe’s assembled squad certainly has real talent and, if they can avoid the number of injuries they experienced last term, they should put up a stronger fight.

I am just not totally convinced that everything is settled behind the scenes.

Games like this should tell us more against opponents who also have the talent but, again, I’m not totally convinced about their ability to make that next leap.

For Spurs have a squad capable of building on last season’s fifth-placed finish but that was achieved when they did not have European combat to contend with and, coupled with fairly early exits from both domestic cups, had a calendar which was not congested.

There were Premier League highlights galore as they ran riot against a woeful Everton last weekend, on the back of a 1-1 draw at Leicester first time out, a game they also should have won.

Against the Toffees, Tottenham peppered the goal straight from kick-off and their early intensity was quickly rewarded with captain Son Heung-Min leading the way with a double.

This, however, will prove far more of an examination for both clubs, not just across 90+ minutes, but as an indication of what we can expect over the course of the next nine months.

If either or both of these clubs are ready to take the next step, now is the time to start proving it.

 

History

Newcastle have won only four of their last 14 meetings with Spurs.

One of those victories was their most recent encounter in April, a one-sided afternoon on Tyneside when the hosts romped to a 4-0 victory, courtesy of Alexander Isak (two), Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar.

Indeed, both meetings last season were one-way victories in favour of the home side.

Last December, Spurs ran out 4-1 winners as Destiny Udogie, Richarlison (two) and Son (penalty) found the net before Joelinton grabbed a late consolation.

Overall, Spurs have enjoyed 74 triumphs, Newcastle 62 and 34 matches have ended all square.

That included their very first encounter which came in the 1905 FA Cup second round when Joseph Walton and Jimmy Howie traded goals in a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.

The replay went the way of the Geordies when Bill Appleyard, Howie and Ronald Orr scored in a 4-0 win.

Newcastle went all the way to the final that year where they were defeated by Aston Villa.

 

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds have these sides evenly matched, as they are, but give the edge to the Geordies.

You can back them to take advantage of home advantage in a number of ways, including 1X2 @ 2.14 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.98.

Spurs, meanwhile, are available 1X2 @ 2.74 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.92.

The draw will pay out @ 3.71, while another 4-0 rout is on offer through Correct Score @ 60.00.

There has not been a goalless draw between these sides in the Premier League era, or indeed in any competition since August 1971 in the former Division One.

Therefore, I will avoid total goal 0-1, despite being priced at a very attractive @ 5.10, while there is little to choose between total goal 2-3 @ 2.24 and 4-6 @ 2.23.

I have decided to go for honours even with a 1X2 Draw @ 3.71 my *** tip.

   

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