BBC.com

There have been a number of contributing factors in Newcastle's recent surge up the Premier League table, but the scintillating form of star striker Alexander Isak has certainly played a major role.

The Sweden international scored his 13th league goal of the season against Tottenham on Saturday, completing Newcastle's recovery from going 1-0 down after Anthony Gordon had cancelled out Dominic Solanke's early opener.

Twelve of those 13 goals have come in Isak's past 12 appearances, with his latest effort making him only the third Newcastle player after Alan Shearer and Joe Willock to find the net in seven consecutive Premier League matches.

Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more in the top flight this term than the 25-year-old, while Cole Palmer and Bryan Mbeumo have also found the net 13 times.

"I think [Isak] is the best out-and-out forward in the league," former Scotland striker Ally McCoist said while covering the game for TNT Sports. "He will always give you something.

"In terms of his all-round game, Isak is unstoppable."

On current form, it is easy to make a case for Isak being the best striker in the division.

Haaland is the only out-and-out frontman to find the net more often this season - and before Saturday's double the Norwegian had only managed four goals in his past 15 league appearances.

There is much more to Isak's game than just his goals, of course. Blessed with a silky first touch and wonderful close control, his ability to hold up the ball and bring team-mates into play has proved invaluable to Eddie Howe's side since his arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022.

His scintillating pace, perfectly timed runs and aerial ability make him a handful for any defender in the league, yet there is still room for improvement in the final third - as impressive as his recent purple patch undoubtedly is.

Against Manchester United on Monday, Isak chipped a tame effort straight at Andre Onana after being sent clear by Bruno Guimaraes.

In Saturday's win at Spurs, he steered a low Jacob Murphy cross wide of Brandon Austin's goal from close range - but that missed opportunity did little to blunt his confidence as he converted another Murphy delivery from a similar position just minutes later.

"He was disappointed with the one he didn't take, but he's on a hot streak," Howe told TNT Sports. "Long may that continue.

"He was in the right place at the right time. That's an art."

What are Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur?

The Premier League's entertainers? A gung-ho side too leaky at the back to achieve success? Both of the above?

Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle leaves Spurs in the bottom half of the Premier League, some 21 points off leaders Liverpool and streets behind the top four.

The Australian had fuelled fans' expectations of winning a first trophy in 17 years by saying in September he "always" wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

But the question is now this: having managed 58 games in the Premier League for Tottenham - the same number as Jose Mourinho when he was dismissed in 2021 - has Postecoglou actually improved Spurs?

An agitated Postecoglou was furious Gordon's equaliser had been allowed to stand after a handball in the build-up, as his injury-hit side pushed Newcastle all the way.

He used a version of the phrase "if all things were equal" nine times in an interview to the BBC.

"I think it's clear," Postecoglou said, irate at what he considered a handball by Joelinton in the build-up to Newcastle's early equaliser.

"I'm just really, really angry. Angriest I think I have ever been in my career."

He added: "On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today.

"Outstanding. I couldn't be prouder of the players. I couldn't ask any more. It's a game we would have won if all things were equal.

"If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today. Things weren't equal and balanced."

After more conservative approaches under Mourinho, Antonio Conte and, briefly, Nuno Espirito Santo, Postecoglou's emphasis on attacking, high intensity football has led to Spurs being one of the league's most entertaining sides.

They have scored 116 goals since he arrived and are the league's fourth highest scorers since summer 2023.

This season, only Liverpool have scored more goals than Tottenham's 42 goals, while they are also second in terms of the number of big chances created.

After qualifying for the Europa League with a fifth-placed finish last season - compared to the eighth place they finished the season before Postecoglou's arrival - they have a League Cup semi-final against Liverpool to look forward to on Wednesday and remain in Europe.

But defensively, the stats aren't so great.

Tottenham recorded 51 points in the Premier League in 2024. That's their worst return in a calendar year since 2008 when they recorded 42 points.

Since Postecoglou was appointed, Spurs have conceded 91 goals - the seventh most from teams in the top flight since he joined.

This season, their 30 goals against is worse than 12 other Premier League teams.

They have registered just one victory from their last eight top-flight games.

Spurs are winless in six successive Premier League home games - their worst run since October 2008.

The Australian continues to insist his defenders remain as high up the pitch as possible, a tactic that leaves plenty of space in behind. It is a problem that has been exacerbated by the absence of defensive speed merchants - and first-choice centre-backs - Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven through injury.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told Football Focus: "The stubbornness from Ange Postecoglou may ultimately cost him his job at Tottenham.

"When they went down to nine men against Chelsea, of 100 top coaches 99 would have dropped to the edge of the box, but he wanted to sit on the halfway line. They lost that game comfortably as Chelsea ran all over them.

"I don't quite understand why he does not want to adapt. There are issues with his system and his failure to adapt will go against him in the long run."

Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker said on his Rest is Football podcast: "I do think if they can get Romero and Van de Ven together they are a different side. They need that pace.

"It is a brave form of football but I like it. Spurs tried to play a more cagey game of football and the fans didn't enjoy it – although results were maybe slightly better. I hope they stick with him and I hope they turn it around."

Tottenham's dramatic slide down the league has coincided with a defensive injury crisis - worsened by Destiny Odogie's absence.

Going into Saturday's match, they had the most players unavailable in the Premier League with 11 players out and a sickness bug in the squad.

The Spurs boss has insisted his side's poor form is a result of the club's injury crisis and has previously said a concerning rate of recurring injuries is under review, following the appointment of a new head of medical and new head of sports science in the summer.

But is the team's non-stop approach one of the reasons for the amount of injuries? It might be, along with other factors, including having played 33% more games than at this stage last season.

Before the defeat by Newcastle, only Bournemouth and Ipswich had run more than the 2,129.2km covered by Spurs players in their first 19 games.

Dejan Kulusevski had run more distance (205.4km) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

Dominic Solanke, Kulusevski, Udogie and Son Heung-min all ranked in the top 20 for sprints in the league. No other club had more than two players in the top 20.

Professor of Sports Medicine at the University of Northampton, Bill Ribbans, said: "In order to play Postecoglou's style of play, you have to be both incredibly fit and have pace.

"With it, that risks injury. Postecoglou has obviously had a very impressive managerial career but managing in the Premier League is pretty intense and unrelenting. There are a high number of games at [Postecoglou's previous club] Celtic and in the Scottish division but he won 72 per cent of them and may have felt able to rotate and still win.

"It's very different in the Premier League to rotate and still have the same standard of performance to win."

Rob: I think most people have recognised since halfway through last season that 'Angeball' isn't some revolutionary new approach to the game, but a tongue-in-cheek euphemism for playing badly, without structure, and losing a lot of games.

Toby: No, he hasn't improved us. Jose Mourinho had slightly better points per game. And while we might be the league's entertainers, it's not entertaining being a Spurs fan. But that won't change until Daniel Levy and co are out.

Laurie: As a fan of 61 years, I love the Ange approach and style of play, after the dire offerings under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. The squad has been decimated by injuries yet the style of play has not changed and the players are still playing for the manager and the club.

It would be futile to change the manager so let him stay until the end of the season and see what we have to show for his efforts.

Ben: Spurs would be foolish to sack Ange mid-season. They've been decimated by injuries, but they're in really good shape in all the cups. It would be cool to see them prioritise the cups in the second half of the season.

Tom: Spurs would be absolutely mad to sack Postecoglou under these circumstances - starting the game with the third choice keeper and a decimated back four. Yes, I accept there are systemic issues with the vulnerable play style but Ange hasn't even been there for two full seasons. Who does the Spurs fans think they are, demanding more?

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat: "On the balance of play - any balance you want - with all things being equal, we would have won. We were outstanding. I couldn't be prouder of the players. I couldn't ask any more. It is a game that we would have won if all things were equal.

"If all things were equal and balanced, we would have won. Things weren't equal and balanced."

On what wasn't equal in the game and whether he was hinting at Newcastle's opener: "You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion: if all things were equal and balanced, we would have won.

"We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding, considering everything we are going through.

"If it was an even playing field, we would have won."

On goalkeeper Brandon Austin: "He was really good. The moment we are going through, we are putting big tasks on players and they are rising to occasion.

"The performance deserved a victory."

Tottenham are set to sign Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in a deal worth about £12.5m.

The 21-year-old would give Spurs further options in goal, having lost number one Guglielmo Vicario to a fractured ankle in November.

Multiple sources involved in the deal say a fee has been agreed for the Czech Republic Under-21 player but the move has not been publicly confirmed yet by Spurs or Slavia Prague.

It is hoped Kinsky will complete paperwork and a medical this weekend before sealing a permanent move to north London.

He has made 29 appearances for Slavia Prague this season and kept 14 clean sheets.

Manager Ange Postecoglou says he is working with technical director Johan Lange to secure new signings, amid an injury and illness crisis.

Eight players missing Saturday's home match to Newcastle, with Rodrigo Bentancur also suspended.

Among those out was number two goalkeeper Fraser Forster, which led to a debut for 25-year-old academy goalkeeper Brandon Austin.

'Spurs need Maddison'

HT: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Curtis Davies

Former Premier League defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

On James Maddison or Son Heung-min being introduced...

With Ange Postecoglou you don't know what you're going to get, but one of them needs to be introduced. I would say Spurs need James Maddison to get a hold of the game.

'Spurs can consider themselves lucky'

HT: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Curtis Davies

Former Premier League defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Tottenham can consider themselves lucky with the score after the openings which Newcastle have had. Radu Dragusin is having a sticky time.

He is meant to be a leader, but he has played two balls out of play and played one ball straight to Alexander Isak.

When Dragusin gets on the ball the fans are very nervous.

Post

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

There are so very unhappy faces as the TV camera zooms in on home fans.

Another chance for Newcastle and Anthony Gordon's attempt comes of a Spurs player for a corner.

The home side are being picked apart.

'Spurs are so open'

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Steph Houghton

Former Manchester City and England captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

The way Ange Postecoglou has got Spurs playing...they're so open.

When those transition moments happen it is hard for them to get into their shape.

'Excellent interplay between Murphy and Tonali'

Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle

Curtis Davies

Former Premier League defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Newcastle have started to control the game a bit more.

Newcastle look like the side who could get the goal. It was excellent interplay between Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali.

Murphy rolled it across into the corridor of uncertainty.

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

For week 20, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Newcastle's form is incredible, with five wins on the spin in all competitions. They have scored 16 goals in those games, with only one conceded.

Tottenham, in contrast, are on a poor run of results - although they did not perform badly in their defeat by Nottingham Forest or in their draw with Wolves last time out.

This is going to be a great game and, while I think Spurs will score, I just can't go against Newcastle at the moment.

Eddie Howe's side have got goals in them and it is not just Alexander Isak who is a threat - Jacob Murphy is playing really well and their midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton looks very strong.

McCabe's prediction: 1-2

Newcastle are too good for Tottenham. The way Spurs are under Ange Postecoglou, even if they turn up and play well, they might score four goals but then the other team would score five. I don't think he is a bad manager but you would need to have Virgil van Dijk and Marcel Desailly at the back for his approach to work.

Dan: Ange Postecoglou hasn't improved the team. Yes we've had bad luck with injuries - but we can't hide behind that. Our defence is too leaky with a fully fit squad, and the fact that we're threadbare sits not only with the club's recruitment policy but also with the manager who should be signing off on these players. I hate that we only have one way to play, with no plan B, and that we seem to have forgotten how to shut up shop and maintain a lead. I don't think Ange is the man to take us forward but the reality is I don't know who will want to take us on. For me, it's time for a change of manager and a new chairman.

Nick: The back line is like a sieve - again. Players shine but all too briefly and then they fade. The league table doesn't lie.

Chris: The main aim for any manager is to win matches. Pundits and supporters have all argued that Ange needs to be more pragmatic in his approach. He has refused to do that, arguing that he will not change. Can a teacher do that, a policeman, a mechanic, nurse or doctor? No. In lots of professions that means one thing - the sack.

Toby: No, he hasn't improved us. Jose Mourinho had slightly better points per game. And while we might be the leagues entertainers, it's not entertaining being a Spurs fan. But that won't change until Daniel Levy and co are out.

Simon: Ange is a nightmare. His training techniques and style of play is injuring the players, and I'm fed up with losing week after week as a result of his crazy tactics.

Tottenham supporters want one simple thing - to win a major trophy.

The problem is that they now feel further away than ever, given a drastic downturn in results across December, a month where they have suffered a lot of injuries.

The next few games could be pivotal in keeping the season alive under an increasingly under-fire manager Ange Postecgolou.

A match at home to Newcastle is followed by the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool over the coming days.

The Europa League also resumes this month with Spurs looking to avoid the play-off round and qualify for the knockout stages.

Any win would give the Australian manager time and the external support that he needs.

And, by stabilising results, it would convince the club to dip into the transfer market - where Spurs are expected to be active - and back him.

However, a backdrop of one win in seven matches makes signing players more difficult. The dip in form has coincided with around 10 players being ill, injured or suspended for the past three matchday squads.

Alongside frustrations on the pitch, chairman Daniel Levy is also facing criticism from some sections of the fan base.

Only positive short-term results will ease the pressure and keep the Levy-Postecoglou partnership running.

However, the fact Tottenham have not won a trophy since 2008 still looms over this club and only glory will truly satisfy supporters, who are growing more and more frustrated.

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Tottenham have won two of their last three Premier League home games against Newcastle (L1), as many as they had in their previous seven (D1 L4).

Newcastle have won four of their last five Premier League games against Tottenham (L1), as many as they had in their previous 15 (D2 L9).

Having achieved a Premier League double over Spurs in just one of 12 campaigns between 2008-09 and 2021-22 (2015-16), Newcastle could now do so in two of the last three (also 2022-23).

Tottenham vs Newcastle is the most played Premier League fixture never to finish 0-0 (59 meetings). There have been 189 goals scored in games between the sides, the third highest scoring fixture in Premier League history.

Tottenham have lost their first league game in two of the last five calendar years (W2 D1), as many times as they had in the previous 16 years combined (W11 D3).

Newcastle have won their first league match in just one of the last 12 calendar years (D3 L8), winning 1-0 at Stoke on New Year’s Day 2018.

Tottenham are winless in their last five Premier League home games, their longest run since a run of eight between March and October 2008 under Juande Ramos, while they last had a longer run in a single season between October 1993 and April 1994 (14).

Alexander Isak scored 25 Premier League goals for Newcastle in 2024, with only Alan Shearer in 2002 scoring more in a single year for the club (27). Overall, Isak’s 43 Premier League goals for the Magpies are bettered only by Shearer (148), Callum Wilson (47) and Peter Beardsley (46).

Brennan Johnson is Tottenham’s top scorer in all competitions this season with 11 goals, while the Welshman has also either scored (2) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last four Premier League home games.

Anthony Gordon has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last four Premier League appearances for Newcastle United (1 goal, 3 assists), assisting in each of his last two away games against Ipswich and Man Utd.