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Liverpool issue official Alexander Isak update as former Newcastle United striker limps off against Tottenham Hotspur.

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Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Alexander Isak after the Swede limped out of their 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night.

Isak scored only his third goal for Liverpool since joining from Newcastle United for a British record £130million to give his side the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, his joy quickly turned to despair.

Just as the 26-year-old got his shot away, he was clattered by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. As his teammates raced over to celebrate, Isak remained on the deck in agony.

At one stage, it appeared Isak would need a stretcher, however, he was able to hobble off with the help of two club doors before being replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool issue official Alexander Isak injury update

After the game, Reds boss Arne Slot was unable to provide a definitive update on Isak, but admitted what unfolded “isn’t usually a good thing”.

Slot said: “I don't have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn't come back on the pitch or doesn't try to come back, which Conor Bradley, for example did but I had to take him off and couldn't come on.

“But if a player doesn't try to come back it is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that. That is just a gut feeling and nothing more than that, nothing medical to say about it. I haven't spoken to him about it yet but it's a good thing he scored, a good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz.

“I said players are getting better, the team is getting better. It wasn't perfect today, especially the last 10 minutes but we pick up points and are developing in a way I want to see. That's what we'd like to see happening a lot. A good finish, a good pass.

“Let's not be too negative yet. We don't know yet, let's hope he is back with us soon but it is difficult to say to you.”

Newcastle United supporters watch on

Isak reached legendary status at Newcastle after scoring against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final to end the club’s 70-year domestic trophy drought. That was until he ruined his legacy in the summer.

The former Real Sociedad man went on strike, refusing to train or play to force through a move to Anfield. It enraged Toon supporters, however Isak has since defended his action.

Speaking to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, Isak said: “I can say this, things are always more complicated than they seem. I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth. And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me.

“I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up - neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past.”

Newcastle United were awarded a dubious penalty against Tottenham Hotspur last night.

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Jamie O’Hara was left seething after Newcastle United received a controversial penalty against Tottenham Hotspur.

In the closing stages of the game, Rodrigo Bentancur was judged to have fouled Dan Burn while man-marking him for a corner. The two tussled in the box, with the Toon defender hitting the deck.

Referee Thomas Bramall initially waved play on but VAR intervened and persuaded him to change his mind. Anthony Gordon buried the resulting spot-kick to fire Newcastle in front with just four minutes remaining.

Newcastle United collapse

However, the Magpies - as has often been the case this season - failed to hang on. Spurs netted a scruffy 95th-minute winner, with captain Cristian Romero bagging his second of the game.

An awkward bicycle kick bundled past three idle Newcastle defenders and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to snatch a late point for the visitors. Conceding a late equaliser means United have now dropped 11 points from winning positions this season.

‘Game is gone’ - Jamie O’Hara

Despite the last-gasp Romero strike, former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara was raging at the penalty decision nine minutes earlier. He told talkSPORT: “What have I just witnessed at St James’ Park? That penalty, the game is gone. He’s got him in a headlock. It’s an absolute shambles from VAR.

“I’ve got a load of Gooners in the office, I’ve got you (Jason Cundy) as a Chelsea fan, everyone just couldn’t wait to see me come in here lose my head. Romero got us out of trouble and fair play to him but that penalty decision is a disgrace. That is one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.

“You see that at any level, every game, every week, all over the country. Dan Burn has him in a headlock! I don’t know what (Rodrigo) Bentancur is meant to do. It was disgusting. VAR is ruining football.”

Thomas Frank blasts penalty call

Spurs boss Frank also slammed the penalty decision as a “mistake” at the full-time whistle. He told reporters: “It was an absolute mistake from the VAR. The referee did good to do the ref call and they encourage the refereeing call on the pitch. For me, that is never a penalty.

"Even speaking to some from Newcastle (they) don't think it's a penalty and we need consistency. I think the referee's call on the pitch, he nailed it, and VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali went off injured against Tottenham Hotspur.

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Newcastle United are sweating over the fitness of Sandro Tonali ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at home to Burnley.

Eddie Howe’s side missed the chance to record a third straight Premier League win on Tuesday night after being held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

Substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon twice gave the Magpies the lead but Cristian Romero equalised both times, with his second goal coming in the 95th minute.

Newcastle United issue official Sandro Tonali injury update

Following a goalless first half, Howe introduced his captain, Bruno Guimaraes, at half-time in place of Tonali, who, alongside Jacob Murphy, had been recalled to the starting XI after being on the bench for the 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday night.

Speaking after the game, Howe confirmed Tonali’s withdrawal was due to an injury sustained at some stage during the first half, though the head coach was unable to confirm what the issue was exactly and its severity.

Howe said: “He took a knock in the first half. I don't quite know the extent of the injury or what type of injury it is, but he couldn't continue.”

Eddie Howe explains why Bruno Guimaraes started on the bench

Guimaraes was a surprise omission from the starting line-up, with Howe opting to try and rest his skipper ahead of a busy fixture list that sees Newcastle play seven games in 25 days.

"Rotational reasons, we've got such a busy schedule ahead, we want him at his physical best,” said Howe. “It was a chance to rotate midfield slightly without unbalancing it. The first half performance was strong.”

The 28-year-old went on to open the scoring in the 71st minute in what was his fourth goal of the campaign, all of which have come at the Gallowgate End at St James’ Park.

Howe added: "He did very well, it was an outstanding finish. He made a difference, his enthusiasm, passion and energy made a big difference.”

Bruno Guimaraes reflects on Newcastle United’s draw v Tottenham Hotspur

On his goal Guimaraes said: “It was a brilliant finish but I would change everything about my goal to get the three points. I cannot leave happy today but we have another game on Saturday so we have to take the positive and try to get the three points in that match.”

Reflecting on the result, Guimaraes added: “It's tough to say about the game. We are leaving here today very unhappy. The ball was bouncing in the box and nobody was there to take the ball away including myself. The feeling right now is very negative but we have to turn things around. It is unacceptable for us to concede again at the end of the game.

"It's not the first time we concede at the end of the game, it is something we have to sort out. It is not healthy for us to concede so late. In my view we were better than them so we leave here very unhappy tonight.”

Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank disagree after Premier League release statement explaining Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur penalty decision.

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A 95th-minute equaliser for Tottenham Hotspur denied Newcastle United a third straight Premier League victory.

Substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon twice put the Magpies in front but Spurs twice responded through captain Cristian Romero.

All four goals came in the final 20 minutes, with Guimaraes scoring in the 71st minute before Romero headed home Mohammed Kudus’ cross seven minutes later.

Newcastle then thought they had clinched a late winner when Gordon scored from the penalty spot, with the awarding of the penalty angering the visitors.

Dan Burn was brought down by Rodrigo Bentancur. Referee Thomas Bramall waved away Newcastle’s appeals before changing his decision after being sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR.

Eddie Howe & Thomas Frank disagree over Newcastle United penalty decision v Tottenham Hotspur

Although Spurs ultimately walked away with a point through Romano’s overhead kick in stoppage time, manager Thomas Frank was keen to highlight the decision in his post-match assessment.

Frank said: “At 2-1 down it was an absolute mistake from the VAR. The ref did good to do the ref call and they encourage the refereeing call on the pitch. For me that is never a penalty.

“Even speaking to some [people] from Newcastle, they don't think it's a penalty. We need the consistency because that penalty, that would be given two times a game and I actually think the referees say it's a referee call on the pitch and he nailed it. On VAR, it can only be if it's clear and obvious.”

Eddie Howe, however, disagreed, saying: “I'd just seen it again there when I was getting interviewed. I think the defender doesn't look at the ball. I think he's just focused on Dan and Dan goes down, so I could see why it was given.”

Premier League issue statement explaining penalty decision

Explaining the decision, the Premier League’s Match Centre wrote: “82’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Newcastle United.

“Referee announcement: ‘After review, Tottenham number 30 makes a holding offence at the back post and clearly does not look at the ball. My final decision is penalty kick.’”

What both managers said about their side’s performance

There were contrasting emotions from both managers, with Frank pleased with his side’s performance, while Howe had an overriding feeling on disappointment.

Frank said: "The performance showed fantastic mentality and character. Every team needs that. It is fair to say it has been a tough week, fourth game in 10 days, third away game. St James' Park is always a difficult place to come. Last 60 minutes I am very happy with that performance overall. The ability to react to setbacks was great.”

Howe added: “We're hugely frustrated with ourselves really. That was a game where we had to work really hard for the first goal. I thought we were the dominant team and knocking on the door all through the first half.

“The goal came when it came and I felt then we were in a strong position having been relatively comfortable defensively to then concede the two goals in the way that we did, in the manner that we did.

“It's hugely disappointing because we pride ourselves on being better than that defensively.”

Newcastle United drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

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From ecstasy to agony for Newcastle United at St James’ Park as a late show from Cristian Romero earned Tottenham Hotspur a point.

It very much felt like two points dropped for the Magpies, who led twice through substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, only for Romero to net a header to equalise once, then again in added time produce a moment of magic with an overhead kick.

The result ensures Newcastle are three unbeaten in the Premier League, but after dominating most of the match - and more than doing enough to win it - they let yet more home points slip, late on, on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 2

Reflecting on the result, Eddie Howe said: "It wasn't us at our best today but we battled into a position we wanted, but we couldn't defend that corner at the end. It's a disappointing feeling having worked so hard.

"I thought we were in the ascendancy, we had some good chances, the goal was slow in coming. We battled in the first half, their keeper mad a couple of really good saves.

"We weren't at our very best, particular in the attacking half. We did enough but needed to defend the corner better."

Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimaraes impact

“He did very well, it was an outstanding finish. He made a difference, his enthusiasm, passion and energy made a big difference.”

Newcastle United penalty - Eddie Howe has his say on controversial call

“I hadn't seen it, I'm only seeing it now. The big thing is the defender isn't looking at the ball at all, he's looking at Dan [Burn]. I think it's probably the right call.”

Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon cameo for NUFC

“I was really pleased with his impact, he definitely changed the dynamic, energy, pace, directness. It was a good cameo for Anthony.”

‘Painful one’ - Eddie Howe on Spurs’ second goal in the 95th minute

“We are disappointed with the first goal, it was a standard cross and we haven't defended it well enough.

“Second one, we didn't deal with the first contact then didn't stop the overhead kick. Somehow it went in. It's a painful one for us to take.”

Newcastle United were denied a third straight Premier League win via Cristian Romero’s stoppage time equaliser.

Newcastle twice took the lead with substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon scoring either side of Romero’s first goal. The Spurs captain then scored again in the 95th minute.

Eddie Howe made two changes from the 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday. Bruno Guimaraes was rested as Sandro Tonali returned to the midfield, while Jacob Murphy replaced Anthony Elanga on the right-wing.

Nick Woltemade headed over an early cross and Joelinton hit the post as the Magpies shaded the first-half, though Spurs did finish the stronger without testing Aaron Ramsdale.

Howe introduced Guimaraes at half-time as the United skipper went on to open the scoring in the 71st minute. Spurs struck back seven minutes later when Romero met Mohammed Kudus’ cross.

Gordon looked to have to won it when he beat Vicario from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR penalised Rodrigo Bentacur for bringing down Dan Burn.

But the visitors again hit back right at the death as Romero’s bicycle kick found its way into the bottom corner.

Newcastle United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park tonight eyeing a third straight Premier League win.

The Magpies emphatically ended their away day blues on Saturday night, beating Everton 4-1 to record their first Premier League away victory in seven months. It was also the first time since April that Eddie Howe’s side have won back-to-back games in the league.

With two home matches this week - Burnley also visit Tyneside on Saturday - Howe has set his players the challenge of earning maximum points as they look to move on from their early-season struggles and climb the table.

As it stands, United sit 13th in the table, though are just four below Brighton & Hove Albion in fifth.

Speaking at his pre-Spurs press conference, Howe said: “Yeah, we always felt, even during some difficult runs, that the league's very tight this year and a consistent run of victories can propel you very quickly up the league.

“We're in a better position than we were, not necessarily in terms of league position, but in terms of points gap and, as you say, a couple of wins and we're back to where we want to be.

“So it’s a really key time because what you can't do is allow yourself to become detached. We know where we want to be. We've got work to do to get there. We really need a run of games where we get positive results. That's what we're looking for.”

Howe made six changes to his starting line-up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but how many will he make tonight? Here’s our predicted Newcastle United XI:

Newcastle United learn extent of fresh injury just hours before Tottenham Hotspur clash.

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Newcastle United are set to be without goalkeeper Nick Pope until Boxing Day.

Following a series of recent errors in defeats to Brentford, West Ham United and Marseille, head coach Eddie Howe faced loud calls from supporters to drop Pope and instate Aaron Ramsdale.

And in the end, Howe ultimately had the decision taken out of his hands. Pope sustained a groin injury in training on Friday, which saw Ramsdale play his part in the 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday.

Newcastle United learn extent of Nick Pope’s groin injury

Ramsdale is set to continue in goal for tonight’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, as well as upcoming matches against Burnley, Bayer Leverkusen, Sunderland, Fulham and Chelsea as Pope recovers from injury.

The 33-year-old visited a specialist early this week and according to Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie was told a recovery time of three weeks. It is hoped Pope will be back in the squad for the visit to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Discussing Pope on Monday, Howe said: “I can't speak highly enough of Nick. Since I've worked with him, I think he's been outstanding, not just as a goalkeeper because you see the product, but as a person.

“The character that he is, he's a really humorous lad, he's really vibrant and brings good energy to the group and the players see that and respect him immensely. You can see that by the fact that they voted him into the leadership group as a mark of the character that he is behind the scenes.

“His goalkeeping is second to none, he's the best shot stopper I've ever worked with and we need him back.”

Aaron Ramsdale steps up as Newcastle United’s number one

For Ramsdale, it is an opportunity to stake his claim and perhaps convince the club to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign. The 27-year-old joined on a season-long loan deal from Southampton in the summer, which includes an option to buy last summer.

Prior to his appearance at Everton at the weekend, Ramsdale had been restricted to just two starts, both of which came in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City and Tottenham, and one substitute outing when Pope was forced off at Brentford with a concussion.

Speaking after the Everton match, which also marked Ramsdale’s 250th career match, Howe said: “Nick and Aaron are very different goalkeepers. They've got different strengths, still very effective, both of them.

“ Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today. He distributed the ball very well. He wasn't overly worked necessarily in terms of shots, but what he did after handling it, I thought he did well.

“I don't think he can do much for the goal, so I think it's a good day for him and for the back four in front of him. Just a good day for the team in general, really.”

Newcastle United are awaiting a further update on the defender.

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Sven Botman is set to miss Newcastle United’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur as he seeks specialist advice on a back issue.

Botman had started 11 of his last 12 matches before dropping out of the starting line-up for the 2-1 victory over Manchester City nine days ago.

The Dutchman played the final quarter of an hour to help the Magpies see out the victory, however was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Marseille three days later.

Ahead of Saturday evening’s 4-1 win away to Everton, United head coach Eddie Howe revealed Botman had been nursing a back problem. As it happens, the defender was left out of the squad for the visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newcastle United issue Sven Botman injury update

Speaking after the game, Howe said: “He's been to see a specialist, or he's going to see a specialist, should I say. Fingers crossed it's not too long.

“Any absence with a player of Sven's qualities, especially with the injuries that he has had, is a blow for us. So, fingers crossed.”

As of Monday morning, Botman was still waiting to see a specialist, which suggests the visit of Spurs on Tuesday night will come too soon for him as the club awaits guidance on how to treat his injury.

At his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “With Sven, he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days, just to get a sort of definitive opinion, whether he needs an injection or whether he's able to rest for a few days and then resume training. So we'll wait and see.”

Newcastle United well-stocked at centre-back

Fortunately for Newcastle, they are well-stocked at centre-back as it stands with Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all available. Howe also has the experience of Jamaal Lascelles to call on if required.

It has been left to Burn, Schar and Botman - when fit - to compete for their place at centre-back with Thiaw, who joined from AC Milan for £35million in the summer, quickly becoming undroppable.

Thiaw is the only player to start the last 15 matches in a row, where he scored a brace against Everton on his last appearance.

On Thiaw, Howe said: “You never quite know how long it will take a player to feel comfortable and confident within the team and with their peers and in the way that we play.

“I think Malick had a little period where he had to wait. Fabi and Dan had done really, really well then I think Fabi got a concussion, he got an opportunity and he's never looked back from that moment and today I thought he was outstanding.

“Two great goals, two huge moments for us, but he's been really consistent. I think that's the biggest compliment I can give him. He's physically been able to handle the games, he's looked really strong and another top performer.”

Newcastle United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park tomorrow night.

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Thomas Frank has backtracked on controversially slamming Tottenham Hotspur supporters for booing Guglielmo Vicario during their 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.

A hectic opening six minutes on Saturday saw Spurs concede twice - giving them a mountain to climb. Vicario was caught in no man’s land for the second goal, rushing outside his box to allow Harry Wilson to score from distance.

Mohammed Kudus pulled one back in the second half but a resolute Fulham backline held on to snatch all three points. The crushing defeat was Tottenham’s fourth at home this season, with a section of fans beginning to question Frank’s appointment.

Thomas Frank condemns Tottenham Hotspur fans

Audible boos aimed towards Vicario echoed around North London following his howler. Launching a passionate defence of his goalkeeper, Spurs boss Frank hit out at the club’s supporters.

"I heard some of our fans apparently booed the incident and booed after which, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable,” he said. “(They) can't be true Tottenham fans that do that. Fair enough booing after the game, no problem, but when we are playing, we are supporting each other, we are behind each other going forward.”

And now the U-turn...

Fast forward just 48 hours and Frank has changed his tune - insisting Spurs need all of their supporters united. When asked if he regrets his comments before their trip to Newcastle United, the Dane said: “I don't know, and you can say, how do you define a true Spurs fan? I think all the fantastic fans we have believe they're true Spurs fans. Some react in one way, some react in another, some are a little bit in between. No matter what, we need all of them.”

A growing number of Tottenham fans appear to be voicing their discontent at the manager due to recent performances. NewcastleWorld has profiled a sample of angry comments from social media below.