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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now suffered back-to-back defeats against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Spurs were blown away by Newcastle United last season, with the Magpies winning 4-0 at St James’ Park. Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon ran riot that day, as Newcastle put Tottenham to the sword.

There were cries of ‘Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again’ from the St James’ Park crowd, who had seen Newcastle blow Spurs away 6-1 the season before.

This year’s clash at St James’ Park was much closer, but it had the same result. Newcastle won 2-1 despite not playing their best, with Eddie Howe setting his team up to be more defensive.

Eddie Howe got the better of Ange Postecoglou again, and the Tottenham manager is frustrated to see his side play so well yet head home with nothing.

Ange Postecoglou hails St James’ Park crowd

Following the game between Newcastle and Tottenham, Postecoglou spoke to Football London.

The Spurs boss admitted that it is always ‘difficult’ to play Newcastle United at St James’ Park, praising the Toon fans for the atmosphere that they create when their team is playing.

“Very similar, I guess to our first away game when we controlled it for the most part, nullified most of the threats that Newcastle have,” he said.

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“It’s obviously a difficult opponent here at home. The crowd create a pretty strong atmosphere for the home side, little things go their way but I thought for the most part we handled that really well.

“Then we gained the ascendancy in the game and we just needed to kill it off and we didn’t and a disappointing second goal. I thought we switched off a little bit but the game should have been well over by then.

“So, another sore one unfortunately where we haven’t got the rewards for our play, but ultimately it’s three strong performances from the first three games. The results don’t reflect it in that way.”

It is away from home that Newcastle United must improve

As Postecoglou says, Newcastle are always difficult to play against at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe has turned it back into a fortress, which has been a key reason for the success he has enjoyed during his time as manager.

But the big problem Newcastle have is their away form. It was a major issue last season, and it is something that the Magpies must rectify for the 2024/25 campaign.

Newcastle have played away twice this season, drawing both games 1-1. The most recent one was the Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, which ended with the Magpies winning on penalties.

But in both games, Newcastle struggled. The performances have not been great, and there needs to be an improvement after the international break. However, the saving grace is that Newcastle have not been playing well yet have managed to avoid defeat.

Newcastle’s next three fixtures

When domestic football returns, Newcastle face Wolves away from home. That will be a tough game, as it always is at Molineux. Then it is Fulham away, with Craven Cottage proving to be a ground that Newcastle do well at in recent years.

After those away fixtures, Newcastle return to St James’ Park on September 28th to face Manchester City. They will need the atmosphere to be electric that day, otherwise it will be extremely hard to get anything out of the game.

Jacob Murphy and Lloyd Kelly were Newcastle United’s two creators against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Magpies won 2-1 against Tottenham, despite not playing very well once again. Newcastle United were nowhere near their best, yet managed to be victorious.

Eddie Howe set Newcastle up to play on the counter, and that resulted in them scoring the winner. The Magpies hit Tottenham on the break, with Jacob Murphy played through on goal before giving Alexander Isak a tap in.

It was great forward play by Murphy, who had struggled up until that point to make an impact after coming on for Harvey Barnes.

But the 29-year-old delivered when it mattered, getting his first assist of the season.

First competitive Newcastle assist for Lloyd Kelly

And there was also a first assist from Lloyd Kelly, who provided the pass for Newcastle to take the lead in the first half.

Kelly has not been signed for his attacking prowess, but a quick throw-in allowed him to bomb down the line and pick out Barnes perfectly in the 37th minute.

The finish was sublime, as Newcastle scored against the run of play.

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Barnes took the plaudits, but the goal was made possible by Kelly.

This was the second time they have combined at St James’ Park, with Kelly assisting Barnes in the 1-0 friendly win over Brest in the Sela Cup.

Jacob Murphy hails Lloyd Kelly

Kelly’s assist capped off another solid performance in a black and white shirt.

The 25-year-old started at left-back for the second Premier League game running, and helped a resolute Toon defence pick up three points.

After the game, Kelly took to his official Instagram account to reflect on the victory.

He wrote: “THIS TEAM. Positive way to close out before the break, we keep moving forward.”

Kelly received a reply from Jacob Murphy, who commented: “Big performance bro.”

Howe was right to take Kelly off against Tottenham

Kelly played really well against Spurs, but did not complete the full 90 minutes.

He was substituted in the 68th minute to be replaced by Lewis Hall, as Howe went in search of a winner.

The Newcastle manager was probably also mindful that Kelly was on a yellow card, having been booked in the first half for a foul on Son Heung-min.

At the time of the substitution, Kelly had been struggling up against the pacey Brennan Johnson. The former Nottingham Forest attacker was causing problems up against a player who dare not commit another foul.

That is why it was smart to get Hall on at left-back, as he and Kelly continue to dovetail.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton could not hide their excitement after Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Once again, the Magpies were not at their best, but they were able to snatch victory thanks to a 78th minute winner from Alexander Isak.

That goal gave Newcastle United a 2-1 victory, and means they head into the international break with an unbeaten record in all competitions.

It was not a convincing performance, but that does not matter at this stage. Eddie Howe found a way to win, on a day that was incredibly special for Sandro Tonali.

Sandro Tonali makes St James’ Park return for Newcastle

After making his comeback in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest, Sandro Tonali was back at St James’ Park.

He started the win over Spurs on the bench, but took centre stage before the game as Wor Flags welcomed the 24-year-old back into the fold with an incredible display.

Tonali came on in the 68th minute to replace Sean Longstaff, and helped give the Magpies a lift at a time when they were struggling.

Eddie Howe was delighted with Tonali’s performance when he came on, while Tino Livramento is ‘buzzing’ to have Tonali back.

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The midfielder makes such a difference, and is clearly extremely popular inside the dressing room.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton serenade Tonali after beating Tottenham

In fact, Tonali was receiving more adulation as the players headed back into the dressing room following Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The club have released a video of the players returning to the dressing room on X, where they are greeted by Newcastle United number nine Callum Wilson, who is out with injury.

As Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton pass the camera, they both start signing ‘Sandro, ole, ole, ole’, with the Italy international right behind them.

They were showing their love for Tonali, belting out a chant that the Toon Army were signing all afternoon. The fan are so excited to have the ‘midfield maestro from Milano’ back, and so are Bruno and Joelinton.

That will be Newcastle’s best midfield three moving forwards

For the first time since losing to Brighton on September 2nd 2023, Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton were on the pitch at the same time in a Premier League game.

For many, that is Newcastle United’s best midfield three, and it is exciting to see what they can achieve together this season.

Last season, that trio was disrupted by injury and suspension. Hopefully there are no issues like that this season, as on paper they are one of the best midfield trios in the entire Premier League.

Hopefully they are starting together soon, but now it is the international break. Bruno is off to represent Brazil, while Tonali is making his Italy return in the Nations League.

Newcastle United head into the international break in good form.

Results wise, things could not really have gone much better for Newcastle this season. They’ve dropped two points away at Bournemouth but, aside from that, have won their three other games.

The fact Eddie Howe’s side have not yet clicked into gear is also promising. Surely, their relatively indifferent performances cannot last forever, so the hope will be that things start to become more convincing.

For now, however, it’s nice to see Newcastle doing the business on the pitch. The transfer window may have been fairly miserable but, so far at least, it does not appear to be having too much of an impact on the players.

Few would doubt Tottenham had the better of it on Sunday at St James’ Park but what is most important is that Newcastle found a way to win.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was particularly impressed with Nick Pope.

Ange Postecoglou says Newcastle had an “outstanding” player against Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham’s official website about the game after seeing his team squander a lot of chances, the Spurs head coach namechecked Pope as a particular stand out.

“I still think even outside of that [missing a striker] we just had some really good opportunities, a little bit more composure,” he said.

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“Fair play to Pope, I thought he had an outstanding game.”

Nick Pope isn’t perfect – but he’s so important for Newcastle

Pope may not be the most adept goalkeeper with his feet and is guilty of the occasional blunder, such as his parrying of the ball into Brennan Johnson’s path that led to Dan Burn putting through his own net on Sunday.

Still, surely few would doubt the fact that Pope is an upgrade on the goalkeepers Howe had to use in his injury-enforced absence last season, Loris Karius and Martin Dubravka.

Away from the transfer situation, Newcastle United need to focus on the football on Sunday.

The Magpies face Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park, as they look to improve after a stuttering start to the season.

Eddie Howe‘s side are yet to taste defeat, but have looked far from convincing. Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest in the cup on Wednesday night, but needed penalties to advance.

Now the Premier League is back, and Newcastle United are preparing for their toughest test yet. Tottenham Hotspur are heading to Tyneside, and Ange Postecoglou’s side looked rampant in their 4-0 win over Everton.

It will be a tough game for the Magpies, and this is our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe decides between Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier

Tino Livramento has started Newcastle’s first two Premier League games, but was benched for the Carabao Cup win on Wednesday night.

Kieran Trippier started that game, while he provided an injection of positivity during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

For that reason, Trippier is tipped to start against his former club Spurs.

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Elsewhere, Lloyd Kelly may continue at left-back ahead of Lewis Hall.

Sandro Tonali on the bench against Tottenham

The big decision that Howe needs to make on Sunday surrounds Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle fans were really impressed with Tonali against Forest, as he made his first appearance in 10 months.

The 24-year-old looked like he had never been away, and Tonali was serenaded by Newcastle fans after the final whistle.

Now he could be about to make his Premier League return, but it feels more likely that Howe will use him as an option off the bench.

That will mean Sean Longstaff starts, joining Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield.

One change in attack for Newcastle on Sunday

Newcastle fans want Harvey Barnes to start against Tottenham, after an impressive cameo in the draw with Bournemouth.

The £39million man was really impressive, and added much needed quality out wide.

Barnes could be the solution to Newcastle’s winger problem, and Sunday’s game against Tottenham will hopefully see Howe deploy him and Anthony Gordon out wide.

They will flank Alexander Isak, who is still looking for his first goal of the season.

Newcastle United have a problem this summer, and it will not be easy to solve.

The Magpies might be in the market for a striker, and they definitely will be if Callum Wilson leaves the club.

The 32-year-old’s future is currently up in the air, with his Toon contract due to expire next summer. It has been reported that members of the Newcastle hierarchy would like to sell Wilson, while it has been suggested that the Newcastle number nine is up for a new challenge.

Alexander Isak needs support

If Wilson does leave St James’ Park, Newcastle absolutely must sign a striker. Eddie Howe will need someone to act as deputy to Alexander Isak, who will be looking to build on the best season of his career.

He netted 25 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 season, and Newcastle considered Isak untouchable when they pondered how to solve their PSR problem.

The Magpies have a world class talent in Isak leading the line, but he needs support. Wilson currently fulfils that role, but for how much longer is unclear.

Newcastle United linked with Jonathan David

Newcastle have tried and failed to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while a new name was linked with the Magpies this week.

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Jonathan David emerged as a target, and the Lille striker is certainly available for a move this summer.

He would be an incredible addition to the Newcastle United squad, but it might be difficult to convince him to move to St James’ Park. That is because it is well-documented that whoever arrives will act as understudy to Isak, which probably makes a transfer less appealing.

That is the view of HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about reports that Jonathan David is on Newcastle’s radar.

“He’s available for a reasonable price, but would he be willing to play second fiddle to Alexander Isak?” he asked.

“Newcastle have now got the problem that Tottenham Hotspur had with Harry Kane. They always tried to sign a player to compete with Kane, but struggled. Whoever Newcastle target will know that they are not starting.

“I haven’t heard anything about Jonathan David and Newcastle, and I think it would be a tough sell to the player. He would be a good signing and fits in the price bracket, but some big clubs are looking at him.”

Wilson is perfect, if not for his fitness problems

As Bailey has stated, this is a problem that Tottenham had with Harry Kane. He was immense for Spurs, but never really had a proper understudy. Tottenham always struggled to find cover, and now it could be Newcastle’s issue.

But it is only an issue if Wilson leaves. In the England international, Newcastle have the ideal candidate. Wilson is a great goalscorer, and has dovetailed brilliantly with Isak when they both have been fit.

That is the main problem – fitness. Wilson scores consistently, but he also consistently has problems with injury. Howe cannot rely on him to always be available, which is why Newcastle are right to consider a replacement.

But will they get a replacement who is as good as Wilson and happy to play second fiddle? It is certainly a difficult sell, and it is a problem that sporting director Paul Mitchell must find a solution to before the transfer window closes on August 30th.

A potential outgoing transfer at Tottenham Hotspur could have an impact on a Newcastle United player’s future.

While the Magpies have avoided a points deduction and solved their PSR problem, there are still multiple players who could leave St James’ Park.

The likes of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff and Martin Dubravka are all in the final 12 months of their Newcastle United contracts, which means that the club needs to make a decision about their futures. They either get new deals very soon or go this summer, or the fear will be that they leave for nothing next summer.

Given Newcastle’s need to raise funds, that is something they will look to avoid.

Kieran Trippier’s Newcastle future is up in the air

For Trippier, it is unclear what the future holds. The 33-year-old is currently away on international duty, preparing to represent England in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

He could soon return to Tyneside as a national hero, and then he will need to decide what is next for his domestic career.

Given his contract situation, there is a chance that Trippier could leave Newcastle this summer, while the club even considered selling him when they needed to raise funds for PSR.

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AC Milan transfer now unlikely for Trippier

Trippier has been linked with a move to AC Milan, with Newcastle interested in Malick Thiaw coming the other way.

However, the Serie A giants are looking at another right-back, as they aim to sign Emerson Royal from Tottenham Hotspur.

And HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that a deal for the Spurs defender is AC Milan’s ‘priority’ right now, rather than targeting Trippier.

“I think Emerson Royal is AC Milan’s priority,” he said.

“They are in talks with Tottenham for him. It would be cheaper in terms of wages for Milan, and he is younger than Kieran Trippier.

“Trippier has been talked about at Milan, but I suspect he is less of a target now that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is involved with things there.

“Emerson Royal is very much their preferred target at right-back at the minute, and he does fancy the move.”

Newcastle have Trippier’s replacement, but need his leadership

If Emerson Royal moves to AC Milan, that will end any chance of Trippier moving there.

But there will be other suitors, if Newcastle are interested in finding a buyer for a player who has given so much to the club since his £12million arrival in January 2022.

It is a difficult decision for the Magpies. On the one hand, they already have Trippier’s replacement. That is why the club signed Tino Livramento last summer, and he proved during his debut year that he is certainly up to the task.

On the other hand, Newcastle would be taking a risk if they let a leader in Trippier go. They have already lost one in Matt Ritchie, who departed St James’ Park when his contract expired. It remains to be seen if Eddie Howe would be willing to lose another influential figure.

Only time will tell, but Trippier’s primary focus right now is the European Championship final on Sunday.

It is going to be really difficult for Newcastle United to sign the attacker they want this summer, and snapping up one of their targets might now be even tougher.

The Magpies have got their eye on some top level players, as Eddie Howe aims to bring in a new right winger who can help take the club to the next level.

Michael Olise would certainly do that, and Newcastle did make a move. However, he is on his way to Bayern Munich.

Nico Williams would also do that, but a transfer to St James’ Park seems extremely unlikely as he eyes a switch from Athletic Bilbao to Barcelona.

Even a player from the Championship could be difficult to sign, as Newcastle ponder whether or not to make a move for Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville.

Newcastle suffer Crysencio Summerville blow

The ‘exceptional‘ Dutchman is on Newcastle’s radar after a sensational season in the second tier with Leeds. He was named the Championship Player of the Season, but was unable to help them secure promotion back to the Premier League.

That created situation in which Leeds needed to raise funds by selling a star player, which suggested that he might be one of Newcastle’s more attainable targets.

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However, the situation has changed after Leeds sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur for £35million.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are no longer under pressure to sell after allowing Gray to join Spurs.

They report that Leeds are not actively looking to sell a player like Summerville anymore, and will only let him go if a decent offer comes in and he suggests that he would like to leave.

Leeds are no longer desperate to sell, which means Newcastle might have to break the bank if they are serious about signing Summerville, who is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle United did look at Archie Gray

With Tottenham signing Gray for £35million, Ange Postecoglou’s side have inadvertently made it tougher for Newcastle to bring Summerville to St James’ Park.

Interestingly, they have also signed a player who Newcastle United officials were watching closely last season.

That is according to the Times, who have reported that Toon scouts regularly watched Gray at Elland Road last season.

And given how impressive the teenager is, they surely would have been keen to bring him to the North East.

However, it is Tottenham who have secured his signature, for a fee that probably explains why Newcastle were never in the mix. While Gray has a huge amount of potential, it would have been a shock to see the Magpies spend more than £30million on a midfielder when they do not need reinforcements in that position and have other priorities.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur battled it out to sign an attacking midfielder in the summer of 2023, and now they could do it again in 2024.

The beginning of last summer was all about James Maddison, as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both vied for his signature.

It ended up being quite the saga, and it was a saga that ended with the attacking midfielder signing for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs. However, there were reports that Maddison was very keen on a move to Tyneside, only for wages to be an issue.

Fast forward 12 months and Newcastle may feel as if they could still benefit from a player like Maddison, while the 27-year-old is watching the Euros from home after failing to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Newcastle have looked at signing Eberechi Eze

Maddison was snubbed by Southgate, who opted for a more in-form player in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 25-year-old has been outstanding at Selhurst Park, while Toon fans recently saw firsthand how good Eze is when England competed at St James’ Park in a pre-Euros friendly.

And there is hope that Newcastle fans could see more of Eze, with Toon officials reportedly discussing a move for him this summer.

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He will not come cheap at £60million, while there is now the added complication of fresh competition.

Tottenham Hotspur interested in Crystal Palace star

According to TalkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign Eze from Crystal Palace, with their interest described as ‘serious’.

They add that Spurs are going to try and activate his £60million release clause, but they will need to reduce their wage bill before a deal is possible.

Newcastle will have to wait until July to sign players like Eze

As for Newcastle, they will need to wait until June 30th passes. That is an important date for the Magpies, as it is when the next set of accounts must be submitted to the Premier League.

Right, now the Magpies are in a position where they need to sell to stay within PSR limits. That is why Yankuba Minteh is being lined up for a move away from St James’ Park.

Once his exit is confirmed and June 30th passes, the real fun could start for the Magpies. That is when we could see Eddie Howe’s side step up their interest in some ambitious targets, and it will be interesting to see if they formalise their interest in Eberechi Eze.

Interestingly, they have already spoken to Crystal Palace this summer, having tried to make a move for Michael Olise. However, he is signing for Bayern Munich instead.

Now Palace could lose Eze as well, and it would be amazing if they lost him to Newcastle. He would be adored on Tyneside, but Tottenham could be well placed to stop that dream becoming a reality.

Newcastle United are under pressure due to PSR, but it is also a situation that they could benefit from.

While the Magpies reportedly need to sell someone before June 30th to appease the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, they are not the only club that is under pressure.

Nottingham Forest are also feeling the heat, having already suffered a points deduction last season for breaching PSR. Luckily for them, it did not lead to them being relegated.

But it does look like it will result in them needing to sell, which could be bad news for their hopes of keeping Morgan Gibbs-White.

Newcastle United interested in Morgan Gibbs-White

The 24-year-old is Forest’s most saleable asset, and is a player who would fit in brilliantly at St James’ Park. Gibbs-White is extremely versatile, young enough to keep improving and experienced enough that he is already a leader.

A player who has been called ‘talented‘ by Alan Shearer, the £42.5million man ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle, which is why the Magpies are interested in signing him this summer.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently told Geordie Boot Boys that he thinks Gibbs-White would be a great addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, and he is certainly a player who Toon fans would love to see arrive should Forest be forced to sell.

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Journalist thinks Newcastle move is more likely than Spurs for Gibbs-White

Given Gibbs-White’s ability, he is attracting plenty of interest, with Tottenham Hotspur also keen. But journalist Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that he thinks Newcastle are more likely to sign him, after hearing some ‘whispers’ on Tyneside.

“Doubt continues to linger around the potential of him staying at Nottingham Forest and my hunch is that if he leaves, Newcastle would be the best-placed to sign him,” he said.

“Spurs are being linked too but I’ve heard a few whispers around the Newcastle side of this that would make me side with them slightly in terms of being favourites at this early stage.

“He would be such an intriguing signing in that Newcastle team, a lovely player to have, making inroads behind Isak.

“We know the priority for Newcastle is to find an attacker for the right side of the attack but I would still keep an eye on Gibbs-White and how his situation starts to open up.”

Newcastle deal would feel opportunistic

Newcastle are in the market for a right winger, and that is where most of their transfer budget is going to go.

In contrast, a deal for Gibbs-White will not be cheap, nor is he really a right winger. Sure, he could play out there, but it certainly is not his best position. He is the most impactful when he plays as an attacking midfielder, while he can also operate slightly deeper in the middle of the park.

So he is not exactly what Newcastle are looking for, but that does not mean he would not be extremely beneficial.

Gibbs-White could allow Newcastle to change the way they play, while his presence in midfield could allow Joelinton to move out wide, which was planned to happen last season until all the injuries.

With PSR meaning that Gibbs-White could be available, this might be an opportunity that Newcastle feel like they cannot pass up. But some dominoes may need to fall, with the Magpies needing to sell themselves.

Only time will tell, as June 30th and the PSR deadline looms.