Daily Mail

Man United and Tottenham are exploring a loan deal for PSG star Randal Kolo Muani, according to reports.

The Frenchman joined the Champions League side from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for £79million having scored 26 goals and assisted 17 in 50 matches.

He had also starred for his national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, coming off the bench to score in the semi-final against Morocco before starting in the final versus Argentina.

Things have not clicked for him at PSG, however, with the forward enduring a disappointing maiden campaign at the Parc des Princes, finding the net just nine times in 40 games.

This season Kolo Muani's stock has dropped even further, with boss Luis Enrique limiting the 26-year-old to just two league starts so far.

Now, according to The Athletic, United, Tottenham and Italian giants Juventus are keen on signing the Frenchman on a loan deal.

Asked about Muani's future at PSG last month, Enrique insisted: 'I could speak about it but I won't because my decisions say it all, even if as I have said, all of my decisions can be changed.'

Muani has three-and-a-half years left on his contract with Les Parisiens, with the deal reportedly worth upwards of £200,000-per-week.

In the 2022 World Cup final the forward had the chance to win the tournament for France but was denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's 'save of the century'.

France have been able to get more out of Kolo Muani than PSG, with the striker scoring three goals in his last five outings for Les Bleus.

However, he has managed just three starts all season for PSG and has failed to make the squad for their last two league games.

The French giants have reportedly spoken with Kolo Muani's delegation and are willing to let him start afresh elsewhere in the new year.

The 26-year-old, who rose from the French third tier to the World Cup final in three years, is commended for his electric pace and strength.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have already made one addition to their squad during the January transfer window after completing the £12.5million of Antonin Kinsky.

The Czechia youth international has signed a six-year contract with the Premier League side.

Kinsky has kept 12 clean sheets in 19 league appearances for Slavia Prague this season.

Tottenham are currently short of goalkeeping options, with Brandon Austin, 25, making his debut for the club in their 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to be out until the end of February following ankle surgery.

New Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky is available for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool after the club received his work permit on Monday.

Kinsky become Spurs' first signing of the January transfer window on Sunday after he joined in a deal set to be worth 15million euros (£12.5m) plus add-ons.

The Czech Republic Under-21 international was unable to train with his new team-mates on Monday while he waited for his work permit, but it has now been granted and he could be in line for a high-profile debut on Wednesday.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin for the 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle with Fraser Forster ruled out through illness and Guglielmo Vicario still absent with a fractured ankle.

Austin impressed on his debut days before his 26th birthday and Postecoglou is faced with a decision to make before Liverpool visit in the semi-final first leg, with Kinsky set to train with his new team-mates on Tuesday.

Kinsky, 21, has already made 29 appearances this season and kept 14 clean sheets during a successful first half of the campaign for Slavia Prague, which earned him a move to Tottenham on a contract until 2031.

Kinsky joined Slavia Prague from Dukla Prague in 2021 and had loan spells at Vyskov and Pardubice.

He is the son of former Czech Republic goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

'It's a dream come true, I realise this is the kind of opportunity that might only come once in a lifetime,' Kinsky told Slavia Prague's club website.

'I remember my dad always telling me to keep working hard, stay ready, and never let a chance to fulfil my dreams slip by. Since I was a kid, I've had it in my mind that I always have to be prepared.

'When something like this comes along, I think to myself, 'This is it.' Each of these moments felt huge, but I never imagined it would become something this big – that Tottenham would call and show interest in me.

'The feeling is incredible, and I'm overjoyed.'

The arrival of Kinsky will be a much needed boost to Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit side.

Tottenham suffered their 10th Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday against Newcastle.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in bringing Son Heung-min to the Nou Camp

The Spurs captain's existing contract is set to expire at the end of the season

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford

Barcelona are pursuing a move for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min once he becomes a free agent, according to reports.

Son's future in north London remains uncertain with his existing deal set to expire in May despite talks having taken place between the player and club.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has previously highlighted the importance Son has on his team and the club are keen to avoid risking one of their star player's leaving for free.

The 32-year-old is currently able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside the Premier League as he enters the final few months of his commitment at Tottenham that he initially extended in 2021.

Barcelona's cash-strapped financial situation means they are looking at players that will be free agents in the summer and Son's name is amongst a shortlist of potential recruits, as reported by Spanish outlet El Nacional.

Son could be tempted by a move to the Nou Camp with the club still boasting a reputation as one of the world's biggest despite their financial difficulties and can offer regular minutes in the Champions League - something Spurs currently can't.

The South Korean moved to Tottenham as a relatively unknown figure from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has since gone on to become a household name with 169 goals and 90 assists in 431 appearances.

Should his departure to Catalan become a reality then Son could find himself arriving alongside a host of other free recruits with Barcelona also considering approaches for two Bayern Munich stars.

Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane both find themselves in the same contract situation as Son and represent world class talent at a budget price given they wouldn't need to negotiate a fee with Bayern.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah is also believed to be a potential target for Hansi Flick who previously managed Bayern Munich and guided the club to an incredible treble.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are still fighting to re-register Dani Olmo in what has turned into an embarrassing situation for the LaLiga leaders.

Olmo, 26, joined Barca this summer in a £50m move from RB Leipzig amidst the Catalan club's well-documented financial difficulties.

The Spain international was forced to spend the multiple weeks on the sidelines upon arrival due to the club's financial situation preventing further registrations.

Barca were eventually able to field both Olmo and team-mate Pau Victor by securing temporary registrations that expired on December 31.

The decision means both players are now free agents, with Olmo having a clause in his contract that he can leave the club without a fee if he goes unregistered.

Ange Postecoglou is reportedly facing an FA probe over his comments following Tottenham's 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle.

Spurs continued their poor form as they suffered a 10th league defeat of the season and Postecoglou was left aggrieved by some of referee Andrew Madley's decisions.

His sense of injustice revolved around Newcastle's first goal, an equaliser scored by Anthony Gordon after the ball clearly struck Joelinton on the hand as he blocked a pass.

Referee Madley did not see an offence and it was not overruled by the VAR Chris Kavanagh because Joelinton's hand was in a natural position and the contact was ruled to be accidental.

Postecoglou said after the game: 'On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today. Things weren't equal and balanced.'

When pushed by the reporter on what decisions he particularly disagreed with, the 59-year-old lashed out.

'You can talk about whatever you want,' he said. 'You want my opinion - if all things were equal and balanced we would have won.'

As reported by the Mirror, Postecoglou could be in trouble, though managers are allowed to express opinions on referees and decisions if they don't hint at bias or question an official's integrity.

The FA have not launched a full investigation yet but want to know what Postecoglou meant with his comments.

If the Australian admits his comments were directed at the referee, he could face a touchline ban or a fined.

Tottenham were incensed when a foul was awarded against Dan Burn for a similar handball offence as the game escaped them. Alexander Isak scored Newcastle's winner.

Spurs, with 10 first-teamers missing at kick-off and others suffering from illness, led through Dominic Solanke and produced a spirited fight back but could not find a second.

'We were outstanding,' said Postecoglou. 'Our football was outstanding against a very good opponent in good form. It was brilliant, outstanding, a game we deserved to win and on any other day we would have won.

'Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray literally got off sickbeds to play, and Radu was shattered at half-time. He didn't have any more to give.

'On Thursday, we literally had 11 fit players for training. But I don't care about that, what I care about is the players put in an unbelievable performance, fantastic football, created chances, denied them and having to defend strongly which we did.

'And it's unfair on them more than anything else that they didn't get the rewards today.'

Eddie Howe found a different way to win here. Ange Postecoglou stuck with the same way to lose.

The Newcastle boss did not like some of what he saw in the second half. Still, he celebrated the resolve and improvisation shown in securing a sixth straight victory.

Howe is an idealist who lives in the real world. Postecoglou is an idealist who seems trapped in his own, delusional world.

As recently as mid-December, Newcastle and Spurs were neighbours in the bottom half of the table. They were on 20 points after winless runs and were looking up at Fulham, Brentford and Bournemouth. It felt like they were rivals back then, each flawed in their own way.

Howe made some changes and, with it, everything changed. Postecoglou, albeit hampered by injury, refused to bend and kept the bad ship Spurs on course for the iceberg. Eleven points separate them now.

A good manager, a not-so-good manager. By extension, on current viewing, a very good team and, well, you get the idea. The problem for Spurs is that Postecoglou does not. He is wedded to his own idea and, because of that, there is no plan for improvement, no recognition of the tools at his disposal. He is still trying to chisel his own grand vision with plastic cutlery.

He lost goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to an ankle injury 12 matches ago yet continued to play to the Italian’s ball-playing strengths in his absence. In doing so, they have played to Fraser Forster’s weaknesses.

Forster was missing against Newcastle because of illness and his replacement Brandon Austin, on his debut, was asked to play the same way. He did OK. But, in isolation, is this not an illustration of Postecoglou’s stubbornness? Maybe that is too kind - short-sighted would perhaps be a better description of his management.

Micah Richards said on Match of the Day that Spurs are trying to play ‘the right way’. Really? What is right about not winning? What is right about having no control of a football match? Even at their best and with everyone fit they rarely have control. Celtic can do that and win, Spurs cannot. Postecoglou has chosen not to adapt, and that does not seem very smart at all.

Howe was asked how he had journeyed from a coach with a reputation of not being able to organise a defence at Bournemouth, to having a team at Newcastle who had not conceded in four matches.

‘I think you always evolve as coach,’ he said. ‘I don’t have the same view on the game that I did five or six years ago. If I did, there would be an issue. You are always changing your focus, changing the things you believe are the most relevant to your team. That depends on who you are managing and coaching.’

Postecoglou would do well to take note. He would also do well to observe Howe’s post-match demeanour in light of defeats, of which the Newcastle boss has suffered five this season. He is never too high nor too low. Anger, whilst no doubt existing, is always tempered, and strong criticism of referees is generally off limits.

On Saturday afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an angry Postecoglou - ‘the angriest I have ever been’ - showed his teeth and appeared to jump the shark, claiming that: ’On another day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game, it’s as simple as that.’

His grievance was with Newcastle’s equalising goal in the sixth minute when the ball hit Joelinton’s hand before Bruno Guimaraes played a pass to Anthony Gordon and he scored, levelling Dominic Solanke’s fourth-minute opener. VAR protocol was correct to allow the goal to stand - the handball was accidental and did not lead immediately to the goal.

But more so, it was the sixth minute, mate. Your team had another 84 plus a combined 17 in stoppages to go and score again - and could not. There were just three shots on target in that time, against opposition who visibly tired after half-time and compromised on their philosophy to sit in and frustrate.

Meanwhile, two players seemingly suited to Postecoglou’s front-foot, attacking principles - James Maddison and Heung-Min Son - were kept on the bench until after the hour.

Big-game players not picked for a big game seemed strange, especially as Maddison is suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool. When they came on against Newcastle, Spurs were better. And yes, Postecoglou was right, his team did give it a good go and probably deserved a point from the game.

But much like the bigger picture at Spurs, that second half was all a bit disorderly. It is the job of the manager to manage, and right now Postecoglou is coming up short.

Spurs have completed a deal to sign Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky

The 21-year-old signed a contract to 2031 and provides much needed cover

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford

Tottenham have completed the signing of Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in a deal worth £12.5million.

The 21-year-old arrived in London on Saturday and underwent a medical in the evening.

The Czechia youth international has signed a six-year contract with the Premier League side.

Kinsky has kept 12 clean sheets in 19 league appearances for Slavia Prague this season.

'We are delighted to announce the signing of Antonin Kinsky from SK Slavia Prague, subject to international clearance and work permit,' Tottenham confirmed.

'The 21-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will run until 2031 and will wear the number 31 shirt.'

Tottenham are currently short of goalkeeping options, with Brandon Austin, 25, making his debut for the club in their 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to be out until the end of February following ankle surgery.

Fraser Forster, meanwhile, was unavailable for the game against Newcastle due to illness.

Kinsky has been capped by Czechia at various youth levels and has also been named on the bench for the senior team.

He earned his first senior call-ups ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures in October and November.

Kinsky joined Slavia Prague from Dukla Prague in 2021 and had loan spells at Vyskov and Pardubice.

He is the son of former Czech Republic goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

The arrival of Kinsky will be a much needed boost to Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit side.

Tottenham suffered their 10th Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday against Newcastle.

The result saw Spurs slip to 12th in the table and have only earned five points from their last eight matches.

Tottenham face Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Postecoglou's side then face non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup third round, before a midweek clash against arch-rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Ally McCoist made an unexpected choice for man of the match on Saturday

McCoist was in attendance as Newcastle won 2-1 against Tottenham

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford

Ally McCoist made an unexpected choice for his man of the match as Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1.

Alexander Isak scored the winner for Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon having equalised after Dominic Solanke put Tottenham ahead early on.

McCoist was in attendance for the game as part of TNT Sports' coverage.

The popular former Rangers star ended up making a decision that he hadn't previously done during his lengthy media career.

McCoist's media career stretches back to the 1998 World Cup when he was part of the BBC's punditry team having missed out on Scotland's squad for the tournament.

Since then he has covered many games for various different organisations.

McCoist made a change from convention as he gave the man of the match award to a player on the losing side - Tottenham goalkeeper Brandon Austin.

Despite Tottenham losing the game Austin seized his opportunity as he commanded his penalty area well and made some impressive interventions.

Speaking on TNT Sports, McCoist said: 'I think it might be the first time in my co-comm career that I haven’t given it to a player in the winning team.

'I’m going to give it to the Tottenham goalkeeper, I’ll tell you why. I think he’s been absolutely excellent at crosses under pressure.

'Brandon Austin man of the match, sitting with my fingers crossed that he doesn’t make an error before now and the end of the game. But for you think that somebody who has waited so long.

McCoist then praised Austin for a save to deny Harvey Barnes and highlighted just how long the goalkeeper has been waiting for his chance.

He said: 'Man of the match. Absolutely, what a save. 17 years, 7 managers, 78 times he’s sat on the bench without getting on. You cannot begrudge him that.'

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also praised Austin after the game as he said: 'Yeah, brilliant, you know, like I said before the game, you don't know when you get your opportunity, but he got it today and it was outstanding.'

However, it remains to be seen whether Austin will get many more games for Tottenham, with the club having agreed a deal worth £12.5million plus add-ons to sign goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored after Dominic Solanke's opener

Join Mail+ to read Craig Hope's Newcastle Confidential every Thursday, plus more exclusive scoops, in-depth coverage and analysis from St James' Park

Alexander Isak fired home his 13th Premier League goal of the season to boost Newcastle's Champions League push with a fifth win on the bounce and condemn Spurs to a fifth defeat in seven.

Dominic Solanke got the hosts off to a roaring start with a header from a looping cross in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was taking in his first match as new England manager.

In a familiar turn of events for Spurs, their lead did not last long. Lucas Bergvall seemed to strike the ball onto Joelinton's arm before the Brazilian played a pass into Bruno Guimaraes, who found an on-rushing Gordon.

The England star took one touch before firing home and wheeling off in celebration but Ange Postecoglou was left furious, calling in vain for a handball.

Red-hot Alexander Isak completed the comeback towards the end of the second-half, tapping home a cross from Jacob Murphy - the Englishman's seventh assist of a fiine campaign.

After another rip-roaring encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mail Sport's Craig Hope was on hand to run the rule over the two sets of players.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

BRANDON AUSTIN: 6.5

Could maybe have done more with Gordon opener but recovered and gave decent account on debut. Dealt well with crosses, in particular, and made couple of decent saves.

PEDRO PORRO: 5.5

Provided a string of dangerous deliveries, most notably for opening goal. Good going forward, suspect going back over, as per.

RADU DRAGUSIN: 4.5

Suffering from illness and Isak, it was a difficult first half for Romanian before half-time withdrawal.

ARCHIE GRAY: 5.5

Another battling both illness and Newcastle's livewire frontmen, he struggled first half and inexperience told at times. Big block from Tonali second half.

DJED SPENCE: 5.5

Did not do enough to stop Murphy cross for Isak goal and area in behind him was targeted by visitors. Was better when moved to centre-back after half-time.

LUCAS BERGVALL: 7

The boos when his number went up on 62 minutes told you everything - he had been Spurs' best player. Smart on the ball and good industry.

PAPE SARR: 5

Worked hard but did not offer the control Spurs needed in the middle. No surprise when he was hooked after the hour.

BRENNAN JOHNSON: 6

Came into game more second half and cracked the post. Was then guilty of missing target when smashing across goal with Spurs on top.

DEJAN KULUSEVSKI: 6

Always wanted ball and tried his best to spark something for equaliser but without any joy.

TIMO WERNER: 4.5

Did well to stay on for 62 minutes. Did close to nothing, not for the first time.

DOMINIC SOLANKE: 6.5

Super start in front of Thomas Tuchel when outfoxing Botman to score inside four minutes. Was a handful at times but didn't take the half chances that came his way second half.

Substitutes:

Sergio Reguilon (on for Dragusin 46) 6.5

Heung-Min Son (on for Werner 62) 6

James Maddison (on for Bergvall 62) 6.5

Yves Bissouma (on for Sarr 62) 6.5

Manager: Ange Postecoglou 6

He bemoaned the officiating and injuries and illness, but his team simply must do better. Spirited second half but, on the whole, they didn’t deserved to win, as the boss later claimed.

Newcastle (4-3-3)

MARTIN DUBRAVKA: 7

Had saves to make - and he made them. Was also better on crosses. A solid showing when his team needed it.

TINO LIVRAMENTO: 7.5

His best game of the season after recall for Trippier. Carried the ball and used it effectively. Was also smart at the back.

SVEN BOTMAN: 7

A shaky start on return from 10 months out when losing Solanke for the goal but he recovered and produced several important interceptions and blocks.

DAN BURN: 8 MAN OF THE MATCH

Stepped up second half when those in front of him stepped off the gas. Big block, headers and interceptions. Newcastle's player of the season so far.

LEWIS HALL: 6.5

Another steady display and did himself no harm in front of Tuchel. Didn't get forward as much but did well up against Johnson.

BRUNO GUIMARAES: 7

Everything that was good about Newcastle first half went through him. Faded after half-time before coming back into it and helping see home win.

SANDRO TONALI: 6.5

Very quiet start but came into game towards half-time and his team improved because of it. But like others, looked tired second half before late revival.

JOELINTON: 5.5

Sloppy too often the ball, this was not one of his better games. Part of a midfield that went missing second half.

JACOB MURPHY: 6.5

Another assist for Isak and another showing of energy and endeavour down the right. Quiet second half.

ALEXANDER ISAK: 6.5

A seventh straight league game in which he has scored and made Spurs defenders nervous first half. Failed to trouble makeshift backline after interval, though.

ANTHONY GORDON: 7

A constant threat first half and took his goal well. Had two good chances for a second. Would have impressed Tuchel.

Substitutes:

Harvey Barnes (on for Gordon 78) 6

Joe Willock (on for Isak 86)

Sean Longstaff (on for Murphy 86)

Lloyd Kelly (on for Botman 90)

Manager: Eddie Howe 7

His team found a different way to win and were dogged second half after control of first. Five on spin now in league and his players are giving everything.

The Newcastle revival rolls on, gathering momentum with another victory and sharpening their Champions League credentials once again.

Into the new year with the same hot form as Alexander Isak extended his goal spree, claiming the winner. It was not his finest, scuffed into an open goal from a couple of yards but he has 14 for the season and has scored in each of his last seven Premier League games.

His goals have fuelled Newcastle’s rise up the table and Eddie Howe, overlooked for the England job, can take satisfaction from this, his sixth win in a row, achieved in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was starting his new job with a ticket in the VIP seats.

Tuchel once said Tottenham were his favourite English team. He liked the name, apparently, but all Spurs fans continue to suffer.

For them, a new year has brought more of the same old problems. Only worse. On top of a crisis of injuries which shows no sign of yielding there, Ange Postecoglou was missing players who had fallen to a sickness bug in the camp.

They are dropping like flies. Fraser Forster was bedridden leaving Brandon Austin to make his debut in goal. Radu Dragusin did not make it out for the second half leaving Spurs without a recognised centre half on the pitch.

On top of which, Postecoglou chose to start with captain Heung-min Son and vice-captain James Maddison on the bench.

Somehow, his depleted team produced a spirited second half performance. In fact, one of their most encouraging halves in recent weeks and the manager deserves credit for his courage. And almost got a point.

Maddison went close with a curler and Dominic Solanke, scorer of the game’s first goal in the fourth minute should have headed in an equaliser in stoppage time. His effort was too close to goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Austin was making his first ever Tottenham start and his first appearance for anyone since a loan spell at Orlando City in the summer of 2021.

He impressed with his aerial presence, pulling crosses cleanly out of the air and weathering the physical attention at set pieces, but he was picking the ball out of his net within six minutes, a controversial goal finished by Anthony Gordon.

Lucas Bergvall, the Swedish teenager selected ahead of Yves Bissouma in Tottenham’s midfield, had a pass out of defence intercepted by Joelinton. Bruno Guimaraes picked up the loose ball and released Gordon who applied a confident finish.

There was a long VAR check when it became clear Joelinton’s interception had been made with his left hand but the goal was allowed to stand. The VAR Chris Kavanagh decided his hand had been by his side in a natural position and that contact was accidental.

Postecoglou fumed on the touchline and his assistant Matt Wells took the complaints to the fourth official Lewis Smith. They were aggrieved because Bergvall’s pass had been intended for Pedro Porro, breaking out from right back.

When Joelinton made the block, Porro was a long way out of position and Gordon in yards of space.

The home crowd turned on the officials and Spurs lost their composure despite making a positive start and taking an early lead through Dominic Solanke, who escaped Sven Botman to head in a Porro cross in the fourth minute.

Botman was back in the Newcastle defence after nine months out with a knee injury and perhaps a little rusty, but the threat from Spurs receded once the visitors equalised.

They dominated until the interval. Austin saved from Gordon and Isak missed a glorious chance from six yards before claiming his 14th goal of the season.

Jacob Murphy crossed low from the right, Dragusin lunged to cut it out but turned it towards his own goal and Isak pounced to sweep it into an empty net.

Gordon and Joelinton had chances to extend the lead and it seemed briefly as if Newcastle might run away with it before half time.

As it turned out, Spurs hung on but Postecoglou’s manpower problems only deepened. Dragusin, among those fighting illness ahead of the game, was unable to return so on came Sergio Reguilon with Djed Spence moving into the centre of defence alongside Archie Gray.

Strangely, Spurs improved as an attacking force and almost levelled. Pape Matar Sarr forced a good low save from Dubravka and Brennan Johnson fired the rebound against a post from an acute angle.

Newcastle threatened on the break. Gordon fired over after Gray blocked from Sandro Tonali. Then Gordon suffered a bloodied nose in a collision with Dejan Kulusevski. Bloodied but unbowed and on the climb.

For Tottenham, another defeat to extend a miserable run of one win in eight Premier League games.

Anthony Gordon's composed equaliser for Newcastle in their win over Tottenham left Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players incensed, with the home side demanding the referee chalk it off for handball.

Dominic Solanke had given the north London side an early lead by bullying his defender and heading home from a high ball.

The visitors managed to complete a first-half comeback and hold on for a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, but those of a Spurs persuasion were left less than impressed that the first one stood.

Lucas Bergvall seemed to strike the ball onto Joelinton's arm in the build-up although the Brazilian appeared to know very little about it.

He then played a pass into Bruno Guimaraes, who found an on-rushing Gordon. The Englishman took one touch before firing his second home and wheeling off in a celebration in front of new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

An under-pressure Postecoglou grimaced after the goal was confirmed and his bench complained to the fourth official.

In particular, assistant coach Matt Wells joined substitute Sergio Reguilon in voicing their anger at the call.

A few minutes later, the Premier League Match Centre official X account posted their justification of the decision, saying: 'The referee's call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental.'

Meanwhile on Sky Sports, former referee Mike Dean said: 'It's a goal, even if it hits his hand, it's accidental.

'And he hasn't scored the goal Joelinton. It's then gone forward to Gordon so it's a goal.'

On TNT Sports, pundits Karen Carney and Joe Hart weighed in on the decision and there was disagreement in the studio.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea star said: '[Gordon] is ruthless on the counterattack. His work ethic, his crossing is good, but I have to say I think that was a handball. I know the letter of the law.

'I know he was unintentional, but it's still for me gave an advantage for Newcastle there, and I think that was a handball.

'I'm not saying that is the rule, but I still think it gave them an advantage. So he didn't intentionally mean to do it, so I'm not arguing. I'm arguing with the rule basically.'

Hart, meanwhile, added: 'I like the laws. I like the clarity. I've got no qualms with that. It happened. All of us, all of us are having a conversation straight away.

'Straightaway the conversation is what are the rules?

'Because that's the only way that we can form an opinion when it comes to this in terms of what's going on on the pitch. We can have a discussion, Karen, Lindsay, we can all talk about what we think should happen, human element coming into it.

'Obviously a huge benefit to Newcastle, the fact that it did turn over, when the rules were in front of you stating, I don't think it was in an abnormal position. It was a natural position. Ball turned over. It's unfortunate for Spurs.'