Newcastle Edge Past Wasteful Spurs with Isak’s Late Winner
Newcastle seized the advantage against the run of play in the 37th minute when Harvey Barnes struck inside the box, giving the Magpies a lead at half-time.
Despite controlling much of the game, Spurs found a deserved equalizer in the second half as substitute Brennan Johnson’s shot was deflected in by Dan Burn.
However, with 12 minutes remaining, Isak delivered the decisive blow on a counter-attack, calmly finishing to secure another home victory for Eddie Howe’s side this season.
Newcastle’s triumph keeps their unbeaten start intact and moves them up to fourth in the standings, while Spurs drop to 10th, just inside the top half.
Match Overview
The hosts started aggressively, nearly taking an early lead as Isak’s audacious shot clipped the crossbar and Barnes narrowly missed the target moments later. Spurs responded with Cristian Romero heading Pedro Porro’s cross into the net, only to have the goal disallowed for offside.
Against the flow of play, Barnes put Newcastle ahead with a well-taken finish after being set up by Lloyd Kelly. Spurs resumed strongly after the break, eventually leveling the score in the 56th minute when Burn inadvertently turned in Johnson’s deflected shot.
Despite chances for James Maddison and Johnson, Newcastle’s Isak capitalized on a swift counter-attack, converting a pass from Jacob Murphy to score his first goal of the season and secure the win.
Newcastle Persevere Amid Transfer Challenges
Eddie Howe acknowledged Newcastle’s challenges during the transfer window, including a failed pursuit of Marc Guehi. Yet, it was a player from last year’s signings, Harvey Barnes, who made the difference with his eighth start since joining from Leicester City.
Newcastle once again demonstrated the defensive resilience that earned them Champions League qualification last season, holding firm against Spurs’ sustained pressure. Anthony Gordon provided an outlet going forward, but Spurs defended well in their attempts to break their recent streak of poor results against the Magpies.
Isak’s goal, courtesy of Murphy’s unselfish assist, sealed a win that could be described as a “smash and grab” victory.
Spurs’ Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Spurs endured a slow start at St James’ Park, with an injury to assistant referee Ian Hussin briefly halting the early exchanges. After play resumed, Spurs improved, only to see Romero’s goal disallowed for offside.
Ange Postecoglou’s side then applied consistent pressure, with Pape Sarr forcing two saves from Nick Pope and further efforts from Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski being blocked. Despite dominating possession, Spurs ended the first half with just two shots on target.
Their attacking momentum continued into the second half, with Pedro Porro’s deflected cross hitting the woodwork and Maddison testing Pope from distance. Johnson’s introduction added pace, but Spurs’ lack of clinical finishing left them frustrated. Isak’s late winner underscored the need for further improvements in Spurs’ forward play.
