Newcastle United once again proved too strong for Tottenham at St James’ Park to maintain their march towards Wembley. On an evening when Magpies icon Andy Cole slammed Spurs players as ‘schoolboys’ for losing focus during a crucial corner kick that led to Fabian Schar’s opening goal, Xavi Simons chased the match officials at the interval and bellowed: “Wake up”.
Cole had been left stunned that Tottenham switched off as Djed Spence stopped to tie his bootlace before failing to regain his position swiftly enough. However, defending champions Newcastle remained sharp and focused as they secured a well-deserved victory. Schar opened the scoring on 24 minutes with a powerful header to give the Magpies an early advantage.
Following the breakthrough, Thomas Frank protested angrily to fourth official Dean Whitestone, suggesting that Djed Spence wasn’t prepared for the corner to be taken as he was tying his bootlace in the corner.
Nevertheless, the goal was allowed to stand, and whilst Schar kept his focus perfectly on the ball, Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to close down the effort as it found the bottom corner.
The visitors were furious with the officials as the teams departed for the interval, with Xavi Simons screaming “wake up” at Whitestone whilst heading down the tunnel.
Newcastle doubled their lead after the break as Joe Willock’s cross found Nick Woltemade, who coolly headed home at the Gallowgate End.
Frank was pleased with Tottenham’s display in spite of their defeat, with the Dane describing it as a game of fine margins.
“I think it was a very even game,” he said after the final whistle. “I think it was small margins that decided it. I think our performance was good.
“I think the way we played the game, especially how we built it from behind, phase one, especially phase two, I think we controlled the game much more.
“I think we had some short connections in the middle of the pitch. I think we found Lucas [Bergvall] and Xavi in good positions.
“So I think it was one of our better offensive performances for the season. You could say it was not like we created five hundred percent chances, but we created some really big chances.”
