In the race for the Champions League places, Tottenham Hotspur secured an important three-pointer in the direct duel with Newcastle United. Son was the man of the match in a well-deserved 4-1 win
Both Tottenham and Newcastle had dropped a few points in the battle for the top spots in recent weeks. Early on Sunday evening, the two sides went head-to-head in matchday 16, with Spurs clearly dominating the first half.
Although the Magpies had the first big chance of the game in the 10th minute when Davies saved from Isak at the last moment, Spurs then took control of the game. Tottenham repeatedly combined into the final third with beautiful attacking soccer
Son sets up twice
The outstanding man for the home side: Son, who first set up Udogie’s opening goal (26′) and then set up Richarlison in the 38th minute, who netted from close range to make it 2-0. Son had beaten Trippier both times beforehand.
Newcastle could not keep up at all in this phase and revealed big gaps defensively: Sarr (31), Johnson (42) and Richarlison (44) could have increased the score before the break, but missed good opportunities.
Magpies improve, but Richarlison scores
That changed in the second half – although the Magpies had actually come out of the locker room in better shape. However, Spurs remained a real threat at all times and made it 3:0 after an hour, with Pedro Porro setting the scene for Richarlison to score a brace in front of Dubravka (60′).
After the third goal, the game was decided. The visitors continued to make an effort, but the compelling actions were lacking. Meanwhile, Tottenham even had chances to go one better. But Johnson hit the post (63′), Son narrowly missed the box from an acute angle (65′) and Pedro Porro failed to beat Dubravka (77′).
Son refines his top performance
The 4:0 was still to come: In the closing stages, Dubravka Son was fouled in the penalty area. A penalty was awarded, which the fouled player confidently converted to round off his world-class performance (85′). Joelinton’s consolation goal shortly before the end made the final score 1:4 (90.+1).
With the victory, Spurs collected important points in the battle for the international places and distanced Newcastle to four points.
