Newcastle have joined the Premier League’s top four with a 2-1 win over Tottenham, and look like they may hang around.
Goals from Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron at the end of the first half were enough to make Harry Kane’s effort nothing more than a consolation.
Antonio Conte wanted to avoid two consecutive defeats with Spurs following the loss to Everton midweek. He seemed to be on track with a quick start.
However, it didn’t take long for the Magpies to settle in front of their home crowd, and receive a gift from France captain Huge Lloris.
The goalkeeper charged out of the net to challenge for a long ball from Fabian Schar, and after failing miserably, England’s Wilson managed to collect the ball and brilliantly fire it in.
Almiron soon made it two, and continued his great start to the season with Clement Lenglet skinning and curling past Lloris.
Kane then reduced the deficit by a corner at 45 minutes to signal that it was game on. But Newcastle turned from brilliant attacking play and expert defending in order to seal the deal.
Bruno Guimaraes (star midfielder) was crucial at both ends. His son was born the day before.
He was a surprise inclusion to the line-up and explained how emotional it had been.
“Some amazing days for me,” he told Sky Sports post-match. “To become a father for the first time was incredible, I’m two days without sleep.
“I love to be with the guys, I could have stayed home, it was my decision, I wanted to be here, these guys make me happy and proud and I feel like we’re very deserving.
“Difficult days but I think it was one of the best days of my life, I’m very happy and proud, all the things in my life have become like a dream.
“I don’t have words because it is amazing what is happening in my life.
“I will say thanks to my family as well because it was a difficult day, but it’s all worth it.
“A win for Matteo!”
The result puts Eddie Howe’s side just two points from third-placed Spurs, and with the way things are going, they may well stick around.
Although it was inevitable that the Magpies would eventually join elite ranks following the Saudi-backed takeover of the Magpies, Howe only has two transfer windows to their new era.
