April 23, (THEWILL) – Tottenham’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the English Premier League were dealt a massive blow as they suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
The hosts got off to a stunning start at St James’ Park, with Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak each scoring two goals and Joelinton also finding the net. It was a loss for which interim coach Cristian Stellini was quick to accept responsibility.
The 48-year-old stated that he made the wrong decision to field a four-man backline instead of their usual 3-4-3 system. “It went so badly because we were not prepared enough to play an important match,” Stellini said in post-match comments. “It is my responsibility to take this type of decision. I took it and it was wrong.”
Although Harry Kane managed to score a goal after the break, Callum Wilson scored Newcastle’s sixth, leaving Tottenham six points behind their opponents in the race for a top-four finish. Stellini reverted to the three-man defence after Newcastle’s fifth goal, and although Tottenham improved, it was too little too late.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
