Jermaine Jenas fired Newcastle into second place in the Premiership with a
dramatic winner just 25 seconds before the end of normal time.
To add to Tottenham's misery, they were left facing a striker crisis after
Robbie Keane hobbled out of this game with a badly swollen ankle.
Spurs were the better team but they suffered the cruellest of blows as they
went in search of a winner and Newcastle hit them on the break.
Craig Bellamy created the opening with his pace and his shot was well saved by
Kasey Keller. But the loose ball fell for Jenas and he scrambled it home - his
second late goal in London this year after he snatched a point at West Ham with
a stunning strike.
As for Spurs, they desperately need to find a new striker before the transfer
window closes. Republic of Ireland international Keane, who has recently found
his best form, was clattered from behind by Titus Bramble after only 11 minutes,
and although he bravely carried on he had to be replaced by Gary Doherty 10
minutes before the break.
Spurs have parted company with both Les Ferdinand and Sergei Rebrov during the
transfer window, while Steffen Iversen is injured, so manager Glenn Hoddle will
either have to step up his bid to bring in a new striker before the weekend or
hope that Keane is fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
This fixture is traditionally a high scoring one, and the early signs were
suggested that might again be the case.
Spurs tried one of their familiar set-pieces after Olivier Bernard was
pressured into conceding a corner in the third minute.
Darren Anderton's ball from the right found Teddy Sheringham as he pulled
away, and he helped the ball on towards the far post. Anthony Gardner - starting
his first league game for three months - met it on the edge of the six-yard box
but sent his header just over the crossbar.
There was more excitement for the home fans after seven minutes when Simon
Davies raced down the right flank. The Welshman beat Laurent Robert and picked
out Gus Poyet with his low cross, and the Uruguayan - playing his 50th league
game for Spurs - looked destined to score his 50th goal in English league
football before the ball was deflected behind by Nikos Dabizas.
The first real sign of Newcastle danger came after 25 minutes when Bellamy
slipped past Gardner and raced towards the penalty area. He was only stopped by
an excellent tackle from Dean Richards, who was playing out of his skin for
Spurs.
Ten minutes later Bernard saw his shot from 20 yards turned away well by
Keller, and shortly afterwards Keane departed for Spurs.
The game was played at a fast pace and there was a worrying moment for the
visitors after 47 minutes as Shay Given made a mess of a clearance but redeemed
himself with a fine save.
The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper hit his clearance against Andy O'Brien and
he was left stranded as the ball fell to Poyet. The Spurs midfielder sent in a
good shot from 20 yards, but Given scrambled back and just managed to tip the
ball over the crossbar.
Poyet was celebrating five minutes later when he pounced inside the box and
this time swept the ball past Given. But the joy was short-lived as the
linesman's flag signalled offside - a decision which looked harsh.
After a slight lull in proceedings the game livened up again in the final 10
minutes as Newcastle enjoyed their best chance of the night after winning the
ball in midfield and racing forward. Alan Shearer's fierce low drive was well
blocked by Keller and when the rebound fell for Jenas he somehow shot past the
far post.
But the youngster made amends with his third goal of the season to enable
Newcastle to complete the double over Spurs for the first time in seven years.
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook