As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Keegan delighted as Newcastle thrash Spurs

Newcastle United produced their best performance under manager Kevin Keegan after a stunning 4-1 win at Tottenham.

Darren Bent had headed Spurs into the lead when he glanced a header in from Steed Malbranque's cross, but the revival was under way when Nicky Butt steered home from the edge of the area.

Geremi edged Newcastle ahead with a free-kick just after the restart that went through the defensive wall and left Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson flat-footed.

The points were sealed when Keegan's three strikers combined. Obafemi Martins played the ball through, Mark Viduka flicked on and Michael Owen finished first time.

Martins extended the lead eight minutes from time when he raced through, latching onto Joey Barton's pass and finishing calmly.

"I might put a couple more forwards in next time!" Keegan said. "This is the right way to play with the players and fixtures we've got.

"You look at our defensive record and to try to defend puts pressure on your defenders. They know that maybe they can concede a goal and have enough to win.

"You dream about playing like that away from home. You dream about being 4-1 up with 10 to go. Reality in the Premier League is difficult.

"It could have been seven or eight - Robinson has made terrific saves, we've hit the bar and Michael Owen's missed a chance he would normally score."

Spurs head coach Juande Ramos, meanwhile, is assessing the attitude of his players for the rest of the season, with European qualification secured already by winning the Carling Cup.

"We're at a phase of the season that is not quite so important, so it's a chance to look at players and see the squad and make decisions for next season," said the Spaniard.

Video of the day:

About the author

Tribal Football Staff

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free