Isak On Target As Newcastle Beat Tottenham 2-1
Alexander Isak continued his magnificent scoring run as Newcastle came from behind to inflict another home defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and stretch their winning run in all competitions to six matches.
The visitors came into Saturday’s Premier League game in scintillating form but fell behind after just three minutes when Pedro Porro’s in-swinging delivery was headed in by Dominic Solanke.
However, Anthony Gordon restored parity two minutes later, firing low past Spurs’ debutant goalkeeper Brandon Austin into the far corner in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Spurs were adamant Joelinton should have been penalised for handball in the build-up to Gordon’s goal, but the officials deemed that the contact with Lucas Bergvall’s pass was accidental and that the Brazilian’s arm was in a natural position.
Isak dragged a Jacob Murphy cross off target shortly after the half-hour mark but made no mistake from a similar position moments later, slotting home after Radu Dragusin had deflected another Murphy delivery into his path.
The Swede becomes the third Newcastle player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches, after Alan Shearer in 1996 and Joe Willock in 2021.
Tottenham improved after the break and almost equalised 10 minutes into the second half, but Brennan Johnson struck the woodwork from the tightest of angles after Martin Dubravka had kept out Pape Sarr’s effort from outside the box.
Second-half substitute James Maddison curled an effort narrowly wide of the far post and Sergio Reguilon lashed a shot off target late on, but there was no way back for Spurs as Postecoglou’s team slumped to a fifth home league defeat of the campaign.
A little over a month ago, Newcastle managed only one attempt at goal – and none on target – in a meek 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Fast forward five weeks and Eddie Howe’s team look unstoppable, scoring 18 goals and conceding only two in a run of six straight victories.
The Magpies responded brilliantly to Solanke’s early opener and should have been further ahead by half-time as Isak, Gordon and Joelinton all went close.
Isak’s strike was his 13th in the league this season and 12th in as many top-flight appearances. The 25-year-old has found the net six times against Spurs in the Premier League – more than against any other opposition.
As was the case in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United, Newcastle’s second-half approach focused more on containing their opponents in an effort to protect their lead.
Dutch centre-back Sven Botman, making his first appearance since March 2024, delivered an assured performance at the heart of defence before being replaced by Lloyd Kelly in added time.
The win consolidates Newcastle’s place in fifth spot, which may yet prove enough to secure a place in the Champions League in 2025-26.
