Conte named in Kieron Dyer’s ‘incredible’ claim as Newcastle United punish poor Spurs with first-half romp

Kieron Dyer believes Newcastle United’s five-goal first-half display against Tottenham Hotspur proves Antonio Conte was correct in the outburst that led to his departure from the North London club.

There was barely a minute on the clock when Jacob Murphy set the tone for what was to follow by opening the scoring with a neat finish beyond the helpless Hugo Lloris. Joelinton doubled the lead before Murphy doubled his own tally with a stunning goal from around 25 yards.

An Alexander Isak brace ensured Newcastle took a five-goal lead into half-time and left their rivals for a Champions League place to contemplate what had gone on during the opening 45 minutes at a boistorous St James Park. Assessing the first-half display of the two sides, former Magpies star Dyer believes Conte was right to hit out at his now former players prior to his departure last month.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m in disbelief. I thought Newcastle would win the game but to be 5-0 up after half an hour, it’s just incredible.

“There was a lot made about Conte when he came out with his outburst about the players, but this is why. Everything he said in that press conference has come true. Spurs, the players, they’ve cost the manager his job. They’re that bad. The full-backs are a problem, the centre-halves have been poor, the midfielders have been poor. They got put to the sword. It could be seven, it could be eight, they (Newcastle) have been at it. Spurs have been poor, they’ve let the fans down, they’ve let everyone associated with the club down.”