Newcastle United find Joelinton alternative - plus the major Anthony Gordon transfer question

Down to the bare bones, against a near-certain qualified Champions League team and in a usually unfavourable early kick-off slot - few expected what ensued at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United blitzed Tottenham Hotspur to put themselves right in the box seat for a European slot of their own next season.

Alexander Isak netted twice with Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar getting one each.

What were the talking points on the day? Here’s five key moments and themes from the Tyneside demolition of Ange Postecoglou’s men.

How much is Gordon worth now?

He's had some amazing performances at St James' Park - and has arguably been Newcastle's player of the season. But few performances, arguably, top the one he put in against Spurs.

Helped by partners-in-crime, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes, the visiting backline couldn't live with the pace and power of the England international.

One goal and two assists. Top class. He just keeps getting better and better - and I'm really not sure he's yet hit his ceiling.

How much is the former Everton man worth in today’s market? He’d cost an arm and a leg.

Makeshift back four as duo shine - AGAIN

Plenty wondered how Newcastle’s backline would fare against a quick, dynamic Spurs front three, but, in fairness, they coped with minimal fuss.

And even though all four were outstanding - two deserve particular credit, in my opinion.

The switch to take Dan Burn out of the central two was one met with some uncertainty among the fanbase - and from this particular journalist, too. But, as he has been at centre-half, Burn was outstanding back on the left.

Also, Emil Krafth has been up and down in recent weeks, asked to perform a central role, covering the right as well, to be fair, he also put in a strong show, getting better and better as the game wore on.

Geordie enforcers - Bruno in the middle

It really was a thing of beauty to see two Geordie ‘enforcers’ either side of Newcastle’s conductor, Bruno Guimaraes.

Sean Longstaff has been criticised by many for his below par, injury-burdened performances, but he didn’t put a foot wrong out there.

And this was a real coming of age show from Elliot Anderson.

Anyone who has seen the player for the youth sides or in pre-season for the seniors knows he’s a player of high quality. But, as yet, little of that has been shown on the big stage.

We’ve seen flashes in recent weeks, but now the Geordie is grasping his chance with both hands.

Strong, committed and physical, he’s the closest thing Newcastle have to Joelinton in their squad - and he was a dominant force against a much more experienced, celebrated and experienced Spurs midfield three. Won absolutely everything. All that’s left is that elusive goal...

Howe’s tactical tweaks - got it spot on!

As hinted at earlier, Newcastle set up slightly different to how many expected. At times it was a three without the ball, Murphy pushed up and Krafth on the cover. Then without it became a five at times, with Anderson covering back and tracking Pedro Porro stride for stride.

It worked brilliantly. The three nullified a potent Spurs front three to not only secure back to back wins for the first time in 2024, but also back to back clean sheets in the Premier League.

All credit to head coach Howe for the tweaks that saw Newcastle out-think and out-wit the opposition.

He did it! Somehow...

Despite being wound up and the efforts of the whole of Spurs’ South American contingent, Guimaraes has somehow managed to avoid a booking.

He somehow played 11 games and didn’t manage to get his 10th of the season in the top flight, which would have brought a two-game ban.

He’s now free to kick anyone he likes!