Tottenham star addresses ‘sad situation’ as fans boo ahead of crunch Newcastle United clash

Newcastle United have been handed a huge boost ahead of their crucial clash with Tottenham next weekend.

The Magpies fans were braced to feel the consequences of Saturday’s hugely disappointing performance against Aston Villa, one that resulted in a 3-0 defeat at Villa Park. The result gave Tottenham the perfect opportunity to close the gap to a matter of goal difference ahead of next week’s clash with Newcastle, when they would have the chance to move leapfrog their top four rivals, albeit Eddie Howe’s men would still have a game in hand.

But Tottenham instead slipped up again, losing to relegation-battling Bournemouth at home despite going in front. Son Heung-min put Christian Stellini’s men ahead, only for Matias Vina and Dominic Solanke to turn the game on its head. Spurs substitute Arnaut Danjuma then equalised against his former club before a dramatic ending.

With Tottenham battling away to find a winner, the Cherries broke away and found a winner of their own through Dango Outtara. The win is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s survival hopes, while Spurs now remain three points behind Newcastle ahead of their trip to St James’ Park next Sunday. Howe’s men also have a game in-hand and better goal difference to potentially protect them against another slip-up.

It’s a huge opportunity missed for Tottenham, and it’s clear the pressure is being felt. In fact, defender Davinson Sanchez was actually booed off the field after being brought off, with fans clearly unhappy with his performance.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris told the BBC of the boos: “It started earlier, it’s when he came on the pitch. I’ve never seen this in my career. I feel really bad for Davinson. He’s a team-mate, he’s a friend and he’s been fighting for the club for many many years now, and it’s just sad. The story is sad for the club, for the fans, for the player. It’s something you don’t want to see in football.”