Newcastle United climbed into the top half of the Premier League table on Sunday with a surprise 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
The only goal of the game came in the 12th minute when Loic Remy rounded Brad Friedel before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Spurs had numerous chances to get themselves back into the match, but Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul put in an inspired performance to help the Magpies claim the points.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how the action unfolded.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage as Tottenham Hotspur host Newcastle United in the Premier League. Looks like we've got some team news coming through...
NEWCASTLE: Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Sissoko, Tiote, Cabaye, Gouffran; Shola Ameobi, Remy
NEWCASTLE SUBS: Elliot, Coloccini, Anita, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Ben Arfa, Cisse
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has made precisely zero changes to his starting XI following last weekend's 2-0 win over Chelsea. Mike Williamson keeps his place in defence, while Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy both feature.
SPURS: Friedel; Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Chiriches; Paulinho, Dembele, Eriksen, Sigurdsson, Townsend; Soldado
SPURS SUBS: Gomes, Kaboul, Lennon, Lamela, Holtby, Defoe, Sandro
In contrast, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has made five changes after Thursday's win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League. Brad Friedel keeps his place in goal, but Michael Dawson, Vlad Chiriches, Paulinho, Andros Townsend and Roberto Soldado all return.
So, what's at stake for these two teams today? Spurs will be looking to stretch their unbeaten record in the Premier League to four matches, but only a win will see them climb into the Champions League places. For Newcastle, a second successive victory will push them into the top half of the table.
Spurs have been in decent form as of late, though they have been criticised for not putting teams to the sword more often. Andre Villas-Boas's side have failed to score more than two goals per match this season, a statistic that is sure to be in the back of his mind. However, the Portuguese is unlikely to be too bothered as his team stays in touch at the top of the standings.
As you might expect, Newcastle have been gloriously inconsistent this season. The Magpies have won as many as they have lost so far, with a couple of draws thrown in for good measure. That said, they come into today's game on the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend. Manager Alan Pardew will be looking for more of the same from his players during the upcoming 90 minutes.
RECENT FORM:
SPURS: WWWWDW
NEWCASTLE: LWDLLW
Here are a few words from Spurs' head of medical services Wayne Diesel on Hugo Lloris's absence due to the concussion that he suffered at Everton last weekend: "We've continued to monitor Hugo all week and after discussions, Andre and the medical department have agreed to afford the player a couple more days rest. Hugo is naturally disappointed as he was keen to return to action. However, we feel this decision is in the player's best interest."
Today is @friedel_b's first home PL appearance for almost a year since a home defeat v Wigan in Nov 2012 #THFC pic.twitter.com/7AaJhAjSx9 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 10, 2013
HEAD TO HEAD: The honours have been fairly even when these two teams have met down the years, with Spurs claiming 60 wins to Newcastle's 51. Meanwhile, there have been 31 draws.
Newcastle's recent record at White Hart Lane does not make for particularly good reading if you're a Magpie. Spurs have won the last four matches on their own patch. You have to go all the way back to March 2008 for the last time that Newcastle came away with the points.
Looking at the respective benches of both teams, there is a lot of talent there to change this game if needs be. Spurs have the bigger names of Defoe, Lamela, Holtby and Sandro, but Newcastle have a few aces up their sleeve in the form of Ben Arfa, Cisse and Anita.
Speaking of Anita, the combative Dutch midfielder came off the bench to transform last weekend's game against Chelsea. He put in a tireless display in the second half and set up Remy's late goal to seal Newcastle the points.
Around 10 minutes until this one gets underway, and the players should be emerging in the tunnel very soon indeed.
PREDICTION TIME: It would be safe to assume that Spurs are the favourites to win this match today, but Newcastle's unpredictability means that the visitors certainly have it in them to spring a surprise. However, the hosts should just about have enough to get over the line this afternoon.
The players have walked out into the autumnal sunshine at White Hart Lane and we will now have a moment of silence for Remembrance Sunday.
You could have heard a pin drop during that silence at White Hart Lane; impeccably observed by all. It will be Spurs to kick us off then. Here we go!
Some early danger for Newcastle as a slick Spurs counter-attack ends with Walker crossing into the box, but Krul is able to gather.
It's been a good start from the home side so far. They've looked to stretch Newcastle across the pitch with some expansive passing. Meanwhile, the visitors have found it difficult to get on the ball. When they have, they've lost possession quickly.
Newcastle are starting to threaten a little bit more now. They haven't made too much ground in the Tottenham half, but they're growing in a bit of confidence. At the other end Chiriches sees his cross collected by Krul.
CHANCE! Almost an opening goal for Spurs! Sigurdsson's whipped corner was met by the head of the Spaniard, though he could only nod the ball over from about right yards. Should he have done better there? He currently has a look on his face to say that he should have.
CHANCE! Nearly a goal for Newcastle now! Cabaye was able to set Remy through on goal, but the Frenchman had his shot smothered by Friedel on the angle. Remy then had another opportunity moments later, with Friedel again denying the striker.
GOAL! SPURS 0-1 NEWCASTLE (REMY)
Newcastle do lead now thanks to Remy! Spurs lost possession a couple of times in their own half, allowing Gouffran to get on the ball. He then threaded a wonderful pass through to Remy, who was able to round Friedel and slot into an empty net.
The visitors are now playing with the freedom of White Hart Lane. They're very much in the ascendancy at the moment. Andre Villas-Boas recently criticised the atmosphere inside the stadium, and the team need their supporters right now. It's all very subdued.
Credit to Newcastle, they're not willing to just sit back and defend their lead. Alan Pardew's side are going all out for a second goal at the moment as Cabaye's free kick is punched away by Friedel. Spurs are struggling to get a grip on this match.
7 - Loic Remy has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. Form. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 10, 2013
Spurs are enjoying more of the possession right now, but it's in areas that are unlikely to damage Newcastle. The visiting midfield and defence are making it very hard for the the home side to break them down. There are plenty of moans and groans from the Tottenham fans every time an attack goes nowhere.
SHOT! It's an attempt on goal for Spurs, albeit a poor one. Vertonghen cuts in from the left side before hitting a low drive towards Krul. However, the effort is a weak one and the Newcastle goalkeeper collects.
CHANCE! Spurs are getting closer to an equaliser! The hosts win a free kick around 35 yards from goal which Vertonghen strikes with plenty of power. It goes narrowly wide of Krul's left post, but the shotstopper looked worried.
SAVE! What a stop from Krul! Soldado flicked Eriksen's free kick towards goal with his head, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was there to tip the ball away. He had to be at full stretch there.
A bit of a worry for Newcastle there as Remy went off to receive treatment for an ankle problem injury. However, he's back on and looks to be okay.
Remy is flagged for offside, but Spurs are continuing to play with a very high defensive line. The Newcastle midfield have been able to pick holes in it at will, something that doesn't seem to be worrying Andre Villas-Boas too much.
CHANCE! Good reactions from Krul to deny Eriksen. The Spurs midfielder tried his luck from all of 30 yards, only for the Newcastle goalkeeper to bat the ball down before gathering. The sun was in his eyes there, though he dealt with the danger well.
Five minutes left of normal time until the break and Spurs are huffing and puffing to get back on level terms. They've looked bright when they've got behind the Newcastle defence, though those moments have been few and far between.
One thing that can definitely be said is that the Spurs fans do not seem at all impressed by what they've seen so far. There have been quite a few disgruntled noises coming from the stands at White Hart Lane. Their team is certainly lacking some invention this afternoon.
Three minutes of added time.
HALF TIME: SPURS 0-1 NEWCASTLE
One or two boos ring around White Hart Lane as the referee blows the whistle for half time. Newcastle have a 1-0 lead thanks to Loic Remy's 12th-minute goal, and the visitors fully deserve their advantage.
Spurs have had their chances, but they've looked very flat so far. Roberto Soldado has had little to feed off up front, while players such as Andros Townsend, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Christian Eriksen have struggled to create anything from midfield.
As mentioned earlier, both teams have plenty of talent on their respective benches. However, it seems as if Spurs will need to call on theirs sooner rather than later if things stay the same.
Remember, a win for Spurs will see Andre Villas-Boas's side move into the Champions League places. Meanwhile, Newcastle can claw into the top half of the table with a victory.
Right then, the players are back out and it will be Newcastle to kick us off for the second half. Meanwhile, Spurs have made two changes as Sandro and Younes Kaboul replace Moussa Dembele and Vlad Chiriches.
It's been a bright start to the second half from the home side. Nothing has changed too much tactically, but they look far more positive than how they did in that first half.
SAVE! What a stop from Krul! Incredible! The ball fell to Eriksen in the box, but his effort was kept out by the legs of Krul. That really should have been an equaliser for Spurs.
YELLOW CARD: Mathieu Debuchy becomes the first player of the match to go into the book for a foul on Paulinho. The resulting free kick from Sigurdsson is deflected, but Krul somehow keeps the ball out again with a superb fingertip save. What a match the Dutchman is having.
SUBSTITUTION: Newcastle make their first change of the match now as Vurnon Anita replaces Shola Ameobi.
YELLOW CARD: Newcastle's Moussa Sissoko is the latest player to go into the book as he bundles over Vertonghen. This match is starting to become a bit more end to end as Spurs leave themselves open in order to grab an equaliser.
HIGH AND WIDE! Tottenham attack down the left before Sigurdsson shoots well off target from the edge of the box.
6 - Newcastle have won six away games at White Hart Lane in the Premier League, they have only won more at Villa Park (8). Hunting. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 10, 2013
The Newcastle defence are certainly earning their corn today. The Magpies backline have been incredibly committed so far, while goalkeeper Krul has been in sensational form. Is it going to be one of those days for Spurs? We've got just under 20 minutes to find out.
SUBSTITUTION: A third and final change for Spurs sees Jermain Defoe on in place of Gylfi Sigurdsson. The home side are going to throw everything at Newcastle now as they go in search of a result.
SAVE! Yep, Krul again. The shotstopper got down low to push away Townsend's fierce drive from long range. You would imagine that it will need something special to beat him today.
SUBSTITUTION: Another swap for Newcastle as goalscorer Loic Remy goes off for Papiss Cisse. Remy has ran his socks off today.
CHANCE! A heart-in-the-mout moment for Spurs there as Cisse volleys high and wide from just inside the area. The Senegalese striker is more than capable of burying those in the top corner.
Time is quickly running out for Spurs, but they're not giving up just yet. However, they are really finding it difficult to breach the Newcastle defence. Can the Magpies hold on for their first win at White Hart Lane since 2008?
SAVE! Krul yet again comes to Newcastle's rescue! Some good work from Defoe saw the striker pick out Paulinho in a crowded penalty area before the Brazilian's poke towards goal was saved by Krul. What an amazing performance it has been from him.
SUBSTITUTION: Newcastle now make their final change as Yoan Gouffran is off in place of Gabriel Obertan. We have just five minutes of normal time remaining at White Hart Lane.
PENALTY APPEAL! Spurs appeal to referee Chris Foy for handball as the ball bounces around in the box following Townsend's corner. However, their protests are waved away.
YELLOW CARD: Michael Dawson goes into the book for chopping down Sissoko. That was a pretty cynical one from the Spurs captain.
There will be five minutes of added time.
CHANCE! Vertonghen's cross is met by the head of Paulinho, but the midfielder's effort is a weak one that Krul collects.
FULL TIME: SPURS 0-1 NEWCASTLE
Chris Foy blows the full-time whistle and the boos ring out around White Hart Lane as Newcastle beat Spurs 1-0 thanks to Loic Remy's first-half goal. However, it was Tim Krul's performance for Newcastle that is the big talking point. What a 90 minutes from the Dutch goalkeeper.
Anyway, that's all from me for now but don't forget that you can follow live updates of Sunderland vs. Manchester City in the Premier League here on Sports Mole. Just follow this link right here. Thank you very much for you company and goodbye!
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
