Newcastle destroys Spurs to close on top-four spot

By Daniel Oriloye - Newcastle United humiliated Tottenham Hotspur with five goals in 21 stunning first-half minutes as they ran out easy winners at St James' Park.

Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak each scored twice and Joelinton added another as Newcastle scythed through a fragile visiting defence lacking confidence from last week's defeat against Bournemouth.

Harry Kane pulled one back in the second half but Callum Wilson added a sixth shortly after coming off the bench to complete the rout.

The embarrassing defeat is a significant blow to Spurs' dwindling Champions League hopes while the victory puts the Magpies in a commanding position as they climb to third.