Going on an incredible run of results 12 months ago to clinch a top-four finish under Antonio Conte, Tottenham are heading in the opposite direction this time around with their Champions League ambitions up in smoke. Travelling to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon to face Newcastle United in a pivotal game in the top-four race, three points was all that was between the sides going into the contest.
After 21 minutes on the clock, it looked more like three divisions separated both as Eddie Howe's side raced into an extraordinary five-goal lead. It was a truly dire display from Tottenham and they were lucky it didn't get much worse, with the hosts only netting one more goal through Callum Wilson midway through the second half.
On a day where Newcastle put themselves in a brilliant position to secure a place in Europe's premier competition well ahead of schedule, Tottenham's dreams came crashing down to earth in some style. Not only has their capitulation seemingly ended their ambitions of securing another top-four berth, it has raised the real possibility of no European football at all in 2023/24 if their current malaise continues.
