Newcastle United smash Spurs for six and take giant step towards Champions League

Newcastle United took a giant stride towards Champions League qualification after a sensational 6-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's side ripped apart their Premier League top-four rivals from the first whistle, scoring five times in the opening 21 minutes.

Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak both scored two, while Joelinton grabbed the other as Spurs capitulated in disastrous fashion.

Harry Kane managed to pull a goal back straight after half-time for the visitors only for substitute Callum Wilson to restore Newcastle's five-goal advantage moments after coming on.

The victory moved the Magpies ahead of Manchester United and up to third in the table on goal difference.

More importantly, it means Eddie Howe's side are now six points clear of Spurs in fifth while also enjoying a game in hand on the North London club.

Howe had demanded a response from his team after their 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa last week – and his players certainly did not let him down.

“That's the reaction we wanted and an incredible start,” said the Newcastle manager. “The crowd were incredible for us.

“You don't expect that [result]. The quality of our finishing was incredible. They weren't stick-on goals. We were lethal in front of goal.

“Everything about our first half an hour was where we want to be.

“Since I walked through the door here the players have responded so well. I can't thank them enough.”

It was a humiliating afternoon on Tyneside for Spurs as caretaker manager Cristian Stellini could only look on in disbelief at the chaos that unfolded in that opening 20 minutes.

His decision to play a flat back four – with Pedro Porro and Ivan Perisic as full-backs – instantly unravelled as Newcastle ripped apart the Spurs