Opinion: Why the Newcastle draw was worse than the Arsenal defeat

The Spurs performance on Sunday afternoon dampened the hopes for Champions League football in N17 next season.

A 2-2 draw at Newcastle can only be classed as embarrassing, considering the Northerners are struggling so much this year. This is why I believe that the result on Easter Sunday is far worse than our dismal performance against our North London rivals last month.

On Sunday, Spurs knew that a win would take them back into the top four. The disastrous Chelsea collapse against relegation-looming West Brom should have been enough to spur the Lilywhite players on. However, once again, they failed to deliver. 

After falling behind from a first-half rare Joelinton goal, the players replied quickly, leading 2-1 at half time thanks to a quickfire Harry Kane brace.

But, like in so many games this season, individual mistakes at the back cost us as Arsenal loanee, Joe Willock, equalised at the death.

This meant that Spurs have now dropped 13 points from winning positions in the last 15 minutes of games this season, which is nothing short of embarrassing. 

So, why do I think it is worse than the NLD defeat? Yes, we may have earned more in terms of a point at the weekend, but once again we failed to capitalise on our rivals slipping up.

We had the opportunity to take a lead in the top four race against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. With only eight games left, we have a relatively good run in, only facing Man United out of the big 6. However, if we can’t beat Newcastle, then we have no chance.  

The draw against the Magpies is also worse because of who we were facing. Newcastle were winless in six before we fought them (Premier league), showing just how much they were struggling. They were without their star players Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.

Allowing Joelinton to score, who has eight goals in 73 appearances (Transfermarkt), sums up this football club completely. 

Furthermore, Newcastle contributed to an xG of 4.07 against us (xG Philosophy). Considering, they have Steve Bruce at the helm, this is once again extremely disappointing.

If you compare this to our 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, I can only see it being a further step backwards. 

Against Arsenal, we may have shown no passion or desire, but they were a much better side. On their day, the red side of North London can play some eye-pleasing football. It may be rare, but they can definitely play it.

Some may say because it was a derby, the defeat was much worse. However, I believe that far fewer people thought we had a chance of a top-four place back then, compared to the number of people before the game at St James’ Park.  

Maybe this is reactionary, however, the result on Sunday showed to me that we have no chance of Champions League football next season. I had hope and belief beforehand, but now it is all gone.

After the Arsenal game, I still thought we had a chance in the Europa League. It turned I couldn’t be more wrong as we crumbled against Zagreb days after. 

This is why, for me at least, the Newcastle result was worse. It ended all hope for me, showing just how bad we are.

There is no doubt that both performances and results were dismal, in two games that we could and should have easily won, but just like on so many occasions this season, the team failed to deliver.

With eight games left, Spurs’ season is dwindling towards failure, and I have no hope for it going any other way. 

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