Speaking ahead of the game, McClaren said: “I think for a couple of games we did not have what we had before the worldwide break, which was good performances. Sometimes you can’t play the ideal game but you have to take points”. They have built a really good squad.
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His side’s planning for this game would have been limited, having a game on Thursday night, but they have shown time and time again this season just what talent they have in their ranks. They have done that and they are what I would call title contenders and a top-four team.
Newcastle manager McClaren believes Spurs would be far higher up the table than their current position of fifth if they were not slogging it out in Europe’s second competition.
Newcastle trio Cheick Tiote, Jamaal Lascelles and Ronaldo Aarons are all likely to miss the trip to Spurs.
Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor are both unavailable due to hamstring problems as are long-term absentees Tim Krul, Gabriel Obertan and Massadio Haidara.
Competing in the Europa League has stopped Tottenham from becoming title challengers this season, according to Newcastle boss Steve McClaren.
“We go there fully focused and intent on giving a performance and getting a result”. “Sunday is a big game”.
“I’ve got to say it’s what everybody should be doing every week”, said McClaren, who was delighted to see certain individuals finally give everything for the cause.
If Newcastle are to push on and have a successful remainder of the season, they need to start collecting points as soon as possible, and their fixture list between now and the new year is relatively kind. So we have to prepare for the battle.
“I think this team is capable of so much more”.
“We are confident but we are not over confident”.
“We have to make sure we improve from now on in our consistency, and I haven’t even thought about where we’d like to finish”.
“We need our squad”. We can try to win the games.
Here are FIVE BOLD JANUARY SIGNINGS to keep Newcastle in the Premier League!
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino applauds his players on the touchline during the Barclays Premier League match at White Hart Lane, London.
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A one-match wonder, or the turning point of a struggling season? However, Spurs come into this clash on the back of a 14-game league unbeaten streak – their best run since 1985 – and are clear 2/5 (1.40) favourites to maintain their fine form with a victory.
