Newcastle has new wealthy owners, but that does not equal overnight success. It is set for a new era at St. James’ Park after the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF has taken over the English football giant. The investment fund is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and optimism for the club’s future has increased considerably after it became clear that Mike Ashley has sold his share in the club.
But that doesn’t mean immediate success. For now, Newcastle have to manage with the players they have, and we don’t think they can win against Spurs. It might not be as exciting as the NFL Week 7 Odds, but we are definitely looking forward to seeing how this will turn out.
The goals are pouring in
Defensively, the situation is worse here at St. James’ Park. Newcastle have conceded 16 goals in seven games. There is an average of over two goals per game, and they are the weakest defensive team in the Premier League along with bottom team Norwich.
Tottenham can make life miserable for Newcastle with Nuno Espirito Santo’s counter-attacking tactics. The Spurs have plenty of players with speed who can challenge Newcastle’s defensive line. Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura, and Steven Bergwijn are among the Tottenham players who could cause problems for the faltering Newcastle defense. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in the last three games between these two teams at St James’ Park, and we believe that pattern will continue.
It’s incredible to think that Nuno is under pressure just weeks after being named manager of the month in August. Tottenham lost three games in a row, and they conceded three goals in all three games, before beating Aston Villa before the national team break. Nuno knows he has to win against teams like Newcastle if he is to keep his job in North London. Then it helps that Spurs have good statistics against the Magpies. They have lost just one of their last eight games against them in the Premier League. Tottenham have not lost at St. James’ Park since 2016. That time they lost 1-5 in the last game of the season finale.
Nuno has not actually lost against Newcastle since he came to the Premier League. The Portuguese has one win and five draws as Wolves manager against the Magpies. Although there is optimism on Tyneside after Newcastle got new rich owners, we don’t think they will win against Tottenham.