The Toon Crier

Toon Crier: Heart Break at White Hart Lane

Newcastle drops a big match to Tottenham, focus on Europa play begins, and a look at some of the other relegation rivals.

By 51dimes Feb 10, 2013, 10:00am GMT

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Pleased with performance, but not the result.

Newcastle just couldn't seem to find "it" at White Hart Lane. The second half saw some good possession and some good pressure at times, but it never quite came together for the Toon. This is to be expected sometimes. It is, after all, soccer. But, still, a week after a great strike from Sissoko grabbed three points for Newcastle, I suspect the fan base was eagerly anticipating, perhaps expecting, to be amazed again by the equalizer that would not come.

The Guardian recaps the match. Pardew says Newcastle contained Gareth Bale well, and he has a point. Bale's first goal came off a free kick, and his second goal was him punishing a lazy and rightfully criticized defensive lapse. Still, as the match got into the final minutes, Bale seemed unlucky to not have a hat trick.

The Telegraph has their match report, which also focuses on Bale. You'd think he was the man of the match.

Yoan Gouffran does not have a broken leg. The new signing went down with a leg injury in the second half, and it didn't feel like Newcastle ever recovered from it. WARNING: a bit of a graphic picture of his leg at this link. It isn't terrible, but it's not pretty either.

The loss hasn't dampened Alan Pardew's optimism that Newcastle will stay up this season. Newcastle sit six points above the drop zone.

Pards says he was"pleased with the performance, but not the result."

Coloccini came on as a sub during Argentina's friendly with Sweden, and Pardew says that Colo can make the Argentine World Cup team by staying with Newcastle.

Chronicle Live reminds us that the Europa League is coming and, well, we better get used to the idea. Basically the column says that the competition isn't and should not be a priority, but no one would mind it if Newcastle went on and won the thing.

Sammy Ameobi is hoping the Europa clash with Metalist Kharkiv will jump start his campaign.

Elsewhere in the Premiership:

In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Southampton beat Manchester City 3-1.

Chelsea find their form and beat down Wigan 4-1. Wigan came out strong though, but the Blues proved to be to much.

Lots of fouls, some cards, and even shots, but no goals for Fulham or Norwich City.

Stoke City 2-1 Reading.

Swansea City 4-1 QPR.

Sunderland lost.