Tottenham vs Newcastle: 3 Key Battles


Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

It had felt comfortable for so long but now there is pressure on Tottenham. 

When Spurs went to Stamford Bridge last month and left with a 3-1 win, they were eight points clear of Chelsea and looked certain to secure a place in the Champions League.

Now, with two games of the Premier League season remaining, the gap is just two points. Tottenham remain well placed: they have a game in hand and sit just a point back from third-placed Liverpool. But their dip in form and Chelsea's resurgence will be a concern.

A victory over Newcastle, then, could be crucial. Rafa Benitez's side have fallen to three successive defeats - against West Brom, Everton and Watford - after reaching 40 points and effectively securing their safety with a win over Arsenal last month.

Tottenham will be favourites but another slip up could lead to predictable cries of a lack of mental strength. 

Here are three key battles that could decide the game:

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