NEWCASTLE: Tottenham are a club in freefall. They want to qualify for the Champions League but a 6-1 demolition at Newcastle means they may struggle to stay in contention to hold the fifth Europa League slot.

Newcastle’s victory lifted the Saudi-owner Magpies above Manchester United and into third place on goal difference.

They are six points clear of a dismal Tottenham after the worst four-week spell in the north London club’s modern history. On March 27 they sacked Antonio Conte and on Friday football director Fabio Paratici quit after being suspended worldwide by FIFA over the latest Juventus scandal.

Tottenham, leaderless off the pitch, were disorganised on it and conceded five goals in the first 21 minutes at St James’ Park. Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak struck twice each with Joelinton scoring the other to send Tottenham fans already heading for home early.

Substitute Callum Wilson added a sixth in the second half after Harry Kane had scored Spurs’ 49th-minute consolation.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has overseen a chaotic three and a half years since sacking Mauricio Pochettino only five months after the Argentinan had led Tottenham to a first Champions League Final in 2019. Levy may now make caretaker manager Cristian Stellini pay the immediate price for a disastrous decision to start with a four-man back line.

Stellini said:

Stellini said: “There are no words to explain a performance like this. The first 25 minutes were the worst I have ever seen. It’s my responsibility. We played with four at the back and if this is the mistake, it’s my mistake.

“In 21 minutes we conceded four shots and four goals so worse than this is very difficult to see but there are reasons.

“It is strange that last season we beat Newcastle 5-1 and now they gave it us back. This season is tough for everyone but we have to find the energy, with all the possibilities we have. We don’t have a lot of time to do this.

“We have to apologise to everyone, and I hope that today is my responsibility because changing system was my decision. Like I said, I hope it was this that was the problem.”

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