Jacob Raw
Tue 10 February 2026 21:30, UK
Tottenham’s relegation fears have now been made real after a damaging 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on Tuesday.
Spurs hosted Eddie Howe’s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a crucial Premier League clash for both managers.
Thomas Frank has been under increasing pressure at Tottenham, and the result is exactly the opposite of what the Dane needed.
Joe Willock had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half before Malick Thiaw gave the Magpies the lead heading into the break shortly after.
Archie Gray volleyed home an equaliser for the hosts before Jacob Ramsay curled the winning effort past Guglielmo Vicario to seal the win.
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Everything good for Tottenham came through Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons was pure livewire for the Lilywhites, and the only shame is that he’s not being played through the middle for Tottenham.
Spurs fans will be frustrated that they haven’t seen this version of the Dutchman consistently, as his £51million price tag has yet to be fully justified.
He’s had his critics this season, but the numbers from his performance against Newcastle speak for themselves.
Simons created the most chances in the game with five, and recorded a pass accuracy of 89%, while also chipping in with 10 defensive actions.
A close-up image of Xavi Simons as he stares into the distance during a game for Tottenham.
Credit: Imago
Yes, his yellow card was silly, but he’s young, and he’ll learn. It feels like the 22-year-old could be one of the biggest winners if Frank is to be sacked.
Yves Bissouma was atrocious vs Newcastle
Yves Bissouma has recently come back into the fold for the Lilywhites, and maybe Spurs fans will be wishing he never.
The midfielder has faced off-the-field issues this season that go beyond his injury problems, and it seems like Tottenham missed a trick by seeking his sale in the winter window.
Bissouma has now started three games in the Premier League this season
He is out of contract in the summer, and Spurs cannot now sell him for a transfer fee
The 29-year-old won just 33% of his ground duels and made just three defensive contributions in a horror 24-touch showing that deservedly got him hooked at halftime, with Joao Palhinha acting as his replacement.
Yves Bissouma minutes against Newcastle.
Credit: Breaking Media
Now, Bissouma’s career at Tottenham looks finished, and the Lilywhites need to start prioritising starting players who are going to be here for the long term.
Tottenham player ratings vs Newcastle
Guglielmo Vicario – 5
Archie Gray – 7
Radu Dragusin – 5
Micky van de Ven – 6
Djed Spence – 5
Conor Gallagher – 5
Yves Bissouma – 3
Pape Sarr – 8
Wilson Odobert – 4
Dominic Solanke – 6
Xavi Simons – 8
Substitutes –
Joao Palhinha – 7
Mathys Tel – 4
Randal Kolo Muani – 5