The Magpies had won just one of their previous eight matches before taking on Spurs, and were languishing in the bottom half of the table, but a much-improved display saw them claim a much-needed win that proved to be the end for Thomas Frank, who was dismissed in the wake of his side’s defeat.
For Newcastle, the victory, which came courtesy of goals from Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey, steadied the ship, lifting the pressure that had been starting to mount on Eddie Howe and reigniting hopes of European qualification for next season.
“It definitely felt like a huge win,” said Thiaw, who opened the scoring as he stabbed home the rebound after his initial effort had been saved. “It was a huge three points for us, especially if you look at the last few games. We were struggling, we have to be honest about that, but it’s a huge win for us - spiritually, mentally – we are happy for the win.
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“We played really good football in the first half, I think it was one of our best halves of the season, we created a lot. Tottenham didn’t have a lot of chances. We didn’t start the second half as well, but we kept fighting, even after they scored. I think we showed really great willingness to defend.”
Thiaw’s goal laid the platform for Newcastle’s win, with Ramsey’s second-half strike restoring the Magpies’ advantage after Archie Gray had levelled for Spurs.
It was Ramsey’s first goal since his summer move from Aston Villa, with his frenzied reaction showing how much it meant to him, and the midfielder’s team-mates were delighted to see him breaking his duck.
“It was amazing for him,” said Thiaw, in an interview with Newcastle's official website. “I was like, ‘Wow, he’s really so happy’, so I was happy for him. He is a great character for the team. We are really happy to have him, and I am just so glad he has scored his first goal for Newcastle.”
Attention now turns to Saturday teatime, when the Magpies will take on Aston Villa at Villa Park for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Once that is out of the way, Howe and his players will head to Baku for the opening leg of their Champions League play-off against Qarabag.
“We play every three days,” said Thiaw. “Every game is a new game, but we have to go with the same mentality and take the confidence from this win.”