Real derby for Top 4 Newcastle 2:2 Tottenham
Teams of Newcastle and Tottenham gave a great clash of "St James' Park" and endeddraw 2:2. Both teams demonstrated that they have the strength to fight for a place in an area "Champions League".
Guests from London twice led in hits with the results of Rafael van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe and were close to this record fifth consecutive victory in the Premiership, but hits on Demba Ba and replace it on the ground Ameobi returned "Magpies" in game.
Thus, the hosts continued his successful raid without defeat this season.
The game lacked any clear-cut opportunities early on, with both sides cancelling each other out. Newcastle’s biggest threat was coming via the set pieces of Ryan Taylor, with the presence of Best and Ba a constant threat.
Just five minutes before half time the visitors were handed the opportunity to take the lead. As Adebayor looked to drive into the area, he was tripped by Steven Taylor. Referee Lee Probert took a second to assess the challenge before pointing to the spot.
Rafael Van der Vaart stepped up to take the penalty, sending his fellow countryman Tim Krul the wrong way to give his side the lead, notching his third Premier League goal of the season.
Both teams emerged from the tunnel for the second half unchanged, and it didn’t take the home side long to restore parity. For the first time in the game Jonas Gutierrez released the shackles and drove at the Tottenham defence. After reaching the byline he floated a ball into the six yard box where he found an unmarked Demba Ba, who was handed the simple task of drawing his side level.
Newcastle almost pressed the self-destruct button shortly after, as Ryan Taylor stopped playing, claiming the ball had gone out of play. Linesman Adam Watts waved play on, and Luka Modric pulled the ball back for Van der Vaart, who shot harmlessly into the arms of Tim Krul from ten yards out.
Jermain Defoe was introduced shortly after the hour mark in place of Van der Vaart, and it didn’t take the England international long to make an impact.
Less than five minutes after coming on, he received a ball from Scott Parker on the edge of the 18 yard box. His first two touches created a yard for a shot, and his third was a sublime left footed drive into the bottom corner, leaving Tim Krul helpless.
As Newcastle pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Gareth Bale’s pace was proving a constant threat on the break, as Tottenham looked for the goal which would take them above Newcastle on goal difference.
But it was a Newcastle who had the last word. Substitute Shola Ameobi created room for a shot on the edge of the area, and from an acute angle he lashed his effort past the despairing dive of Brad Friedel into the bottom corner.
WATCH NEWCASTLE 2-2 TOTTENHAM VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE.
