David Pleat opted to shuffle things around following a lacklustre display in Tuesday's game at Middlesbrough, introducing Freddie Kanoute to a three-pronged attacked with Robbie Keane playing just behind the Malian international and Jermain Defoe. Spurs started brightly but the final ball hindered any possibility of real efforts on Shay Given's goal, only a Christian Ziege free-kick troubled the Irish stopper. At the other end, the defence looked a lot more confident without Dean Richards who was not even a named substitute and Newcastle's first real shot on Keller's goal came after twenty minutes when Olivier Bernard, the man in most people's fantasy team, let fly from distance...and with the ball swirling in the wind, Keller did well to stick out a leg diverting the ball for a corner. Moments later and the first gap in the Spurs backline became apparent when a long Shay Given punt caused panic, leaving Alan Shearer one on with Gary Doherty with Keller stranded but the Doc was strong in the challenge and diverted the danger.
With fifteen minutes of the first half remaining, Aaron Hughes looked to have dived under a nothing challenge from Mauricio Taricco and while television replay's showed there was contact, Sir Bobby Robson's reaction was like that of a child who hasn't got his own way. 'I want that penalty' he screamed at referee Howard Webb as the players left the field for half-time. Sorry Mr. Robson, I want doesn't always get...
The second half was played in much the same style as the first, with Newcastle finding lots of room out wide, but seemingly unable to force a real chance and Spurs, despite having such attacking falir also goal-shy. The introduction of Jamie Redknapp added some much needed composure and Spurs could have taken the lead were it not for a magnificent goalline clearance from Jonathan Woodgate after Defoe's pull back seemed destined for Robbie Kean'es forehead and the back of the net. Five minutes later and David Pleat played his wild card, removing Freddie Kanoute for Stephane Dalmat and it was the Frenchman who supplied the cross for Andy O'Brien to turn home. Spurs hung on to claim another home win and continue their good form in 2004.