Anthony Gordon has revealed how a change of tactics inspired Newcastle United's 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in which they held only 27 per cent possession.
Remarkably, it was the second-lowest possession held by a team winning by four or more goals in Premier League history, since such records began being collected in 2003/04.
The only team to have had less of the ball and enjoy such a margin of victory was Everton, who had 22.3 per cent possession when they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 5-1 in May last season.
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"We knew we couldn't play our normal way against this team because they're so good on the ball," Gordon told TNT Sports.
"So tactically we changed a little bit, went man-to-man, and I think our game plan that our manager [used] was outstanding, and it helped us throughout the game."
It was a vital win for the Magpies, who climbed to sixth as they target a return to Europe after playing in this season's UEFA Champions League.
"It's massive because we've had that taste and that's what we want - that's what we want our season next year to be," said Gordon.
"There's still a long way to go but I think performances like that will [take] us far."
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Aston Villa
AVL
|
38 | +15 | 68 |
| 5 |
Spurs
TOT
|
38 | +13 | 66 |
| 6 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
38 | +14 | 63 |
| 7 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
38 | +23 | 60 |
| 8 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
38 | -1 | 60 |
Gordon has also praised Alexander Isak, who scored twice against Spurs to take his tally to 17 Premier League goals this season, only three away from leading scorer Erling Haaland in the race for the Castrol Golden Boot.
"He can be one of the best players in the world when he stays fit," said Gordon. "He's so good to play with."
'We didn't have belief'
It was a poor day for Spurs, who dropped below Aston Villa on goal difference in the top-four race.
"Not a great day for us," said head coach Ange Postecoglou. "We didn't really get a grip on the game. Credit to Newcastle but we didn't do enough to change the course of events.
"We didn't have the belief or bravery to play our football."