Its a headline that has used before and is very cliched, but this overused, unintelligent play on the title of one of the most famous songs of the 90s has never been more apt.
Pundits and 'experts' alike were predicting defeat for Newcastle ahead of their clash with Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur side, the general consensus being that Spurs would have too much for a Newcastle side that has had to ride their luck at times in an impressive unbeaten streak.
It is a disappointing trend that exists throughout media circles that a large number of media personalities seem to be concerned with when Newcastle's unbeaten run will come to an end, rather than paying tribute to the fantastic work of Alan Pardew and his staff in guiding the team to their best start since the 1996/97. Others have been quick to credit the former West Ham boss, who gracefully bats away praise rather than embracing it.
The plaudits will keep on coming though if Newcastle continue to perform like they did on Sunday, as they silenced the doubters once more, twice coming from behind to level and snatch a well earned point against a Spurs outfit clearly brimming with confidence.
The contest had been a listless one up until the 39th minute, when Steven Taylor felled Emanuel Adebayor inside the area after Yohan Cabaye had uncharacteristically given the ball away inside his own half under pressure from Jake Livermore. Referee Lee Probert hesitated briefly, but eventually pointed to the spot, allowing Rafael Van Der Vaart to send compatriot Tim Krul the wrong way and slam home from 12 yards to give Tottenham a 1-0 lead at the break.
Rather than sucking the life out of Pardew's men, Newcastle fed off this setback, and responded almost instantly at the beginning of the 2nd half. The equaliser came from a familiar source - Demba Ba netting his 5th of the season following good work from Jonas Gutierrez - the Argentine weaving his way past Luka Modric and Kyle Walker before delivering a delightful cross for Ba to prod towards goal, Spurs keeper Brad Friedel did match to collect the ball but only managed to succeed in carrying the ball over the line after he was caught out of position by Gutierrez's well placed delivery.
The visitors reacted well to the leveller and took command of the game once more, but it was an inspired substitution by Redknapp that put Spurs back in front, Jermain Defoe finding half a yard of space to turn and lash home from just outside the box after the striker had replaced a tiring Van Der Vaart.
Pardew, quickly reacting to falling behind for the second time, made changes of his own in bringing on Hatem Ben Arfa and Shola Ameobi for Leon Best and Demba Ba. The switch in personnel again proved pivotal as Ben Arfa's pace and drive shifted the momentum back towards Newcastle, Friedel called into action twice, first from Cheick Tiote long range effort and then again from a well hit Ryan Taylor free-kick.
Friedel's heroics would prove to be to no avail however, as three minutes from time the American was beaten, substitute Ameobi latching on to Ryan Taylor's through ball to power home a beautiful left foot strike into the bottom corner of the net and send the St James' Park crowd into raptures.
The goal was a timely reminder for Ameobi's critics of how the striker tends to deliver when it matters for Newcastle. His double in the 5-1 demolition of Sunderland last season will always be fondly remembered, but many will be quick to forget his contribution during the Championship promotion campaign and his overall tally of 9 goals in all competitions last season. Say what you like about the much maligned forward, but when the chips have been down, Ameobi has often been there to save the day.
Another thing that was notable about Ameobi's late equaliser was the celebration, raucous and wonderful, it was a joy to watch. Ameobi found himself mobbed by his team mates who celebrated the goal as if it had just won Newcastle the FA Cup. It served as a clear indication of the team spirit within the Newcastle team and it gives me an excuse to put the following song at the bottom of this entry. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/hTWKbfoikeg
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