The game was over as a contest by Half Time after Benoit Assou-Ekotto's 4th minute strike was quickly followed by two goals from Louis Saha and one from Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar. The impressive Emmanuel Adebayor finished off the rout in the second half with a fine volley.
It was a nightmare evening for Alan Pardew's side, and one that occurred because of Spurs' complete dominance in midfield. Newcastle's makeshift central midfield pairing of Danny Guthrie and James Perch failed to contain Tottenham, who were imperious as an attacking force. Scott Parker and Luka Modric controlled the pace and flow of the game, while Gareth Bale ran riot down the left flank.
The Magpies can take solace in the fact that first choice central midfielders Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye are set to return to action. Tiote finished as a runner up in the African Cup of Nations, as the Ivory Coast were beaten on penalties by surprise package Zambia. Former Lille man Cabaye returns from suspension after serving a three game ban for allegedly striking Brighton's Adam El-Abd.
Newcastle's poor performance on Saturday highlighted just how important Tiote and Cabaye are to their success. Perch and Guthrie have produced good displays in recent weeks, but against superior counterparts they were completely overrun. The contrast to the last time the two sides met could not have been more stark. It finished 2-2 back in October at St James' Park, when Newcastle's first choice midfield pair were able to contribute in attack, while somewhat restricting Spurs in what was a spirited end to end contest.
Pardew's charges can now enjoy a two week break as focus shifts to the FA Cup this weekend. Newcastle's elimination from the competition at the hands of Brighton was a disappointment, but at least it has given the Magpies an opportunity to rest and regroup ahead of a clash with now Manager-less Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Newcastle boss will certainly be hoping for a reaction to the past weekend's heavy defeat, and with his influential midfield pair returning to the fray, Pardew will be confident of a positive display from what looks set to be his strongest starting eleven since the 3-0 win over Manchester United in January.
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