It was always going to be a celebration match for Tottenham Hotspur.  Following Harry Redknapp’s acquittal the players knew their boss was going to still be in the dug-out and on the training ground, for hopefully the rest of the season.  The capacity crowd sung, “Harry Redknapp, we want you to stay”, throughout the game prompting Harry to applaud and wave his gratitude to the fans.

Rafael Van de Vaart was in the hospitality suite with his family celebrating his 29^th birthday.  Luis Saha made his first start for Spurs, whilst Lennon was not yet fully match fit, so Kranjcar made his second consecutive start.

Spurs were fired up from the start and in thirty-five minutes Benny, followed by a brace from Saha and one from Kranjcar brought the score to 4 – 0.  While Spurs made it look very easy, Newcastle were nowhere.  To the neutrals and outsiders this may have seemed like a pre-season friendly.  Newcastle were having a great season this year, but at White Hart Lane, they were very poor.

Adebayor was having an exceptional match, and assisted all four of the first goals, before scoring the fifth in the second half.

This was a game that you sat back and watched in wonder at the beautiful flowing football.  Spurs continue to chase Manchester United and City, whilst maintaining a ten-point gap to both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur Team

Brad Friedel, Kyle Walker, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Nico Kranjcar, Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor, Louis Saha.  Subs Used  Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Ryan Nelsen Man of the Match Emmanuel Adebayor

Newcastle United

Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Davide Santon, Garbriel Obertan, Danny Guthrie, James Perch, Jonas Gutierrez, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse.  Subs Used Peter Lovenkrands, Dan Gosling, Shame Ferguson