Michael Dawson believes Tottenham Hotspur ‘cannot afford to lose’ against Newcastle United. Any defeat may take Spurs out of the race for Champions League qualification.
Tottenham head to St James’ Park on Sunday trailing Newcastle by three points in the fight for a top-four finish. Spurs have also played one game more than the Magpies and have hit a tricky run of form. The north Londoners have only won in two of their last six league games.
Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool are also looking past Tottenham to seize a Champions League place. And Spurs must head to Anfield at the end of April after hosting Manchester United. The Red Devils face Cristian Stellini’s side in the capital next Thursday.
Dawson fears a Newcastle win ending Tottenham’s hopes
Given the run of games Tottenham face in the next week, Dawson fears for his former side if they lose at Newcastle. The ex-Spurs captain suspects a Magpies win will end their hopes of finishing in the top four. Yet despite his trepidations, Dawson feels Spurs can secure a result.
Dawson said on Sky Sports News (22/04, 13:50): “I think it takes Spurs out of it. I just think because of the inconsistency that Spurs are showing at this moment in time. I look and I saw last week against Bournemouth, [at] home, I only see one result.
“They didn’t turn up and they didn’t deserve to win. It wouldn’t surprise me if they go up to St James’ tomorrow and win, though. This is what they can do. Spurs can beat anyone on their day and then they’ve got Manchester United on Thursday night [and] Liverpool.
“So, three points behind at this moment in time. Newcastle have got some tough fixtures, as well, and they’ll be disappointed in their performance last week to Villa. They were blown away.
“So, I just think that because the games are getting less and the points will be getting more [important], I think that Spurs cannot afford to lose, for sure.”
Howe has already had Spurs’ number once this season
Newcastle have already had Tottenham’s number once this season as they now aim to beat Spurs in the race to qualify for the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side edged an Antonio Conte-coached Tottenham 2-1 in October. Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron got the goals.
Harry Kane responded to offer Spurs hope of making a comeback on home soil against the Toon. But the Magpies shut down what the north Londoners tried and will now go into this Sunday’s game in better spirits. Aston Villa dealt Newcastle their first defeat in six matches.
Newcastle had won each of their previous five before producing an off-colour afternoon in Birmingham. Ollie Watkins continued his strong run of form with two goals and could have scored more but for Nick Pope. Unai Emery’s men gave Stellini’s team a blueprint to follow.
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