Even Tottenham Hotspur supporters were seemingly impressed by Newcastle United on Sunday evening.
Spurs slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat by Eddie Howe’s side in North London as the Magpies moved fourth in the Premier League standings.
Under Howe, Newcastle are clearly a team on the rise and the same is true of Tottenham, even if their form in recent weeks has been suspect to say the least.
Boos rang around the Lilywhites’ stadium at half-time and full-time following a dismal performance.
But the home supporters were impressed by what Newcastle did, according to a Sky Sports journalist.
Ben Grounds, who was present inside the stadium, said on Sky Sports’ website that Spurs fans stayed behind and applauded the visiting players off the pitch in a classy gesture.
He said: “There are people here in the home end applauding the Newcastle players off the pitch here. They know they’ve witnessed the best team to have come to their home ground this season.”
As good as Howe’s troops were, the North Londoners shot themselves in the foot big time.
Two errors from Hugo Lloris contributed to the defeat in a major way, with the French goalkeeper being largely responsible for both goals that Antonio Conte’s side conceded.
That was the motive behind the jeering from the terraces but still, Newcastle were the better side despite that – and it looks like Tottenham fans acknowledged as much.
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