Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou hit out at refereeing decisions and labelled his struggling team "outstanding" after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle left him under severe pressure.
Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and inflict more pain on Postecoglou’s depleted Tottenham, who have taken just five points from the last 24 on offer.
Spurs, who were without 11 players, went in front after four minutes through Dominic Solanke but their celebrations were short-lived with Anthony Gordon able to equalise in the sixth minute.
There was some controversy about the leveller after Joelinton handled in the build-up, but VAR allowed the goal to stand and Eddie Howe’s men claimed all three points thanks to Alexander Isak’s 14th goal of the season before half-time.
Postecoglou said: "On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today.
"Outstanding. I couldn't be prouder of the players. I couldn't ask any more. It's a game we would have won if all things were equal.
"If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today. Things weren't equal and balanced."
When asked what was not equal, if it was Newcastle's opener, the Australian added: "You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion - if all things were equal and balanced we would have won. We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we're going through. If it was an even playing field we'd have won."
Tottenham won this fixture 4-1 against an injury-ravaged Newcastle last season, but this time they were shorn of key players, and illness to Fraser Forster meant third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his first appearance for the club.
Postecoglou named captain Son Heung-min and James Maddison on the bench and watched Spurs make the perfect start. Lucas Bergvall, one of five players recalled, carried the ball forward before Pedro Porro crossed for Solanke to head into the bottom corner.
Solanke’s 11th goal of the campaign occurred in front of new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who watched another Three Lions international find the net two minutes later.
Newcastle winger Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner for his fifth strike of the season, but it was mired in controversy. Gordon got away from Radu Dragusin after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand and yet a quick VAR check deemed the contact of the Newcastle midfielder to be accidental.
A furious Postecoglou stood with his arms outstretched in disbelief before cheers from the home fans greeted the booking of Dan Burn for a cynical foul on Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs academy graduate Austin made his first save soon after when he nervously pushed Gordon’s latest strike wide.
It should have been 2-1 to Newcastle just past the half an hour mark when Jacob Murphy picked out Isak, who inexplicably poked wide.
The in-form Swedish striker did not make the same mistake with seven minutes of the first half left as he managed to get the final touch on Murphy’s next dangerous cross – after Radu Dragusin failed to clear – to score for a fourth consecutive match.
It failed to knock Tottenham, who started the second half strongly and almost equalised in the 55th-minute when Martin Dubravka spilled Pape Sarr’s effort, which saw Brennan Johnson fire against the post from a tight angle before Kulusevski’s follow-up was blocked.
A lengthy stoppage occurred soon after when Gordon got caught in the area by Kulusevski and required treatment. This gave Postecoglou time to send for the cavalry.
Yves Bissouma, Maddison and Son were introduced with 28 minutes left, but another break in play after Austin took a whack halted the hosts’ momentum.
Maddison did eventually take control and after he had a dangerous free kick cleared, the Spurs playmaker curled agonisingly wide in the 81st-minute.
Two further chances were created in stoppage-time, but both Solanke headers failed to find the net as Tottenham tasted defeat again.
Newcastle boss Howe told TNT Sports: "We had to dig deep today. It was a tough win but a massive one. There's no denying the ball hit [Joelinton's] hand or arm but I'm not sure of the rules."
On Alexander Isak, Howe added: "He was in the right place at the right time. That's an art. Another good cross from Jacob. He'll be disappointed with the one he didn't take. He's on a hot streak, long may that continue.
"Confidence has definitely shifted, it natutrally does when you win games. It was something we were building to. Performances were good. We're a very good team with good players. I'd like to think we can keep it going."
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