Magpies grab win at Spurs to go 2nd

By Peter Donnelly
January 30 2003

Jermaine Jenas' scoring streak continued on Wednesday night, scrambling in a stoppage time winner at White Hart Lane. Brilliant win for United and we all welcomed the clean sheet.

With Andy Griffin suspended Andy O'Brien had to move to right back with Titus Bramble returning to partner Nokis Dabizas at centre back. A very suprising selection though was Brian Kerr's inclusion in place of Nobby Solano.

It wasn't a pretty match, but that is probably what we need away from home. Spurs didn't get too many chances and that was largely thanks to the return of Titus Bramble.

And when Tottenham did get through they were offside, as Poyet was foiled by the linesman, though it was a dubious flag.

It was looking like a 0-0 but as the end came nearer Newcastle started creating more and more chances and could sense a victory.

Inside stoppage time then, and JJ bundled home to get the winner. It's a massive result for Newcastle, who are above Man.U in the table now.

Robson said this after the match:

"To win 1-0 at Tottenham and keep a clean sheet is a huge result for us. We are second to Arsenal and that is quite wonderful.

"We didn't need any more motivation than to know we would go above Manchester United and in behind Arsenal in that sandwich.

"I cannot see Arsenal being overtaken because they are in full stride, but Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all still have to come to Newcastle, so it will be interesting."

And on the Woody and Kleberson deals:

"We have made a sizeable cash offer for Woodgate several days ago and it is in the hands of Leeds United Football Club.

We want him, so we have gone to Leeds with an offer they have to think about - it is no good offering £1million, we have made an offer which will make them think. It may all depend on the Fowler deal, I don't know. It depends how much they need the money.

We are one of the few clubs who have money, and the club who has the money has the power - whether or not they can turn it down, I don't know.

I want Woodgate to strengthen our defence. We hope to be back in Europe next season and we need people of quality who can come in and keep the results going."

And on the forgotten Kleberson 'deal':

Our offer is in and we are waiting to hear from them too. I would like two defenders, but if don't get them then we'll go with what we've got."