Finally, our Prediction Panel are starting to get some predictions right. All they need to do now, is get near to getting the right score! Spurs came away from St James Park on Monday night with nothing as Newcastle United brushed them aside for the third successive year, by 3-1. Goals from Oba Martins, Claudio Cacapa and James Milner ensured victory for the Magpies and we got our Panel’s view as always on all things Black and White.

Rich

“Newcastle United 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur – again! This scoreline up at St. James’ seems to be becoming something of a tradition these days and even though it could have been more on Monday night, I’ll take a two-goal victory over this lot every time. Spurs, as we all know, play some lovely football at times but they looked awful against us for the vast majority of proceedings and the former Nottingham Forest duo of Dawson and Jenas were particularly woeful for them – another thing becoming a regular occurrence in this fixture.

Remember Alan Shearer battering Dawson from pillar to post two seasons ago and Jermaine Jenas’ open goal miss down at the Gallowgate? He might have never made those alleged “Goldfish Bowl” comments, but I’m still extremely thankful that we got shot of him. For someone who started with so much promise under Robson he’s faded badly and needs to take a serious look at himself if he wants to reach the level where he should be at.

Bar a fifteen minute spell in the second half of this one I struggle to remember an occasion where I’ve felt more confident and/or relaxed during one of our fixtures against Spurs. Claudio Cacapa and Abdoulaye Faye were mopping almost everything up at the back, Nicky Butt was mastering the centre of the park and their lot looked absolutely terrified of Obafemi Martins. The whole thing was really pleasing and really bodes well for the immediate future.

After a couple of wobbles things look to be coming good again for Allardyce and his ever-fitter bunch of merry men as we continued our best start to the season for twelve years with another three-goal haul. There are sterner tests to come, of course, but a start of four wins and a draw at home is fantastic – now to get the away form sorted out, beginning with Reading this weekend.

I’ve been on cloud nine since this result, especially after a look at the table immediately following the game – ten points ahead of Tottenham with a game in hand and some serious thoughts of a top six finish being on the agenda. Gutted I couldn’t have been there, but thankful I got to watch the match at all in Hull with their team playing on Sky Sports 1 at the same time as us.

Man of the Match: Claudio Cacapa (only edges Butt out due to his goal.)”

Tom

“Not bad. There was only ever going to be one winner on Monday night - we dominated, while Spurs weren’t at the races at all. I still have an issue with regards to the midfield still lacking a little bit of width at times, but it does seem to be improving. The defence was strong and Given had virtually nothing to do - Spurs scoring from their only real chance on goal. Even at 2-1, I never felt as though Spurs were threatening an equaliser, although I’ll admit to being a little concerned that we might do something stupid and throw the lead away - hey, old habits die hard! But when Milner got the third, I felt that sealed the game once and for all. A good all round performance, with Nicky Butt thoroughly deserving the Man of the Match award.

I was a little bit disappointed with the atmosphere last night. It’s been going downhill for a while now, and it’s a common trend throughout football, but last night seemed almost deathly at times, and I thought even the cheers when the goals were scored weren’t as fervant. It’s a problem that really needs to be redressed.

I’ll end with a comment on Spurs. Speaking to a few of them for the ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ article, they seem to feel that they’ve had a bad start but that they can still turn it around and finish as high as fifth. But, there are bad starts and bad starts. We’re no strangers to the situation ourselves. It’s now the end of October, and in my opinion well past the point where games can be dismissed as a poor start to the season. Spurs aren’t picking up points, aren’t playing well. Last night their players looked shambolic, and like they simply didn’t care. That to me says that they are in big trouble.”

Greg

“Three more goals for United at St James’ and 3 more points in a well deserved victory over a very poor and unorganised Tottenham Hotspur. Oba Martins caused Dawson all sorts of problems with his pace and runs and quite frankly made him look s****, but he wasn’t the only Spurs player to have a nightmare as Jenas put in the kind of performance that made many of our supporters so pleased to see him leave the club.

We still played a few too many long balls for my liking when playing with Oba and Owen upfront but then again it was a Jose Enrique long ball that made the first goal with Martins firing past Cerny. The second was a simple header for Cacapa after some shocking marking from the Spurs defence! Spurs did come back into the game for a short period after grabbing an equaliser but we never really looked in trouble with Faye and Cacapa forming a very strong and commanding centre half partnership, Enrique again looked good at left back but I do have some slight concerns about Habib Beye, he didn’t have a nightmare but he was caught out of position a few times and play some poor passes, having said that I’d still prefer him to be in the team ahead of Stevie Carr. The third goal was a brilliant finish from Jimmy Milner after he made Jenas look like an idiot with a sublime piece of skill (not).

Overall a very pleasing victory and a much needed 3 points to keep up with the teams above us, a few people have complained about the style of our football under Allardyce and it isn’t the most attractive but as he put it himself after the game “I only play winning football - I don’t play anything else. If you think it’s sexy, that’s great’ and winning football is fine in my book.”

Midds

“The feel-good factor is returning to St James’ Park once again. I’ve not sensed so much optimism in the crowd since Robson’s young side were sweeping teams aside in 2001-02. We’re creating chances and look solid and organised at the back. The confidence is coursing through the veins and we’re threatening to turn NE1 into a place opponents don’t want to visit.

Spurs certainly couldn’t get out of town quickly enough on Monday night. They looked beaten, battered and thoroughly demoralised for the last 10 minutes of the game and have clearly stopped playing for Jol. I do expect them to shoot up the league, however, once a new manager is appointed. This isn’t our problem though! We edged a tight first half and Martins capitalised on an error from the dismal Dawson. The pairing of Martins and Owen didn’t really click but they certainly kept Kaboul and Dawson occupied. The imperious Cacapa nodded in leaving Dawson floundering to double our lead. Spurs rallied briefly with Keane tapping home a loose ball but Allardyce soon introduced Barton for his debut which lifted the crowd and boosted the midfield. Milner smashed home a volley to seal things and we closed the game out professionally.

No-one had a poor game and we look a far better team playing 4-4-2. We have the makings of an impressive back 4. We’ve got a nice blend in midfield and pace upfront. We’ve also got competition for places now which will only improve individual performances. Seldom do I go too overboard about individual players but Faye and Cacapa look an awesome combination at the back. I was also very impressed with Enrique and Beye yet again.

Another three points keeps us in touch with the chasing pack and it’s important we continue collecting points away from home to keep the momentum going. I’d like to see the same side start at Reading, injuries permitting. We’re a good team, playing some good football and have virtually a full squad for Allardyce to select from. We need to make hay. Man of the match was Butt. “

Join us again later in the week for our Pre-Match Reading views.