Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 Newcastle United on 31 December 2005

Tottenham maintained their challenge for a Champions League place with a convincing victory over Newcastle.
Teemu Tanio put Spurs ahead with his first goal for the club just before the break after Mido's superb flick-on.

Mido wrapped up Spurs' win on 66 minutes with a mis-hit effort that bounced over Magpies keeper Shay Given.

Newcastle carved out several chances, but received more bad news when Michael Owen limped off with a broken toe that will keep him out for up to 12 weeks.

Robbie Keane, Spurs' stand-in captain, thought he had given his side the lead after eight minutes but the striker started his run just too early and his effort was rightly ruled out for offside.

Scott Parker was prominent early on but soon found himself over-run as Spurs - with Edgar Davids and Michael Carrick both catching the eye - began to dominate.

Tottenham's grip on the game gradually tightened and they created a series of chances as the half went on, with Mido and Jermaine Jenas both going close.

Mido's excellence in the air caused Newcastle problems throughout and it was no surprise when he beat Peter Ramage to knock the ball into Tanio's path on 43 minutes.

The Finland international, helped by Titus Bramble's slip, fired left-footed into the bottom corner to put Spurs ahead.

With Newcastle struggling in midfield, Owen had been virtually anonymous for the first 45 minutes but he was inches away from a first-half injury-time equaliser.

Anthony Gardner hesitated, allowing Owen to nip in behind him only for Robinson to pull off a top-class save at his feet and protect Spurs' lead at the break.

Owen was injured in the process and was replaced by Albert Luque for the second half.

The Spaniard was immediately involved in the action, forcing a corner as his shot was deflected wide by Paul Staltieri.

But as the half drew on, Newcastle were increasingly restricted to long-range efforts, with Parker inches wide from 30 yards.

Spurs continued to create opportunities and Keane - who finished the game with three "goals" ruled out for offside - was always involved.

The Republic of Ireland international was the creator for the clinching goal as Newcastle gave the ball away, allowing him to cross for Mido to shin the ball into the ground and over the diving Given.

Newcastle's day was summed up when an unmarked Shola Ameobi somehow conspired to put the ball over from two yards after Robinson had parried the ball to him.

Tottenham pressed forward late on, with Mido having a header ruled out for offside and then hitting the post from a narrow angle.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol on rumours linking Robbie Keane with a move to Celtic:
"People in London realise Robbie Keane would be too expensive for a Scottish club!

"Jokes aside, he is just as important for us as Mido and Jermain Defoe.

"We were a bit worried as they hadn't played on Wednesday and we were playing our third match in a week. But we worked hard and played as a team."