'I know this sounds silly': Paul Merson makes interesting Tottenham and Newcastle claim

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Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle may not be far apart in performances on the field, but the gap in points certainly doesn’t show that.

Ange Postecoglou’s future has been called into doubt after a tough run of results to start the Premier League season, but last night’s win will certainly help his standing.

Spurs certainly weren’t at their best in the first half, but the second half offered some hope for fans, with Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson the unlikely match-winners.

Newcastle United are another team who just haven’t been at their best so far this season, but they’ve found a way to grind out results and now find themselves sitting third in the table.

Harvey Barnes has been largely to thank for that after popping up with two goals in two games for the Magpies, as an impact substitute that Eddie Howe can really rely on.

Still, Paul Merson has taken a look at both clubs and has made an interesting claim…

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Paul Merson makes interesting claim involving Tottenham and Newcastle United

Paul Merson was quick to slam Ange Postecoglou for his trophy comments recently, stating that he will win nothing during his time at Tottenham.

However, the former Arsenal man is obviously in a better mood today as he made an interesting claim about Tottenham and Newcastle on Sky Sports News.

“Tottenham are not a million miles away, they’re not a million miles away. I know this sounds silly but they’ve played better than Newcastle this season and Newcastle are unbeaten.”

Where do Tottenham need to improve?

Ange Postecoglou’s issue, since he took over at the club, has been defending set pieces.

Cristian Romero got the blame from Shay Given for his part in Gabriel’s goal last time out, and Jurgen Klinsmann even pointed out the defensive issue Spurs have last night.

It’s letting them down and stopping any progress they make in challenging for Champions League spots.

New coach Nick Montgomery has taken a more active role in both attacking and defending set pieces, but it doesn’t appear to be working so far.

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