Alan Shearer column

I don't think they will be in the top four come the end of the season, even though I would love to be proven wrong.

Eddie Howe's side are playing so well that I am still enjoying watching them, even though they may not make the top flight.

Some of the big boys don't like how Newcastle are starting to upset them.

In August, it was the same thing. They were beaten in the end, by a 98th-minute winner, but they were really unlucky to lose and they were moaning about how they almost saw the game out.

It's a good sign that they are not a soft touch wherever they go.

People are aware that things have changed. They know that they are talking about business.

'Newcastle look so fit when they press'

The first 15 minutes of the Spurs game was when I thought the better team won.

Spurs looked average and one-dimensional in comparison to the other team.

After Spurs scored a goal early in the second half, it was always going to be difficult for them, but this team has a bit of steel about them, and they never panicked.

When I watch them, the biggest thing for me is how fit they are, and how organised they are.

It looks like they understand each other's game so they can work together for the entire 90 minutes.

Graphic showing Newcastle's starting XI versus Tottenham: Pope, Burn, Botman, Schar, Trippier, Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Wilson, Almiron

To a man, they were great defensively and kept Spurs from scoring. The back four did not put a foot wrong when Spurs attacked in the second half, even though they got caught out by Trippier.

Nick Pope made two great saves early on, but didn't get tested after that.

Pope has been a fantastic signing, not just because of his superb shot- stopping but also because of how bright and alert he is at all times, sweeping up when balls are played over his defence.

He had the main job after the break against Spurs, but he was always on his toes.

Snapshot of the top of the Premier League: 1st Arsenal, 2nd Man City, 3rd Tottenham, 4th Newcastle, 5th Chelsea & 6th Man Utd

'Almiron's improvement has been incredible'

It's fair to say that they have surprised people at the other end of the pitch because they have conceded less than any other team in the top flight.

The improvement from Almiron this season has been amazing.

He has always put the effort in and the one thing that has never been in doubt is his work rate.

He has added an end product that includes his goals and balls into the box.

Almiron looks like a real player now, he's smart, quick, and can go past people.

Miguel Almiron scores for Newcastle at Tottenham
Miguel Almiron has six Premier League goals this season, his best return in a single campaign at Newcastle

The transformation from where he was to where he is now is incredible. Credit for that has to be given to the manager.

Howe has improved the players who were already there, but he has also signed some better ones.

Every player he has brought in over the past couple of transfer windows has been a good signing.

That is very rare for any club, especially when you consider the number of players that have arrived in that time, but they have all made a positive impact.

'Bruno could get in any Premier League team'

Three of the back four against Spurs are Howe signings, along with Pope in goal, and they have made the team more solid.

Bruno Guimaraes is so good in the middle of the field that he could play for any team in the premier league.

Chris Wood played a huge part in getting the club out of trouble after he joined last season.

We haven't seen much of Alexander Isak yet because of his injury, but I had no doubt that he would do well when he played.

If Wilson hadn't picked up injuries the way he has throughout his career, he'd be on the plane to the World Cup.

He knew exactly what to do when he was given a chance after Hugo Lloris collided with him, even though he was thinking about finding the net.

Wilson is a threat in the box. With him in the side, goals are not going to be a problem for the team.

Alan Shearer was talking to someone.

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