Voices on the game - Newcastle

In our new feature here on tottenhamhotspur.com, we bring you some of the key opinions on each fixture ahead of kick-off, featuring a selection of voices from inside both clubs involved and the wider footballing world. Up next, Newcastle United at home in the Premier League on Sunday (4.30pm).

Mauricio Pochettino

Spurs manager

“After a difficult start, we don’t know if Newcastle are going to change something, but they will come here and try to be aggressive, try to be compact and in the Premier League, every game is different from one week to the next. The most important thing is us. We need to improve in the way we want to play and compete in the best way.

"Newcastle are a very difficult opponent. They need to start winning points, so it’s going to be tough. They have a new manager, new signings. All that will make them more focussed and try to be compact. For us, after a good result at City, trust and confidence is high. At the same time, we know Newcastle will be tough.”

Steve Bruce

Newcastle United manager

"Spurs are a very, very good side. We’re under no illusions as to how difficult it will be, but hopefully it’s just the right type of game for us. We know we’ll have to play well to get anything at all – far better than we did last week."

On last week's 3-1 loss at Norwich: "We didn’t play well enough – quite simply. And I think the players fully understand that. It’s a bit early for soul searching – we have to perform better than we did last week, and I’m sure we will."

Kyle Walker-Peters

Full-back who made his debut at Newcastle in August, 2017

"I watch a lot of football, so I know their players and their qualities. They’ll be eager to improve their start to the season, but we have to keep our focus fully on taking the three points."

On playing at home, he added: "It's always great to hear the fans singing, especially when you’re on top. But even when you’re under pressure, the crowd get right behind us and help us out massively.”

Les Ferdinand

Legendary former Spurs (1997-2003) and Newcastle (1995-1997) striker, 149 Premier League goals, now Director of Football at QPR

"Newcastle are struggling for form at the moment and with Spurs at home, I'd have to go for a Spurs win. Newcastle need a response after the loss at Norwich last week. I've always said the Newcastle fans are a sensible lot and there won't be many Geordies making the trip down fully believing they will win this game, but what they will want to see is a turnaround in performance. If they do get a result, I'm sure it would work wonders for their confidence, but it's a big ask for them at Spurs."

George Caulkin

A doyen of the press box at St James' Park, George reported on Newcastle for The Times for over 20 years and is about to join The Athletic

"My first thought is one of slight concern. It's not been a brilliant start to the season for Newcastle. The first couple of games haven't been wonderful and the mood music around the club at the moment isn't wonderful either. They need a response after the Norwich defeat last weekend. I'm not saying for one instant that will mean a win against Spurs, who are obviously a wonderful team, but there does need to be a response on the pitch."