At the end of an astonishing drama featuring two goals apiece from Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe’s side rose to third in the Premier League, six points and two places ahead of Tottenham.

Newcastle United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday, as they advanced towards Champions League qualification.

Just one place separated the sides at kick-off but they were rifts apart once the game started as Spurs astonishingly found themselves 5-0 down with only 21 minutes played, Eurosport reports.

Newcastle led within 70 seconds, Jacob Murphy tapping in after Hugo Lloris failed to deal with a shot from Joelinton, and it was a sign of things to come.

Joelinton himself made it two when a long ball bypassed Spurs’ entire defence, the Brazilian duly rounding Lloris to roll into an empty net.

Murphy then scored from long range to make it 3-0 in just the ninth minute – again benefitting from questionable goalkeeping.

A quickfire brace from Alexander Isak make it 5-0, the first of those goals made possible by a brilliant Joe Willock through-ball.

Harry Kane scored a consolation goal for Tottenham shortly after the break, but substitute Callum Wilson restored Newcastle’s five-goal advantage.

Victory lifts the Magpies to third in the Premier League and 59 points – six more than fifth-placed Spurs, who have played a game more.