Tottenham's one advantage over Aston Villa wiped out by Newcastle amid new Champions League twist

Tottenham Hotspur's goal difference advantage over Aston Villa has been wiped out by Newcastle United as Unai Emery's men move back into the Champions League spots.

Before the start of the weekend, Spurs held a narrow advantage over Villa in the race for the Champions League. Tottenham had a goal difference which was three better meaning they occupied fourth-place.

However, a nightmare lunchtime at St James' Park has not only wiped out that advantage but has seen the tables completely turn on the North London club. Spurs' disastrous afternoon began on the half-hour mark as Alexander Isak cut inside Micky van de Ven to fire in the opener.

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Just as Newcastle supporters caught their breath it was 2-0. Again Van de Ven was caught in trouble with Anthony Gordon this time the grateful recipient to double the advantage.

Key full-back Pedro Porro was substituted with a suspected hamstring injury early in the second half before Newcastle added a third through Isak. The disastrous afternoon was concluded by Fabian Schar whose bullet header completed the rout.

Such a heavy defeat for Ange Postecoglou's side means they have dropped down to fifth in the Premier League table with a +16 goal difference. Meanwhile, despite having not played so far this weekend, Villa have moved back into the top four with a goal difference of +17.

The West Midlands club now have a great chance to press home their advantage on Sunday when they travel to Arsenal in the Premier League's late kick-off. Emery will understand how tricky a fixture this will be against his old club who are battling in the title race this season.