Cristian Romero bicycle kick rescues point for Tottenham against Newcastle in EPL

LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank praised his players for showing “incredible character” as they battled to a 2-2 English Premier League draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Dec 2.

Cristian Romero scored a dramatic overhead kick deep into stoppage time to make sure the points were shared for Spurs, while easing the growing pressure on Frank.

Eddie Howe’s team will be kicking themselves after twice letting their lead slip on home turf, but Frank will breathe a sigh of relief after halting a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

“The mentality in the group and the character in the team, incredible today... Every team needs that. It is fair to say it has been a tough week, fourth game in 10 days, third away game,” the Spurs boss said.

“St James’ Park is always a difficult place to come. Last 60 minutes, I am very happy with that performance overall. The ability to react to setbacks was great.

“I think we were brave, composed on the ball. I think we were a threat. Then, dealing with two setbacks, every good team needs to deal with setbacks and come back from that, and come back twice, I think it’s exceptionally good.”

Newcastle looked the more dangerous team for most of the game and limited the visitors to just two shots on target, both of which were converted by Spurs captain Romero.

First, the Argentinian produced a fine diving header in the 78th minute to cancel out Newcastle substitute Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half opener.

That appeared to have been in vain as Anthony Gordon, another substitute, put the home side back ahead from the penalty spot eight minutes later.

But the 27-year-old Romero scored his second in the 95th minute when his scuffed effort somehow sneaked through a knot of players and into Aaron Ramsdale’s net, leaving the Magpies scratching their heads.

The result sees both teams in mid-table with 19 points.

“The first goal was very important. In the last three or four games, the team weren’t good enough. It has been a difficult time, but especially in this game, I love the mentality,” Romero told Sky Sports.

Newcastle have made a habit of dropping points from winning positions this season and Howe was not happy to see two more that could have helped his side climb the table slip away late on.

He bemoaned his team’s inability to hold out for victory.

“It wasn’t us at our best today, but we battled into a position we wanted. But we couldn’t defend that corner at the end. It’s a disappointing feeling having worked so hard,” he said.

“I thought we were in the ascendancy. We had some good chances.” AFP, REUTERS