Cristian Romero’s brace helps Tottenham grab a late draw against Newcastle United

Last Updated on 2 December 2025

After a rather dull first-half in Tyneside, both sides scored four times in the last 20 minutes as Spurs fought back twice from a goal down to draw at St James Park.

Newcastle United dominated the stats and were the better side on the night but could not hold on for a win.

Tottenham, meanwhile, had to rely on their captain, Cristian Romero, to score a brace and rescue Thomas Frank’s job. At least for the time being.

Cristian Romero’s overhead kick hands Newcastle their first draw at home in 2025

Bruno Guimaraes scored after Nick Woltemade set him up in the 71st minute, only for Spurs to equalize seven minutes later through a Cristian Romero header.

Then, rather controversially, Newcastle were awarded a penalty that Anthony Gordon converted in the 86th minute.

The game looked done and dusted, only for Spurs to come roaring back in the 5th minute of stoppage time.

Cristian Romero scored an overhead kick from Mathys Tel’s corner to break Magpies’ hearts. That’s the first Premier League game to end in a draw at St James Park in 2025, as per Squawka.

Both teams will feel hard done by the result but it keeps Thomas Frank in the Spurs dugout for just a little while longer, at least.

Social media erupts after VAR award controversial penalty to Newcastle United

It’s just not a Premier League weekend without some VAR controversy, at this point.

This time around, it was Newcastle United who benefitted from a seriously contentious decision. Paul Tierney, on VAR duty, was blasted by fans for his call, as well as Thomas Bramall.

While, Rodrigo Bentancur was in the wrong initially for holding Dan Burn, there was never enough to award a penalty.

Even Rio Ferdinand posted on his X account, bewildered with the decision to award Newcastle that penalty.