Jermaine Jenas described it as a ‘frustrating’ evening for Steve Bruce as Newcastle United fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Tottenham.
Harry Kane’s second half double helped the visitors to victory, and sentenced the Magpies to their third straight defeat in the Premier League.
Son-Heung-min had given Spurs the lead midway through the first half – with Newcastle’s defenders coming in for criticism for their part in the goal.
Matt Ritchie slammed the hosts back level after the break, but Kane’s double ensured Jose Mourinho’s side continued their push for Europe.
Analysing the game for BT Sport, Jenas had sympathy for Bruce after the Magpies boss was forced to make more changes ahead of the game, with the packed schedule taking its toll as the season nears its end.
But the former Newcastle midfielder felt the hosts were once again let down by their defence, who proved no match for England’s captain.
“It’s a bit frustrating for Steve Bruce in the end, but I think he has to understand that he had so many key players missing,” Jenas said.
“Defensively, particularly, that’s where it ended up costing them.
“When you saw the line-up, you knew Son and Kane were going to hurt them today because they haven’t quite got enough back there.
“Going forward, I thought Jonjo Shelvey had a good game, Saint-Maximin had a good game. They just ran out of steam towards the end.”
