Pochettino: Spurs already gunning for Magpies revenge

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino says his side are already motivated for their opening-day fixture against Newcastle at St James’ Park, where they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat two seasons ago.

The shock victory for the already-relegated Magpies, playing with ten men, on the final day of the 2015-16 campaign allowed North London rivals Arsenal to finish above Tottenham in the table, in a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season.

But after the announcement of the 2017-18 Premier League fixtures on Wednesday, Pochettino believes this memory will serve his team well come August 12.

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Spurs will face Chelsea in their first home game at Wembley the following week, but may be without forward Son Heung-Min, who will undergo surgery on a fractured forearm.

It is uncertain whether the South Korea international will return in time for the beginning of the season, but Pochettino is focussed on giving his team the best possible start in the Premier League.

“This is a moment for our players to enjoy their holidays and try to recharge the batteries but for us, we’re thinking about starting the season in the best condition,” said Pochettino.

“The Premier League is tough and we start in Newcastle, that will be exciting because it’s our first game and then our first game at Wembley is against Chelsea – I’m sure the fans will be excited for that.

“Newcastle is another motivation for us, the way that we finished the season before last is not too important now but we’ll have that in our mind to motivate us and we’ll try to win.”