A sub-par Tottenham Hotspur side did just about enough to confirm Champions League football for next season as they edged Newcastle United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in their penultimate Premier League of the campaign.

Their indifferent form of late had seen many label them as ‘chokers’ and while this was far from a convincing performance, the fact that fifth-placed Chelsea could only draw against Huddersfield Town at home on Wednesday night meant that Spurs are guaranteed a top-four finish.

Harry Kane’s sweet first-time strike in the 50th minute was the difference on the night, with the striker curling one into the far corner after Heung-Min Son had laid it off for him inside the box.

If you thought Kane was the standout player for Spurs, however, you couldn’t be more off the mark as it was captain and custodian Hugo Lloris who singlehandedly kept the Lilywhites in the game with save after save.

With Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele both ruled out, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko formed an unfamiliar partnership in central midfield but the duo was unable to shield their defence as the Magpies kept probing the hosts’ backline.

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Jonjo Shelvey would hit the post with a cracking free-kick before skipper Jamaal Lascelles tested Lloris’ reflexes with a fine header from a well-worked corner.

Spurs seemed to have no answer as they struggled to string together passes up top and it was only their custodian’s speculative punt that found Kane in a good position.

The striker, however, did not get the desired contact on the bouncing ball and Martin Dubravka was a relieved man as he made an easy save.

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Kane did make amends for his earlier miss by finding the back of the net early in the second-half but Spurs were forced to endure a nervy end to the tie as the Magpies threw everything they had towards the close.

With the win, Spurs move above Liverpool into third with 74 points, while the Reds are two points behind. Fifth-placed Chelsea are on 70 and hence, cannot overtake the Lilywhites as they have just one game left in the season.

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Spurs’ final fixture is at home against Leicester City on Sunday and Pochettino’s men will seek to secure three points, which would guarantee third place and with it, automatic Champions League qualification.