FULL-TIME: Spurs 1 Newcastle 4 . . .

Spurs were rocked by a fine Newcastle comeback at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

The Lilywhites could not build on a first-half Darren Bent goal, his second in two games, and crashed to a surprise home defeat.

The Magpies, fighting to avoid relegation, were good value for the win, the hosts losing their way big time in a one-sided second 45 minutes.

It was just one of those days for Tottenham, though few would have predicted they would be on the end of such a comprehensive beating, especially to a side who have traditionally struggled on their travels to the capital.

Spurs began the game with three strikers. Bent, who came off the bench to inspire the 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Saturday, was rewarded with a rare start.

Newcastle started well and almost took a shock lead on four minutes. A mistake by Jonathan Woodgate let in Habib Beye and he drove against the underside of the crossbar. It was a lucky escape for the hosts.

Paul Robinson then had to pull off a fine save to deny Joey Barton, as the Magpies continued to push.

Tottenham's first chance fell to Bent, but he shot straight at Stephen Harper.

The United keeper then pulled off a great save to keep out a Woodgate header from a Jamie O'Hara corner, Robbie Keane putting the rebound wide from close range.

It was a lively opening, with both sides looking dangerous.

On 15 minutes, Dimitar Berbatov laid the ball into the path of Keane, but he shot wide from the edge of the area.

The goal finally came in the 25th minute. Steed Malbranque crossed from the left and Bent rose to plant a header into the corner.

Berbatov had a chance to make it two, but his shot from the edge of the box was always rising.

The Magpies looked to get back into the game. However, despite enjoying plenty of possession, they failed to test Robinson, Michael Owen dragging a long-distance effort well wide three minutes before the interval.

But, just as it looked like Spurs would go into the break ahead, the ball was rolled to Nicky Butt on the edge of the area, and he found the bottom corner with a great finish.

It was almost the last kick of the first half.

Newcastle also started the second period well, a Barton volley skimming the base of the post on its way behind.

And, on 51 minutes, the visitors were ahead, Geremi hitting a free-kick through the Tottenham wall, leaving the unsighted Robinson with no chance, the ball finishing in the corner of the net.

The Magpies were now flying, the home side struggling to get out of their own half.

With an hour gone, Spurs finally registered their first shot of the second half, sub Adel Taarabt driving wide.

But it was Newcastle who almost struck again, Robinson turning round a Mark Viduka shot. From the corner, Obafemi Martins saw a point-blank header saved by the home keeper.

There was no stopping the visitors, however, and, on 64 minutes, Owen chipped over Robinson for a third after Viduka had flicked a Geremi ball invitingly into the England striker's path.

Owen should have had a second 20 minutes from time, but put his shot horribly wide after getting the better of Michael Dawson.

The Lilywhites were now offering little, though Berbatov did see a header from a corner blocked from almost on the line.

But, nine minutes from time, Barton freed Martins. He beat one player before firing past Robinson for number four.

SPURS (4-3-3): Robinson; Hutton, Dawson, Woodgate, O'Hara; Huddlestone, Zokora (Tainio 68), Malbranque (Lennon 58); Keane (Taarabt 58), Berbatov, Bent. Subs not used: Cerny, Chimbonda.